¶ Budd Was An Anti-Abortion Extremist
- Budd said he was “100% pro-life” and that he believed that “life begins at conception.
- Budd opposed exceptions for incest, rape, and life of the mother, and supported the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.
- Budd opposed Roe v. Wade and said it was decided “tragically.” Budd signed onto an amicus brief seeking to overturn Roe v. Wade, and opposed legislation to codify protections, calling it “disgusting.”
- In 2021, Budd said he was supportive of the Texas abortion ban, which did not include exceptions for rape or incest, and deputized citizens to go after people providing abortion health care.
- Budd supported and voted for a 20 week abortion ban and said it was “one of the votes I’m most proud to have taken.” Budd also co-sponsored fetal heartbeat bills that would effectively ban abortion after 6 weeks.
- Budd co-sponsored legislation requiring women seeking abortions to receive a mandatory ultrasound.
- Budd signed onto an amicus brief in support of Louisiana’s trap law requiring hospitals to have admitting privileges. The law was found unconstitutional. Budd also co-sponsored legislation to institute a federal law on admitting privileges.
- Budd co-sponsored personhood legislation, which would make it illegal to access some birth control and do invitro fertilizations.
- Budd supported efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and said doing so was a “sign of progress.”
- Budd supported enforcing the domestic gag rule, which blocked access to reproductive health care services. Budd also supported the Mexico City policy implementing a global gag rule.
¶ Budd Said He Was “100% Pro-Life”
Budd Said He Was “100% Pro-Life.” According to the Washington Times, “In his announcement video, Mr. Budd says he is a ‘small businessman who is so fed up with the liberal attacks on our faith, our families and our way of life’ and highlights a clip of Mr. Trump praising him as a ‘warrior’ and a ‘champion’ for lower taxes, border security and gun rights. ‘Joe Biden, Chuck Schumer, and Nancy Pelosi are shredding our Constitution, creating an unprecedented crisis at our southern border, cutting American’s jobs and mortgaging our children’s future with massive debts,’ Mr. Budd, 49, says in the video. ‘I am 100% pro-life, and I even think elections should be fair and secure.’” [Washington Times, 4/28/21]
Budd Said “I Believe Life Begins At Conception, And I Am For Any Legislation That Leads And Supports The Sanctity Of Life.” According to the Statesville Record and Landmark, “When asked, Budd did not say he believed Roe v. Wade ought to be overturned. ‘I mean I acknowledge that it exists, but at the same time I believe life begins at conception, and I am for any legislation that leads and supports the sanctity of life,’ Budd said. Musgrave has been touring the nation over the last week advocating for the confirmation of Kavanaugh, who pro-abortion rights advocates say could be a swing vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.” [Statesville Record and Landmark, 9/24/18]
¶ Anti-Abortion Group, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Candidate Fund Endorsed Budd's 2022 Senate Run
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life Candidate Fund Endorsed Ted Budd For Senate. According to a press release from Susan B. Anthony List. “Today SBA Pro-Life America’s Candidate Fund announced its endorsement of Ted Budd (R) for U.S. Senate, representing North Carolina. Budd is running against former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley. Beasley is a vocal supporter of the so-called Women’s Health Protection Act, more aptly called the Abortion on Demand Until Birth Act, legislation that would effectively codify a right to abortion on demand until birth into federal law and nullify pro-life laws in North Carolina and across the country.” [Press Release – Susan B. Anthony List, 7/7/22]
¶ Budd Stated That He Opposes Abortion Exceptions In Cases Of Rape, Incest, And For The Life Of The Mother
