Section Overview:
NHPR: Morse Was “A Key Architect” In New Hampshire’s Budget That Included Abortion Ban. According to NHPR, “Morse's been a key architect of numerous state budgets, a staunch advocate of business tax cuts, and a longstanding political ally of Gov. Chris Sununu. Prior to Sununu's announcement that would seek another term, it was expected that Morse might run for Governor. If Republicans choose Morse as their nominee for U.S. Senate he'd face an opponent he knows well. He and incumbent Democrat Maggie Hassan served together in Concord. But first Morse must win a primary, something he hasn't had to do in years.” [NHPR, 1/10/22]
New Law Made It Illegal To Terminate A Pregnancy After 24 Weeks And Required Every Single Person Seeking An Abortion To Undergo An Ultrasound. According to NHPR, “In three weeks, it will not only be illegal to terminate a pregnancy after 24 weeks, but every person seeking an abortion, even a legal abortion, will have to undergo an ultrasound. In early stages of pregnancy, that means having a camera slid into the vagina, not an over-the-belly scan. It’s not pleasant, especially for sexual assault survivors, providers say.” [NHPR, 12/12/21]
New Law Provided No Exceptions Except For The Mother’s Life, Included Criminal Penalties For Health Care Providers, And Allowed The Father To Sue A Health Care Provider Who Violates The Law. According to NHPR, “The law provides no exceptions except for the mother’s life, includes criminal penalties for health care providers, and allows the father, if married to the mother, to sue a health care provider who violates the law. There is disagreement about whether the failure to perform an ultrasound during a legal abortion could trigger criminal penalties, though the law does not explicitly exempt the ultrasound requirement from criminal charges. That debate doesn’t matter to abortion providers, who say they will follow the law’s requirements. The risk of a civil suit from the fetus’s father alone is also one they are unwilling to take.” [NHPR, 12/12/21]
2021: Chuck Morse Voted For An Amendment That Implemented The “Fetal Life Protection Act” To The State Budget. In June 2021, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for an amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Amend the bill by replacing sections 37- 40 with the following: 37 Title. Sections 37-40 of this act may be known and cited as the ‘Fetal Life Protection Act.’” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 14-9. [Senate Vote 418, 6/3/21; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 766-770, 6/3/21; Senate Actions, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
2021: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Provided Exceptions To The 24-Week Abortion Ban For Cases Of Rape Or Incest Or To Preserve The Life Or Health Of The Pregnant Individual. In June 2021, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against an amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Replace paragraph 16: 16. Prohibits the distribution of state funds awarded by the department of health and human services to a reproductive health care facility for provision of abortion services, and prohibits a health care provider from performing an abortion if the gestational age of the fetus is at least 24 weeks, except in cases of incest or rape or to preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 9-14. [Senate Vote 421, 6/3/21; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 772-773, 6/3/21; Senate Actions, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
2021: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Removed The Ultrasound Requirement, Criminal Penalties And Civil Remedies To The 24-Week Abortion Ban. In June 2021, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against an amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Amend RSA 329:44, I and II as inserted by section 39 by replacing them with the following: I. Except in the case of a medical emergency as specifically defined in paragraph III, no abortion shall be performed, induced, or attempted by any health care provider unless a health care provider has first made a determination of the probable gestational age of the fetus. II. Except in a medical emergency as specifically defined in paragraph III, no health care provider shall knowingly perform, induce, or attempt to perform an abortion upon a pregnant woman when the probable gestational age of her fetus has been determined to be at least 24 weeks or in the absence of a determination by a health care provider pursuant to paragraph I as to the fetus’ probable gestational age. Amend section 39 of the bill by deleting RSA 329:46 and RSA 329:47 and renumbering the original RSA 329:48 through 329:50 to read as RSA 329:46 through 329:48, respectively.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 9-14. [Senate Vote 422, 6/3/21; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 774, 6/3/21; Senate Actions, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
