logo

Did Wisconsin US Senate candidate Eric Hovde say in 2012 that he was completely opposed to abortion rights?

By Tom Kertscher
YES

Running for U.S. Senate in 2012, Wisconsin Republican Eric Hovde said several times he was totally opposed to abortion rights.

He changed positions in his 2024 Senate run, which again is for the seat held by Wisconsin Democrat Tammy Baldwin.

Baldwin claimed in an April 10, 2024, interview that in the 2012 campaign, Hovde said he was “100% opposed to abortion rights.”

Here is what Hovde said in 2012:

Interview: “I am totally opposed to abortion.”

Interview: “Yes,” when asked if Roe v Wade should be overturned.

Candidate questionnaire: “I oppose legalized abortion.”

A liberal blogger reported that Hovde at a campaign event repeatedly called himself “100% pro-life,” but supported exceptions for rape and incest.

In April 2024, Hovde said “women, early on in a pregnancy, should have a right to make a choice,” and that Wisconsin voters should decide at what point in a pregnancy abortion should be illegal.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
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
facebook
twitter
email
email