[VIDEO] Budd Stated That He Opposes Abortion Exceptions In Cases Of Rape, Incest, And For The Life Of The Mother. ANCHOR: “So just to clarify, if the mother’s life’s in changer, if she’s been raped, or is a victim of incest, you still feel that that person should not be given the option to abort the child?” BUDD: “You need to look at it as a tragedy. Let’s engage this person, let’s talk with them. But, let’s also realize there’s a second life there, and you look at it through those lenses and why would you want to take a second life for something that’s already been harmed? So That’s how I wanna look at it.” ANCOR: “Even if the mother may die from giving birth?” BUDD: “You know, I think that’s something you have to look at, has to be a discussion with your doctor, but lets make sure we don’t add more tragedy to an already tough situation.” [CBS 17, 4/25/22]
Budd Stated That He Opposed Any Abortion Exception Even In Cases Of Rape And Incest. According to Washington Post, “Trump-backed Senate candidate Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) said last week that he opposes any exceptions even in those cases, which he labeled a ‘tragedy.’” [Washington Post, 5/4/22]
¶ Budd Enthusiastically Supported The Supreme Court’s Leaked Decision That Sought To Overturn Roe
[AUDIO] Budd Stated That He Was “Very Much In Anticipation For What The Supreme Court Is About To Do” Referring To Their Impending Decision In Dobbs V. Jackson. “You know, what we're seeing. We're seeing streets blocked off. We're seeing additional security, you know, some of the things we can't really share. But I would say, we definitely want to be on our toes to keep our eyes up. And let's just let's get back to the rule of law and realize that this is the constitutional process. It was in 1973. And now it is in 2022. And we're following the process. So I just, you don't need to do that. You don't need to respond to that. With the left with violence. And this is the way it's played out. And thank goodness, we're very much in anticipation of what the Supreme Court is about to do. And we pray that we get out in front of this and follow the rule of law.” [KC O'Dea, 6/14/2022]
[AUDIO] Budd Stated That Overturning Roe V. Wade “Could Really Protect Life In The Womb, Which Is Something That That Our Country Needs.” “You can tell it's going to be a wild ride. We, you know, we pray for our country. We remember the unborn, and this could be a great this could be you know, this overturning could really protect life in the womb, which is something that that our country needs.” [Ted Budd, KC O’Dea, 5/3/22]
Budd: “I Continue To Pray That The Justices Reach A Decision That Upholds The Sanctity Of Life And Guarantees The Right To Life For Innocent Unborn Children.” Budd tweeted, “This unprecedented leak was wrong and damages the Supreme Court. I continue to pray that the justices reach a decision that upholds the sanctity of life and guarantees the right to life for innocent unborn children. #ProLife” [Twitter, @RepTedBudd, 5/3/22]
¶ Budd Signed Onto Amicus Brief In Support Of Overturning Roe V. Wade
Budd Was A Signatory Of Amicus Brief In Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
[Brief Amici Curiae Of 228 Members Of Congress In Support Of Petitioners, 7/29/21]
Mississippi Expressly Asked The Supreme Court To Overturn Roe V. Wade. According to Forbes, “The case, Dobbs v. Jackson’s Women’s Health, concerns Mississippi’s abortion ban and the broader question of whether abortions before a fetus is viable are constitutional, as the court’s precedent in Roe v. Wade stipulates they are. Mississippi’s law bans all abortions after 15 weeks except in cases of medical emergencies and ‘severe fetal abnormalities,’ and was struck down by the lower courts after being first passed in 2018. Mississippi has expressly asked the court to overturn Roe v. Wade, claiming in a court filing the landmark 1973 ruling is ‘egregiously wrong.’” [Forbes, 9/20/21]
¶ Budd Said Roe V. Wade Was “Passed Wrongfully And Tragically”
Budd Posted On Facebook: “On This Day 48 Years Ago, Roe V. Wade Was Passed Wrongfully And Tragically By The Supreme Court. Due To This Decision, Millions Of Innocent Unborn Children Have Lost Their Loves. I Have Always Remained Committed To Standing Up For Life And Will Continue To Do So Because Every Life Is Sacred.” According to Ted Budd’s Facebook, “On this day 48 years ago, Roe v. Wade was passed wrongfully and tragically by The Supreme Court. Due to this decision, millions of innocent unborn children have lost their lives. I have always remained committed to standing up for life and will continue to do so because every life is sacred. Will you join me by signing your name?” [Ted Budd, 1/22/21]
¶ Budd Opposed Efforts At Codifying Roe V. Wade INto Federal Law