2021: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Prohibited The State From Restricting An Individual’s Right To Terminate A Pregnancy Beyond The 24-Week Abortion Ban. In June 2021, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against an amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Amend RSA 329 as inserted by section 39 of the bill by inserting after RSA 329:50 the following new section: 329:51 Application. Except as otherwise provided in RSA 329:43 through RSA 329:50, an individual’s right to terminate a pregnancy shall not be abridged by state law.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 9-14. [Senate Vote 423, 6/3/21; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 774-775, 6/3/21; Senate Actions, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Added Certain Exemptions To The 24-Week Abortion Ban And Required The Health And Human Services Department To Publish An Annual Statistical Report Of Abortions. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to S.B. 399 which “adds certain exceptions to the fetal life protection act and requires the department of health and human services to publish an annual statistical report of pregnancy terminations.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [Senate Vote 22, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 102-104, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Allowed Abortions After 24-Weeks Gestation If The Fetus Were To Have A Fatal Anomaly Or Were Unable To Sustain Life Outside The Uterus. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to S.B. 399 which would “allow an abortion to be performed after 24 weeks gestation in the event of a fatal fetal anomaly.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 11-13. [Senate Vote 23, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 104, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Removed The Ultrasound Requirement Prior To Abortions And Repealed The Criminal Penalty And Civil Remedy For Violations Of The 24-Week Abortion Ban. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to S.B. 399 which “removes the ultrasound requirement for determination of the probable gestational age of a fetus. The bill also repeals the criminal penalty and civil remedy for violation of the act.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [Senate Vote 24, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 104-105, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Provided Exceptions To The 24-Week Abortion Ban In Cases Of Rape Or Incest Or To Preserve The Life Or Health Of The Pregnant Individual. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to S.B. 399 which “allows an abortion to be performed after 24 weeks gestation in cases of rape or incest or to preserve the life or health of the pregnant woman.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [Senate Vote 25, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 105-106, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Included Cases Of Rape And Incest As Exceptions To The 24-Week Abortion Ban, Construed The Ultrasound Requirement, And Repealed The Criminal, Civil. And Administrative Penalties For Violating The 24-Week Abortion Ban. In May 2022, according to the General Court of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to H.B. 1625 which “expands the circumstances under which an abortion may be performed after 24 weeks to include rape and incest, construes the ultrasound requirement, and repeals the criminal, civil, and administrative penalties for violation of the fetal life protection act.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [General Court of New Hampshire, Amendment 2022-1980s; Senate Actions, H.B. 1625; Bill Status, H.B. 1625; Bill Docket, H.B. 1625]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Revised The Definition Of “Abortion” To Exclude The Delivery Of A Fetus Diagnosed With An Abnormality Incompatible With Life And Construed The Ultrasound Requirement For Determining The Fetus’ Gestational Age. In April 2022, according to Senate Journal 9 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against an amendment to H.B. 1609 which “revises the definition of abortion to exclude delivery of a fetus diagnosed with any abnormality incompatible with life. The bill also construes the ultrasound requirement for determining the gestational age of the fetus.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [Senate Vote 100, 4/21/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 9 Pg. 428-429, 4/21/22; Senate Actions, H.B. 1609; Bill Status, H.B. 1609; Bill Docket, H.B. 1609]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against Providing An Exception For Cases Of Fetal Abnormalities Incompatible With Life For The 24-Week Abortion Ban And Construing The Ultrasound Requirement For Determining The Gestational Age Of The Fetus. In April 2022, according to Senate Journal 9 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against H.B. 1609, “relative to certain provisions of the fetal life protection act requiring an ultrasound examination.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate passed the bill by a vote of 19-5, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. [Senate Vote 101, 4/21/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 9 Pg. 428-429, 4/21/22; Senate Actions, H.B. 1609; Bill Status, H.B. 1609; Bill Docket, H.B. 1609]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted For The Committee Amendment Which Clarified That The Obstetric Ultrasound Examination Requirement For Abortions Must Be Performed To Determine The Probable Gestation Age Of The Fetus. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for the committee amendment to S.B. 399 which “construes the obstetric ultrasound examination requirement to determine probable gestational age prior to an abortion.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the committee amendment by a vote of 14-10. [Senate Vote 21, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 101-102, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted To Clarify That The Obstetric Ultrasound Examination Requirement For Abortions Must Be Performed To Determine The Probable Gestation Age Of The Fetus. