logo
Brief Publisher Logo
FACT BRIEF

Did Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels change his position on exceptions for an abortion ban?

By Jacob Alabab-Moser
View this fact brief on Wisconsin Watch
Copy link
email
Copy featured image
email
YES

Tim Michels, Republican candidate for governor of Wisconsin, recently shifted his stance on whether he would back an abortion ban law with exceptions in cases of rape and incest. 

In a Sept. 23, 2022 interview with The Dan O'Donnell Show, Michels said as governor, he would sign a bill passed by the state legislature including such exceptions in the interest of a "representative democracy." 

The statement contrasted with Michels' earlier stances stretching back to 2004 when he ran for U.S. Senate. Earlier in his current campaign, Michels stated that he supported Wisconsin's 1849 law, which has no such exceptions.

At a Sept. 6 campaign event, Michels said he was rejecting pressure to "soften" his view on abortion to include exceptions for rape and incest. "I'm going to stick with what I know is right — and that's what I'm going to do to the bitter end."

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
The Dan O'Donnell Show Michels Says he would sign abortion ban with rape, incest exceptions
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Tim Michels now says he would back legislation allowing abortions in case of rape and incest despite decades of opposition
WISN Michels: Would sign abortion ban with rape/incest exceptions
SoundCloud Tim Michels says his abortion stance will not soften by DPW Research
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Wisconsin Watch
Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
FACT BRIEF BY
Brief Publisher Logo
Latest fact briefs from Wisconsin Watch
facebook
twitter
email
email
About fact briefs published on Gigafact
Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.