2021: Budd Voted Against The Women’s Health Protection Act, Which Would Prohibit Abortion Restrictions And Establish That Health Care Providers Have A Right To Provide Abortions And Individuals Have The Right To Receive An Abortion. In September 2021, Budd voted against the Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 which would, according to Congressional Quarterly, “statutorily establish that health care providers have a right to provide and patients have a right to receive abortion services, and it would prohibit certain restrictions related to abortion services.” The vote was on passage. The House passed the bill by a vote of 218-211. [House Vote 295, 9/24/21; Congressional Quarterly, 9/24/21; Congressional Actions, H.R. 3755]
- The Measure Would Prohibit Restrictions Imposed By States, Including Mandatory Waiting Periods And Limitation On When A Pregnancy Can Be Terminated. According to Congressional Quarterly, “The bill would prohibit some state-level restrictions such as bans on mandatory waiting periods and limits on when during pregnancy an abortion can be performed.” [Congressional Quarterly, 9/24/21]
- Legislation Would Codify Abortion Rights Protections Amid Threats To Roe v. Wade. According to NBC News, “The House passed legislation Friday that would codify abortion rights protections amid threats to Roe v. Wade from a Texas law banning most abortions and a wave of restrictions in other states. The measure advanced along party lines in a 218-211 vote, with only one Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, voting against it. The legislation now faces a dead end in the evenly split Senate, where Democrats would need at least 10 Republicans to support the bill for it to advance to a final vote.” [NBC News, 9/24/21]
Budd Said The Legislation Was “Disgusting.” Budd tweeted, “Disgusting -- House Democrats just voted against protecting a baby that was born alive after an attempted abortion. The truth is that life begins at conception and every unborn child deserves to be protected.” [Twitter, @RepTedBudd, 9/24/21]
¶ Budd Tweeted In Support Of The Texas Heartbeat Act
Budd Tweeted: “The Texas Heartbeat Act Is A Monumental Step Forward In The Movement To Protect Unborn Life. #Prolife” [@RepTedBudd, 9/1/21]
¶ Texas Abortion Law Did Not Include Exceptions And Deputized Private Citizens To Sue Abortion Providers
Texas Abortion Law Banned Most Abortions After About Six Weeks Of Pregnancy. According to the New York Times, “A Texas law banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy went into effect on Wednesday, despite the 1973 Supreme Court decision that established a constitutional right to the procedure, making the state the most restrictive in the nation in terms of access to abortion services. Other states have passed similar laws, but those measures face legal challenges. The Texas law is the first to be implemented. On a vote of 5 to 4, the court refused just before midnight on Wednesday to block the law.” [New York Times, 9/1/21]
Texas Abortion Law Did Not Include Exceptions For Pregnancies Resulting From Rape Or Incest. According to the New York Times, “Does the law make exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest, or to protect the life of the mother? The law does not make exceptions for rape or incest. It does permit abortions for health reasons, but the exceptions are narrowly drawn, allowing a termination only if the pregnancy could endanger the mother’s life or lead to ‘substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function,’ Ms. Nash noted.” [New York Times, 9/1/21]
Texas Abortion Law Deputized Private Citizens To Sue Anyone Who Performs An Abortion Or “Aids And Abets” A Procedure. According to the New York Times, “Doesn’t Roe v. Wade guarantee a woman’s right to abortion? Can the Texas law be challenged on constitutional grounds? The Texas law bars state officials from actually enforcing it, a design intended to make it difficult to challenge in the courts. Usually a lawsuit aiming to block such a law as unconstitutional names state officials as defendants. Instead, the Texas law deputizes private citizens to sue anyone who performs an abortion or ‘aids and abets’ a procedure. Plaintiffs who have no connection to the patient or the clinic may sue and recover legal fees, as well as $10,000 if they win.” [New York Times, 9/1/21]