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of S.B. 399, “relative to certain provisions of the fetal life protection act requiring an ultrasound examination. […] This bill construes the obstetric ultrasound examination requirement to determine probable gestational age prior to an abortion.” The vote was on the adoption of the amended bill. The New Hampshire Senate passed the amended bill by a vote of 13-11. Subsequently, the vote was reconsidered. [Senate Vote 26, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 101-106, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted To Clarify That The Obstetric Ultrasound Examination Requirement For Abortions Must Be Performed To Determine The Probable Gestation Age Of The Fetus. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of S.B. 399, “relative to certain provisions of the fetal life protection act requiring an ultrasound examination. […] This bill construes the obstetric ultrasound examination requirement to determine probable gestational age prior to an abortion.” The vote was on the adoption of the amended bill. The New Hampshire Senate passed the amended bill by a vote of 14-10, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. The bill is currently in the House and has a committee report of ought to pass. [Senate Vote 27, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 101-106, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 399; Bill Status, S.B. 399; Bill Docket, S.B. 399]
[VIDEO] Morse Claimed It Was “Right” To Pass A Late Term Abortion Bill And Wanted To Bring Similar Legislation To Washington. “What we did in New Hampshire was right. We passed a late-term abortion bill. So in the seventh, eighth, ninth month, Senator Hassan cannot have the horror of a late-term abortion happening. In New Hampshire, we work to make sure a mother has a right to deal with her own pregnancy. That is what happened in New Hampshire, not some kind of total abortion ban in this state. I think Senator Hassan and the way she is explaining it is lying, and I don’t think it is right. We ban late-term abortions in New Hampshire. […] I would vote for what New Hampshire just passed. I think it is the right thing for our state is that I would bring New Hampshire to Washington.” [WMUR: Close Up, 1/30/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Said The Abortion Ban Was “Right” And “A Good Thing For New Hampshire.” “I think what New Hampshire did was right. I think what’s going to happen this year, Roe v. Wade will be overturned, I think the states are going to be where the control should be on this issue, and you’ll be debating that back here in New Hampshire. What we just passed – and I’ll tell you how difficult this is – that’s the first time, I believe in 50 years, that we were able to pass it. So the fact that we passed that in New Hampshire is a good thing for New Hampshire.” [Woodstock Meet And Greet, 3/7/22]
Morse Defended His Abortion Ban That Had No Exceptions And Said It Was “What The People Of New Hampshire Wanted.” According to the Concord Monitor, “One issue New Hampshire Democrats have already attacked Morse over is a state ban on late-term abortions that was included in the state budget that Morse helped write and pass last summer in the GOP-dominated state legislature. Republicans wrote into a budget rider bill a ban on abortions after 24 weeks of gestation that requires mandatory ultrasounds for all women before a pregnancy is terminated. The language in the budget made no exception for rape or incest, or for fetal viability, and included criminal and civil penalties – including prison sentences – for health care providers who conduct abortions after 24 weeks. Morse made no apologies. ‘I’m a pro-life Republican. I always have been,’ Morse said. Morse said the ban was ‘what the people of New Hampshire wanted.” [Concord Monitor, 1/28/22]
Morse Said “I Support What We’ve Accomplished In New Hampshire.” According to WMUR, “Candidate and New Hampshire Senate President Chuck Morse said he's in favor of the status quo in New Hampshire. ‘I support what we've accomplished in New Hampshire,’ he said. ‘We've given a mother the opportunity in the first six months to make the decisions on abortion on her own, and in the last 12 weeks we don't believe there should be partial-birth abortion.’” [WMUR, 5/9/22]
[VIDEO] Morse Said If He Were A Senator, He Would “Vote For What New Hampshire Just Passed.” “Question: You would not vote for a complete abortion ban? Chuck Morse: I would vote for what New Hampshire just passed. I think it’s the right thing for our state.” [WMUR, 1/30/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Described Himself As “More Pro-Life Than” Pro-Choice. “And yeah, I got two questionnaires on abortion and my neighbor, who thinks differently than me, I took her out and I was at Atkinson Country Club and I lay them on the table and I said, here, fill these out. And she read one and she said, well, that's not me. And obviously one was pro-life and one was pro-choice. And she read the other and she said, well, that's not me. And I said, exactly, that's my whole point. And I said, So I'm going to tell you right now, I'm more pro-life than I am pro-choice. So, I'm done filling out questionnaires. I said in any category and I'm going to announce that I'm pro-life. And that's going to be the end of this, because none of those things get interpreted without my coming out and talking about it.” [Chuck Morse, Chuck Morse Men’s Roundtable, NH 06/01/2021]
Morse Said He Was Proud Of His “Pro-Life Record” In The State Senate. According to Politico, “In a statement this week after the disclosure of the draft ruling, Morse said he was proud of his ‘pro-life record’ in the state Senate, where the legislature ‘settled the law in New Hampshire that permits abortions in the first six months while banning late term and partial birth abortions in the last 12 weeks of a pregnancy — a policy that the vast majority of Granite Staters support.’” [Politico, 5/7/22]
