Midterms See Big Win For Pro-Life Women Candidates And Ballot Initiatives

Grace Carr

Republican pro-life women put on an impressive showing in Tuesday’s midterms, while some of the pro-abortion women running for political office had less success.

Tennessee Republican Rep. Marsha Blackburn bested former Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen Tuesday, becoming the first female senator in state history. Blackburn is “100 percent pro-life” and has fought and won battles against Planned Parenthood.

Republican pro-life Iowa governor Kim Reynolds also defeated her Democratic opponent Fred Hubbell Tuesday.

South Dakota pro-life Congresswoman Kristi Noem beat South Dakota minority leader Billie Sutton Wednesday morning, becoming the state’s first female governor.

“I am, and always have been, pro-life. I believe every life, including the unborn, has dignity, and my voting record will always reflect that belief,” Noem’s website reads.

Pro-life GOP Rep. Martha McSally currently leads pro-choice Democrat Kyrsten Sinema with 49.3 percent to 48.4 percent in the race for Arizona governor. The race is extremely close and will likely not be called for days due to a massive amount of absentee ballots. The contrast between the candidates is stark on nearly every issue. McSally served as a military officer and was deployed six times to the Middle East and Afghanistan before becoming a state representative. Sinema was previously a raging anti-war activist.

“The pro-life movement has some impressive wins in ballot initiatives and in races like Senator-elect Josh Hawley,” Students For Life of America President Kristen Hawkins said in a statement late Tuesday night.

West Virginia residents voted to adopt Amendment 1, which adds to the state’s constitution that “Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of abortion.” It also prevents Medicaid funds from being used for abortions, according to CNN.

Alabama voted to adopt Statewide Amendment 2, affirming that “the constitution of this state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion,” according to BallotPedia. The amendment also changes the state policy to “recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children.” (RELATED: These States Voted On Abortion Initiatives. Here’s What Happened)

“West Virginia and Alabama both highlighted that when left up to the American people they are pro-life,” March For Life Vice President Tom McClusky said in a Wednesday statement. “Other states should follow their example and prepare for the inevitable when abortion is unthinkable.”

While the Democrats flipped the U.S. House of Representatives, a number of Democrats — including pro-choice female candidates — lost their respective races. Pro-abortion incumbent North Dakota Sen. Heidi Heitkamp succumbed to Republican Rep. Kevin Cramer Tuesday night in the race for state senator.

Pro-abortion Missouri Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill  was beaten Tuesday night by Republican Senate pro-life candidate Josh Hawley, 52.1 percent to 44.8 percent.

Pro-abortion Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams appears to have lost to Republican Brian Kemp, but she has refused to concede and demands every vote and absentee ballot be counted before the race is called. Ahead of the midterm elections, Abrams touted endorsements from President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Will Ferrell.

The 2018 midterm elections saw 276 women on the ballot in Senate, House and gubernatorial races. More than 100 women won their respective races, according to Wednesday morning reports.

“Since they [Democrats] now have control of the U.S. House of Representatives, we can expect pro-abortion Committee Leadership as well as legislative initiatives that advance a pro-abortion agenda,” March For Life president Jeanne Mancini said in a statement Wednesday, vowing to continue fighting for initiatives that protect life.

Only one Democrat, West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh. He won his race against Republican Patrick Morrisey.

The Republicans still control the Senate.

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