¶ Budd Supported 20-Week Abortion Ban
Budd Voted For The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Which Would Restrict Abortions After 20 Weeks. According to a press release from Rep. Ted Budd, “U.S. Representative Ted Budd (R-NC) voted in favor of H.R. 36, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The legislation restricts abortions after 20 weeks, with the exception of rape, incest and life of the mother. ‘As lawmakers, it's our responsibility to fight for those who don't have a voice,’ Rep. Budd said. ‘Right now, America is one of only seven countries in the world that have legalized late-term elective abortion after 5 months, putting us on the same list as North Korea, China and Vietnam. This bill is a strong step in the fight to protect the unborn.’” [Press Release – Rep. Ted Budd, 10/3/17]
- Budd Said His Vote For The 20-Week Abortion Ban Was “One Of The Votes I’m Most Proud To Have Taken.” According to a press release from Rep. Ted Budd, “With 2018's March for Life happening Friday, it's an important reminder that the fight to protect the unborn must continue in Congress and in communities around the country. The good news is that the pro-life movement has made progress over the last few years, even if it's just marginal. Crazy as this sounds, twenty years ago it would have been nearly impossible to get Congress to vote on banning abortion after twenty weeks - the point at which science tells us a baby can feel pain. One of the votes I'm most proud to have taken last year was one that would ban abortion after 20 weeks. This common sense ‘Pain Capable’ bill passed through the House with 237 votes and now, like many other promising bills, sits in the Senate awaiting action.” [Press Release – Rep. Ted Budd, 1/22/18]
¶ Budd Co-Sponsored Legislation That Effectively Banned Abortions Around 6 Weeks
2019: Budd Co-Sponsored Legislation To “Prohibit Abortion In Cases Where A Fetal Heartbeat Is Detectable.” According to a press release from Congressman Steve King, “Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, has introduced legislation (H.R. 490) to amend title 18, U.S. Code, to prohibit abortion in cases where a fetal heartbeat is detectable. The bill was introduced on Jan. 11 and has 72 co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include […] Ted Budd, R-N.C.” [Press Release – Rep. Steve King, 1/12/19]
- Legislation Effectively Banned Abortions Around Six Weeks, Once A Fetal Heartbeat Is Detected. According to the Daily Beast, “In 2017, King authored the Heartbeat Protection Act, which effectively banned abortions around six weeks, once a fetal heartbeat is detected. The legislation was cheered by ardent anti-abortion activists. But it proved to be too controversial for then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, who declined to bring it up for a vote.” [Daily Beast, 5/31/19]
2021: Budd Co-Sponsored Legislation To “Prohibit Abortion In Cases Where A Fetal Heartbeat Is Detectable.” According to a press release from Congressman Mike Kelly. “Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., has introduced legislation (H.R. 705) to amend title 18, U.S. Code, ‘to prohibit abortion in cases where a fetal heartbeat is detectable.’ The bill was introduced on Feb. 2 and has 41 co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include Reps. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, John Joyce, R-Pa., Scott Perry, R-Pa., Fred Keller, R-Pa., Alex X. Mooney, R-W.Va., Ted Budd, R-N.C.” [Press Release – Rep. Mike Kelly, 2/4/21]
¶ Budd Supported Mandatory Ultrasounds Before Abortions
2021: Budd Co-Sponsored Legislation Requiring Women Seeking An Abortion To Receive An Ultrasound. According to a press release from Congressman Jeff Duncan, “Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., has introduced legislation (H.R. 648) to ‘ensure that women seeking an abortion receive an ultrasound and the opportunity to review the ultrasound before giving informed consent to receive an abortion.’ The bill was introduced on Feb. 1 and has 28 co-sponsors. Co-sponsors include Reps. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., Ted Budd” [Press Release – Rep. Jeff Duncan, 2/3/21]
¶ Budd Supported Louisiana’s Unconstitutional Trap Law