2003: Chuck Morse Voted For An Amendment That Expanded The Definition Of Abortions To Include The Intentional Usage Of Substances And Devices To End A Known Pregnancy With The Intention Of Otherwise Increasing Live Birth Probabilities, Preserving A Born Child’s Health Or Life, Or Removing An Ectopic Pregnancy Or The Remains Of A Miscarriage. In May 2003, according to the Journal of the Senate of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for a floor amendment that would “Amend RSA 132:25, I as inserted by section 2 of the bill by replacing it with the following: I. ‘Abortion’ means the use or prescription of any instrument, medicine, drug, or any other substance or device intentionally to terminate the pregnancy of a female known to be pregnant with an intention other than to increase the probability of a live birth, to preserve the life or health of the child after live birth, or to remove an ectopic pregnancy or the products from a spontaneous miscarriage.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the amendment by a vote of 15-8. [Senate Vote 47, 5/22/03; New Hampshire Senate Journal Pg. 842-847, 5/22/03; Senate Actions, H.B. 763; Bill Status, H.B. 763; Bill Docket, H.B. 763]
2016: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Penalties For The Criminal Interference With Reproductive Health Care Services. In March 2016, according to Senate Journal 7 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of motion of inexpedient to legislate, thus voting against S.B. 542, “relative to criminal interference with health services.” The vote was on a motion of inexpedient to legislate. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the Senate voted on passage. [Senate Vote 31, 3/3/16; New Hampshire Senate Journal 7 Pg. 180, 3/3/16; Bill Text, S.B. 542; Bill Status, S.B. 542; Bill Docket, S.B. 542]
2016: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Penalties For The Criminal Interference With Reproductive Health Care Services. In March 2016, according to Senate Journal 7 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against S.B. 542, “relative to criminal interference with health services.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the bill by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the Senate tabled the bill and ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 32, 3/3/16; New Hampshire Senate Journal 7 Pg. 180, 3/3/16; Bill Text, S.B. 542; Bill Status, S.B. 542; Bill Docket, S.B. 542]
2016: Chuck Morse Voted To Require An Annual Report On Annual Induced Abortion Statistics In New Hampshire. In May 2016, according to Senate Journal 16 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of H.B. 629, “relative to induced termination of pregnancy statistics.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the bill by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the bill was tabled and ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 94, 5/5/16; New Hampshire Senate Journal 16 Pg. 521, 5/5/16; Senate Actions, H.B. 629; Bill Status, H.B. 629; Bill Docket, H.B. 629]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against Prohibiting The State From Imposing Future Restrictions On Abortion. In February 2022, according to Senate Journal 2 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of the motion of inexpedient to legislate, thus voting against S.B. 436, “relative to access to abortion care.” The vote was on a motion of inexpedient to legislate. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the bill was tabled on a voice vote. [Senate Vote 28, 2/3/22; New Hampshire Senate Journal 2 Pg. 106-107, 2/3/22; Bill Text, S.B. 436; Bill Status, S.B. 436; Bill Docket, S.B. 436]
2014: Chuck Morse Effectively Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In February 2014, according to Senate Journal 5 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted to table S.B. 319, thus effectively voting against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was on a motion to lay on the table. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 10-14, thus the Senate continued consideration of the bill. [Senate Vote 17, 2/19/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 5 Pg. 133, 2/19/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
2014: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In February 2014, according to Senate Journal 5 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of the committee report, which recommended the bill as inexpedient to legislate, thus voting against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was on the adoption of the committee report. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the committee report by a vote of 10-14. Subsequently, the Senate voted on passage of the bill. [Senate Vote 18, 2/19/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 5 Pg. 133-134, 2/19/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
2014: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In February 2014, according to Senate Journal 5 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was passage. The New Hampshire Senate passed the bill by a vote of 15-9, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. [Senate Vote 19, 2/19/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 5 Pg. 133-134, 2/19/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
2014: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2014, according to Senate Journal 14 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against concurring with the House amendment to S.B. 319, thus voting against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was a motion to concur. The New Hampshire Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 14-9. Subsequently, the vote was reconsidered. [Senate Vote 94, 5/22/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 14 Pg. 591, 5/22/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
2014: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2014, according to Senate Journal 14 of the State of New Hampshire, the vote was reconsidered and Chuck Morse again voted against concurring with the House amendment to S.B. 319, thus voting against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was a motion to concur. The New Hampshire Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 14-9. Subsequently, the vote was reconsidered once more. [Senate Vote 95, 5/22/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 14 Pg. 592, 5/22/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
2014: Chuck Morse Voted Against Establishing Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2014, according to Senate Journal 14 of the State of New Hampshire, the vote was reconsidered and Chuck Morse again voted against concurring with the House amendment to S.B. 319, thus voting against S.B. 319, “relative to access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was a motion to concur. The New Hampshire Senate agreed to the motion by a vote of 13-10, and the bill ultimately became law. [Senate Vote 98, 5/22/14; New Hampshire Senate Journal 14 Pg. 593, 5/22/14; Senate Actions, S.B. 319; Bill Status, S.B. 319; Bill Docket, S.B. 319]
Morse Had Wanted The Bill On Abortion Clinic Buffer Zones To Go To A “House And Senate Negotiating Team.” According to Telegraph, “The state Senate rejected its leadership, gave final approval Thursday and sent to Gov. Maggie Hassan's desk legislation creating a 25-foot buffer zone around abortion clinics. Senate President Chuck Morse, R-Salem, had wanted the bill to go to a House and Senate negotiating team to work out minor differences between two versions of the same bill. But the Senate instead voted 13-10 to simply accept the House changes.” [Telegraph, 5/23/14]
2015: Chuck Morse Voted To Repeal The Law That Established Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2015, according to Senate Journal 14 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of “repealing the law relative to providing certain parameters for access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the bill by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the bill was tabled and ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 66, 5/14/15; New Hampshire Senate Journal 14 Pg. 403, 5/14/15; Senate Actions, H.B. 403; Bill Status, H.B. 403; Bill Docket, H.B. 403]
2016: Chuck Morse Voted To Repeal The Law That Established Patient Safety Buffer Zones To Access Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2016, according to Senate Journal 16 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of “repealing the law governing access to reproductive health care facilities.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the bill by a vote of 12-12. Subsequently, the bill was tabled and ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 95, 5/5/16; New Hampshire Senate Journal 16 Pg. 521-522, 5/5/16; Senate Actions, H.B. 1570; Bill Status, H.B. 1570; Bill Docket, H.B. 1570]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted To Repeal The Buffer Zones Around Reproductive Health Care Facilities. In May 2022, according to the General Court of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted in favor of “repealing the prohibition on entering or remaining on a public way or sidewalk adjacent to a reproductive health care facility.” The vote was on the passage. The New Hampshire Senate passed the bill by a vote of 12-11, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. [General Court of New Hampshire, H.B. 1625; Senate Actions, H.B. 1625; Bill Status, H.B. 1625; Bill Docket, H.B. 1625]
2006: Chuck Morse Voted To Require Parental Consent Before Pharmacists May Provide Emergency Contraceptives To Minors And Establish A Pharmacist Conscience Clause That Would Permit Pharmacists To Refuse To Provide Emergency Contraceptive Drugs. In March 2006, according to the Journal of the Senate of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse co-sponsored the bill and voted against the committee report, which reported the bill as inexpedient to legislate, thus voting in favor of the bill “relative to emergency contraception.” The vote was on the adoption of the committee report. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the committee report by a vote of 14-10, and thus killing the bill. [Senate Vote 35, 3/16/06; New Hampshire Senate Journal Pg. 491-497, 3/16/06; Senate Actions, S.B. 343; Bill Status, S.B. 343; Bill Docket, S.B. 343]
2020: Chuck Morse Effectively Voted Against Requiring Insurance Plans Which Cover Maternity Benefits To Provide Coverage For Emergency Or Elective Abortion Services. In March 2020, according to Senate Journal 6 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted to table S.B. 486, thus effectively voting against S.B. 486, “relative to insurance plans that cover maternity benefits.” The vote was on a motion to table. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the motion by a vote of 10-14. Subsequently, the Senate voted passage. [Senate Vote 35, 3/11/20; New Hampshire Senate Journal 6 Pg. 228-230, 3/11/20; Senate Actions, S.B. 486; Bill Status, S.B. 486; Bill Docket, S.B. 486]