2020: Budd Signed An Amicus Brief In Support Of Louisiana’s Abortion Law That Requires All Abortion providers To Have Admitting Privileges At Local Hospitals When Emergencies Arrive. According to a press release from Congressman Steve Scalise, “The following information was released by the office of House Republican Whip Steve Scalise: House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.), Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Congressman Mike Johnson (R-La.) led 207 Members of Congress today in filing an amicus brief to stand up for Louisiana's pro-life law before the U.S. Supreme Court that would require all abortion providers to have admitting privileges at local hospitals when emergencies arise. […] The amicus brief is supported by 207 Members of Congress, including […] Ted Budd” [Press Release – Rep. Steve Scalise, 1/2/20]
- June 2020: Supreme Court Struck Down The Louisiana Law. According to the New York Times, “The Supreme Court on Monday struck down a Louisiana law that could have left the state with a single abortion clinic, dashing the hopes of conservatives who were counting on President Trump’s appointments to lead the court to sustain restrictions on abortion rights and, eventually, to overrule Roe v. Wade. Instead, conservatives suffered a setback, and from an unlikely source. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. added his crucial fifth vote to those of the court’s four-member liberal wing, saying that respect for precedent compelled him to do so, even though he had voted to uphold an essentially identical Texas law in a 2016 dissent.” [New York Times, 6/29/20]
¶ Budd Co-Sponsored Federal Trap Law
2021: Budd Co-Sponsored Legislation To Require Abortion Providers To Have Admitting Privileges To A Local Hospital And To Adhere To Safety Standards. According to a press release from Congressman Andy Biggs, “Pregnant Women Health and Safety Act - This bill requires abortion providers to have admitting privileges to a local hospital and to adhere to basic safety standards. Cosponsors: Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Ralph Norman (SC-05), Matt Gaetz (FL-01), Alex Mooney (WV-02), Ted Budd (NC-13), Bob Gibbs (OH-07), David Rouzer (NC-07), Lance Gooden (TX-03), Ashley Hinson (IA-01), Bob Good (VA-05), Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Barry Moore (AL-02), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Rick Allen (GA-12), Fred Keller (PA-12), Greg Steube (FL-17)” [Press Release – Rep. Andy Biggs, 1/22/21]
¶ Budd Co-Sponsored Personhood Legislation
Ted Budd Was A Co-Sponsor Of H.R. 1011, The Life At Conception Act. [Congress.gov, H.R.1011 — 117th Congress (2021-2022), 2/11/21]
Personhood Amendments Could Outlaw Birth Control And In Vitro Fertilization. According to NPR, “Personhood amendments were on the ballot in several states about a decade ago. They were rejected by voters even in conservative states like Mississippi after opponents argued that recognizing life at fertilization would outlaw not just abortion, without exceptions, but also things like in vitro fertilization and many forms of contraception, including some birth control pills, ‘morning after’ pills, and intrauterine devices (IUDs) that some think could cause very early abortions by preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus. (More recent scientific evidence suggests nearly all those methods actually prevent ovulation, not implantation, but courts haven't always followed the science on that.)” [NPR, 11/3/20]
¶ Budd Supported Defunding Planned Parenthood
Budd Co-Signed A Letter To Donald Trump Calling For Ending Funding Of Planned Parenthood. According to a press release form Congressman Robert Pittenger, “Complementing a letter from President Trump to pro-life leaders during the campaign, Congressman Pittenger's letter specifically cites four priorities: Nominating pro-life justices to the U.S. Supreme Court Enacting the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Ending taxpayer funding of the abortion industry, specifically Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider Making the Hyde Amendment permanent and government-wide law […] The letter was co-signed by United States Representatives […] Ted Budd (NC-13)” [Congressman Robert Pittenger Press Release, 1/27/17]