2020: Chuck Morse Voted Against Requiring Insurance Plans Which Cover Maternity Benefits To Provide Coverage For Emergency Or Elective Abortion Services. In March 2020, according to Senate Journal 6 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against S.B. 486, “relative to insurance plans that cover maternity benefits.” The vote was on passage. The New Hampshire Senate passed the bill by a vote of 14-10, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. The House tabled the bill and it ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 36, 3/11/20; New Hampshire Senate Journal 6 Pg. 228-230, 3/11/20; Senate Actions, S.B. 486; Bill Status, S.B. 486; Bill Docket, S.B. 486]
2020: Chuck Morse Voted Against Requiring Insurance Plans Which Cover Maternity Benefits To Provide Coverage For Emergency Or Elective Abortion Services. In June 2020, according to Senate Journal 8 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against H.B. 685, “relative to insurance plans that cover maternity benefits. […] This bill requires insurance plans which cover maternity benefits to provide coverage for emergency or elective abortion services.” The vote was on the adoption of the amended bill. The New Hampshire Senate passed the amended bill by a vote of 14-10, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. The bill was ultimately vetoed by Governor Chris Sununu, and the House sustained the veto. [Senate Vote 65, 6/16/20; New Hampshire Senate Journal 8 Pg. 350-351, 6/16/20; Senate Actions, H.B. 685; Bill Status, H.B. 685; Bill Docket, H.B. 685]
2019: Chuck Morse Voted Against Providing Free Feminine Hygiene Products In Girls Restrooms In Public Middle And High Schools. In February 2019, according to Senate Journal 5 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against “requiring feminine hygiene products in school restrooms. […] This bill requires school boards to make feminine hygiene products available, free of charge, in girls restrooms located in public middle and high schools.” The vote was on the adoption of the amended bill. The New Hampshire Senate passed the amended bill by a vote of 17-6, thus the bill was ordered to third reading. The bill ultimately became law. [Senate Vote 24, 2/14/19; New Hampshire Senate Journal 5 Pg. 96-97, 2/14/19; Senate Actions, S.B. 142; Bill Status, S.B. 142; Bill Docket, S.B. 142]
Morse Said He Was Opposed To Taxpayer Funding Of Planned Parenthood And Similar Organizations. According to a New Hampshire Right To Life survey, “9. Taxpayer funding of Planned Parenthood and similar organizations supporting abortion on demand. ___ Support _ ✓_ Oppose ___ Undecided” [New Hampshire Right To Life, 7/24/06]
2011: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Made Supplemental Appropriations Of $206K For Family Planning Services For The Biennium. In June 2011, according to Senate Journal 19 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Amend the analysis by deleting paragraphs 106-109 and renumbering accordingly, and inserting the following new paragraph: 144. Makes a supplemental appropriation for family planning services.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 6-18. [Senate Vote 73, 6/1/11; New Hampshire Senate Journal 19 Pg. 501, 6/1/11; Bill Text, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
2017: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Removed The Prohibition On Reproductive Health Care Facilities Using Public State Funds To Provide Abortion Services. In May 2017, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to H.B. 517 which would “Delete: 103. Prohibits reproductive health care facilities from using state funds to provide abortion services.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 9-14. [Senate Vote 169, 5/31/17; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 535, 5/31/17; Senate Actions, H.B. 517; Bill Status, H.B. 517; Bill Docket, H.B. 517]
2017: Chuck Morse Voted For An Amendment That Prohibited Distributing State And Federal Funds To Reproductive Health Care Facilities That Provide Abortion Services. In May 2017, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for a floor amendment to H.B. 517 which would “Insert: 1. Prohibits the department of health and human services from distributing state or federal funds to reproductive health care facilities that offer abortion services.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 6-17. [Senate Vote 175, 5/31/17; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 539, 5/31/17; Senate Actions, H.B. 517; Bill Status, H.B. 517; Bill Docket, H.B. 517]
2017: Chuck Morse Voted For An Amendment That Prohibited Using Family Planning Program Funds And Other State Funds To Fund Abortion Services. In May 2017, according to Senate Journal 18 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for a floor amendment to H.B. 517 which would “Amend the bill by replacing section 219 with the following: 219 Family Planning Accounting Unit; Funding Abortions Prohibited. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the appropriation in accounting unit 05-95-90-902010-5530, family planning program, and any other funds shall not be used for evaluation, assessment, consultation about, referral for, preparation for, or provision of an abortion.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 6-17. [Senate Vote 176, 5/31/17; New Hampshire Senate Journal 18 Pg. 539-540, 5/31/17; Senate Actions, H.B. 517; Bill Status, H.B. 517; Bill Docket, H.B. 517]
2012: Chuck Morse Effectively Voted Against Prohibiting The Use Of Public Funds To Fund Abortion Services. In April 2012, according to Senate Journal 11 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted to table H.B. 228, thus effectively voting against “prohibiting the use of public funds for abortion services.” The vote was on a motion to lay on the table. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the motion by a vote of 17-6, thus the bill was tabled and the bill ultimately died on the table. [Senate Vote 68, 4/25/12; New Hampshire Senate Journal 11 Pg. 411, 4/25/12; Senate Actions, H.B. 228; Bill Status, H.B. 228; Bill Docket, H.B. 228]