Budd Said “Defunding Planned Parenthood” Was A “Sign Of Progress.” According to a press release from Rep. Ted Budd, “With 2018's March for Life happening Friday, it's an important reminder that the fight to protect the unborn must continue in Congress and in communities around the country. The good news is that the pro-life movement has made progress over the last few years, even if it's just marginal. Crazy as this sounds, twenty years ago it would have been nearly impossible to get Congress to vote on banning abortion after twenty weeks - the point at which science tells us a baby can feel pain. One of the votes I'm most proud to have taken last year was one that would ban abortion after 20 weeks. This common sense ‘Pain Capable’ bill passed through the House with 237 votes and now, like many other promising bills, sits in the Senate awaiting action. Another sign of progress for the pro-life movement are the multiple bills we passed in the House to completely defund Planned Parenthood. The latest report from Planned Parenthood for 2015 shows that they performed over 320,000 abortions in one year alone. This is downright evil, and I have one simple question: how many innocent lives does Planned Parenthood need to terminate before we say enough is enough? As I was sworn into Congress, I promised to defend the three things we guarantee in our country - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. While there's work to do on all three of those fronts, nothing is as clear cut as the right to life. Voting to ban abortions after 20 weeks and defunding Planned Parenthood are signs of progress, but they're only a start. To protect more lives in the years to come, we'll need to win over hearts and minds in our communities here in North Carolina and around the country.” [Press Release from Rep. Ted Budd, 1/22/18]
¶ Budd Supported Domestic Gag Rule
2019: Budd Voted For Roby’s Amendment To The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Defense, State, Foreign Operations, and Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act. [House Vote 267, 6/12/19; Congressional Actions H.R. 2740]
Roby’s Amendment Tried To Strike Language That Blocked Enforcement Of Trump’s Domestic Gag Rule Restricting Title X Federal Family Planning Funding. According to Rewire, “When House Democrats drafted their 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) funding bill (HR 2740) in April, they included language to block the Trump administration’s rule restricting Title X federal family planning funding, dubbed the domestic ‘gag rule’ by reproductive rights advocates. The restriction is held up in court, but if implemented, it would ban health providers receiving Title X funding from making abortion referrals and force abortion providers to physically and financially separate abortion services from family planning services to receive the funding. Republicans attempted to strike the pro-choice language on Title X from the funding bill through an amendment proposed by Rep. Martha Roby (R-AL). But the amendment failed to garner enough votes in the House, where pro-choice Democrats hold a majority. Three Democrats voted with Roby to preserve the Trump administration’s anti-choice policy: Reps. Dan Lipinski (IL), Henry Cuellar (TX), and Collin Peterson (MN).” [Rewire, 6/18/19]
¶ Budd Supported Mexico City Policy
Ted Budd Said That He Supported The Mexico City Policy And Supported A Resolution To “Honor The Policy’s 35th Anniversary.” According to a press release from Congressman Andy Biggs, “My faith and upbringing continually lead me to the position that all human life is sacred and has value. In that vein, I support the Mexico City Policy, first instituted by the Reagan Administration, and want to thank my friend Andy Biggs for introducing this resolution to honor the policy's 35th anniversary.” – Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13)” [Congressman Andy Biggs Press Release, 8/13/19]
- Mexico City Policy Barred Federal Funding For Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations That Provided Abortion Counseling Or Services. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Historically, the policy required foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to certify that they would not ‘perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning’ using funds from any source (including non-U.S. funds) as a condition of receiving U.S. government global family planning funding. President Trump reinstated the policy but also significantly expanded it to encompass the vast majority of U.S. bilateral global health assistance.” [Kaiser Family Foundation, 1/28/21]