2019: Chuck Morse Voted For An Amendment That Removed The Provision From The State Budget That Repealed The Prohibition On The Use Of State Funds For Abortion Services. In June 2019, according to Senate Journal 19 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted for a floor amendment to H.B. 2 which would “Delete paragraph 158, relative to repealing a prohibition on the use of state funds for abortion services.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 10-14. [Senate Vote 194, 6/6/19; New Hampshire Senate Journal 19 Pg. 759-760, 6/6/19; Senate Actions, H.B. 2; Bill Status, H.B. 2; Bill Docket, H.B. 2]
Morse Supported The Supreme Court Overturning Roe V. Wade And Said “I Strongly Believe That The States Should Have The Right To Govern Policy In Their Respective States As This Draft Opinion Would Ensure.” According to the Union Leader, “Republicans held no similar news conference, and few issued statements besides Sununu. One who did was Senate President Chuck Morse, who is seeking the GOP nomination for a U.S. Senate run. He said he was proud of his pro-life record and pointed to the 2021 Fetal Life Protection Act, which bans late term and partial birth abortions. The draft decision would have no effect on that law, he said. ‘We will wait to see what the Supreme Court ultimately decides, but I strongly believe that the states should have the right to govern policy in their respective states as this draft opinion would ensure,’ he said.” [Union Leader, 5/4/22]
Morse Minimized The Implications Of Striking Down Roe Because “We Settled The Law In New Hampshire That Permits Abortions In The First Six Months While Banning Late Term And Partial Birth Abortions In The Last 12 Weeks Of Pregnancy.” According to Politico, “Notably, one of Hassan’s potential opponents is state Senate President Chuck Morse, who helped pass a 24-week abortion ban last year. Like Laxalt, Morse minimized the implications of striking down Roe because ‘we settled the law in New Hampshire that permits abortions in the first six months while banning late term and partial birth abortions in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.’ ‘Maggie Hassan is the only one out of touch when she champions late term and partial birth abortions,’ he said in a statement for this story.” [Politico, 5/6/22]
Morse Opposed Codifying Roe V. Wade Into Law. According to NHPR, “Several of Hassan's Republican opponents said they favor tougher limits on abortions and support the draft decision. One of her challengers is state Senate President Chuck Morse, who helped pass the 24-week abortion ban and opposed codifying Roe v. Wade into law. Another is Kevin Smith, a former town manager of Londonderry, who led a Christian advocacy group and is avowedly anti-abortion. Smith said if the draft decision holds, it will bring the abortion debate back to the states, where it belongs.” [NHPR, 5/14/22]
2022: Chuck Morse Voted Against An Amendment That Codified Abortion Rights Into State Law. In May 2022, according to the General Court of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against a floor amendment to H.B. 1625 which “establishes the New Hampshire access to abortion care act.” The vote was on the adoption of an amendment. The New Hampshire Senate rejected the amendment by a vote of 12-12. [General Court of New Hampshire, Amendment 2022-1971s; Senate Actions, H.B. 1625; Bill Status, H.B. 1625; Bill Docket, H.B. 1625]
2012: Chuck Morse Voted To Establish The Women’s Right-To-Know Act Over Abortion Information. In April 2012, according to Senate Journal 11 of the State of New Hampshire, Chuck Morse voted against the committee report, which recommended the bill as inexpedient to legislate, thus voting in favor of H.B. 1659, “relative to the women’s right to know act regarding abortion information.” The vote was on the adoption of the committee report. The New Hampshire Senate adopted the committee report by a vote of 12-11, thus the bill was killed. [Senate Vote 69, 4/25/12; New Hampshire Senate Journal 11 Pg. 412, 4/25/12; Senate Actions, H.B. 1659; Bill Status, H.B. 1659; Bill Docket, H.B. 1659]
Morse Said He Was “Proud Of My Pro-Life Record” And Said He Strongly Believes The “States Should Have The Right To Govern Policy” On Abortion. According to the New Hampshire Journal, “State Senate President Chuck Morse (R-Salem), who is running in the GOP primary to challenge Hassan, said he would work to keep New Hampshire’s abortion law in place. ‘I’m proud of my pro-life record in the New Hampshire state Senate. Last year we settled the law in New Hampshire that permits abortions in the first six months while banning late-term and partial-birth abortions in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy – a policy that the vast majority of Granite Staters support. This potential decision will have no impact on New Hampshire. We will wait to see what the Supreme Court ultimately decides, but I strongly believe that the states should have the right to govern policy in their respective states as this draft opinion would ensure,’ Morse said in a statement released by his campaign.” [New Hampshire Journal, 5/3/22]
Morse Helped Write And Pass A State Budget That Included A Ban On Abortions After 24 Weeks, With No Exceptions For Rape, Incest Or For Fetal Viability. According to Axios, “Chuck Morse, former president of the state's Senate, helped write and pass a state budget that included a ban on abortions after 24 weeks — with no exceptions for rape, incest or for fetal viability, according to the Concord Monitor. The ban does, however, include exceptions for pregnancies that threaten the mother’s life or health.” [Axios, 5/8/22]
Chuck Morse Supported The Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe And Said “I Strongly Believe That The States Should Have The Right To Govern Policy In Their Respective States As The Supreme Court Has Rule.” According to InDepthNH, “State Senate President and businessman Chuck Morse, a Salem Republican who is vying to unseat Hassan, said in a Tweet ‘I’m proud of my pro-life record in the New Hampshire State Senate. Last year we settled the law in New Hampshire that permits abortions in the first six months while banning late-term and partial-birth abortions in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy – a policy that the vast majority of Granite Staters support. This decision has no impact on New Hampshire. I strongly believe that the states should have the right to govern policy in their respective states as the Supreme Court has ruled.’” [InDepthNH, 6/24/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Vowed To Continue Pushing Pro-Life Policies In New Hampshire. “I'm pro-life, some of you are pro-choice. We'll have that fight. We'll continue to do that, but we'll continue to do that in New Hampshire, where it belongs now. And that's where it should happen. And I believe in that.” [Chuck Morse, Government Integrity Project, New Hampshire, 7/18/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Touted His Involvement In Passing The Abortion Bill In New Hampshire. “Yeah, and I think that part of it I've tried to explain all online, it's what I've done in the state of New Hampshire. I've proven that I can work together with people to get votes. We pass constitutional carry under my watch. We passed the abortion bill under my watch.” [Chuck Morse, Government Integrity Project, New Hampshire, 7/18/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Stated He Does Not Support Taxpayer Funding For Abortions. “Host: Do you support taxpayer funding for abortions?” Chuck Morse: Absolutely not." [Chuck Morse, Government Integrity Project, New Hampshire, 7/18/22]
Morse Defended His Vote On The Fiscal Committee To Accept More Than A Million Dollars In Federal Title X Grant Money. According to New Hampshire Journal, ““The Fiscal Committee did not vote to give Planned Parenthood money. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services specifically said Planned Parenthood of Northern New England is not eligible for these funds as they already receive Title X funding directly from the federal agency. The Fiscal Committee only votes to accept federal dollars into New Hampshire. The Executive Council then votes on which vendors receive the contracts,” said campaign manager Joe Sweeney. Chuck Morse is pro-life and has a long record of voting that way. He is the only one in this race that has made sure New Hampshire stopped abortions in the 7th, 8th, and 9th months of pregnancy up to birth, and he’s also made sure last year’s budget included a provision that prohibits state funding of abortion services.” [New Hampshire Journal, 7/27/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Doubled Down On His Opposition To Unlimited Abortions Without Parents Involved. “Yeah, they're gonna see it even more in this race, because now they're gonna find out she supports it being publicly funded. She supports it right through the pregnancy and beyond. And she doesn't want parents involved. I mean, what we passed here in New Hampshire, no abortions in the seventh, eighth and ninth month, the first time anything has been passed in 50 years, and it just got passed in New Hampshire.” [Chuck Morse, WKBK Radio, New Hampshire, 8/4/22]
[AUDIO] Morse Defended His Fiscal Committee Vote, Stating That Planned Parenthood Would Not Be Something He Would Not Vote For And Smith Was Lying About His Position On Abortions. “PP was not voted on in the fiscal committee and I wouldn’t have voted for that, we banned abortion in the 7 8 and 9 months and we said we wouldn’t publicly fund abortions and I didn’t vote for PP Kevin so let’s not lie” [Chuck Morse, Don Bolduc, Kevin Smith, Vikram Mansharamani, Bruce Fenton, New Hampshire Senate GOP Debate, New Hampshire, 8/16/22]
Morse Was Endorsed By The Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Candidate Fund. According to a press release from Chuck Morse, “‘I’m honored to have the endorsement of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America Candidate Fund. They know I’ve delivered real results in protecting life in New Hampshire when we stopped late-term abortions in the 7th, 8th, and 9th months. Conservatives are supporting my campaign because they know I’m the candidate with the real record of accomplishments to take on Maggie Hassan this November.’” [Press Release – Chuck Morse, 8/30/22]
[VIDEO] Morse Claimed That Abortions On Demand Would Be Paid With Tax Dollars. “We shouldn't be going and doing what Maggie Hassan is saying. And abortions can happen on demand and they'll be paid for with your tax dollars. And we're going to take parents out of the equation. That's wrong for this state.” [Kevin Smith, Don Bolduc, Bruce Fenton, Vikram Mansharamani, Chuck Morse, TV Debate, NH, 09/08/22]; 220908_VLG_043_B
[VIDEO] Morse Stated He Would Support New Hampshire’s Abortion Ban At Twenty Weeks. “00:01 AS: Gentlemen, just to get some final clarity on this, let's just say New Hampshire's abortion ban at twenty four weeks comes to the floor of the US Senate. Are you voting yes or no? General Bolduc? […] 00:51 CM: Yes, I would support it. I was the one that worked hard to pass that law in New Hampshire.” [Kevin Smith, Don Bolduc, Bruce Fenton, Vikram Mansharamani, Chuck Morse, TV Debate, NH, 09/08/22]; 220908_VLG_043_B