MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the state's oldest and largest pro-life organization, today criticized U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson's (MN-07) characterization of his record on abortion. Peterson's campaign claims in a radio ad currently running that he is "100 percent pro-life."
"Collin Peterson's voting record in Congress has become more and more concerning for pro-life Minnesotans in the 7th District," says MCCL Legislative Associate Austin VanDerHeyden. "Last year he voted for a bill that would allow taxpayer dollars to fund abortion-performing-and-promoting groups around the world. His record shows that he doesn’t always vote to protect life."
Peterson does not have a 100 percent pro-life voting record as scored by the National Right to Life Committee. For the year 2019, Peterson’s pro-life score fell to 50 percent. That included a vote for an appropriations bill that would have allowed funding of groups that perform or promote abortion overseas by overturning the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance Policy (Roll Call 11, 1/3/19). And it included a vote against an amendment protecting the conscience rights of pro-life health care workers (Roll Call 266, 6/12/19). Peterson has also voted in favor of Nancy Pelosi, a staunch opponent of pro-life legislation, as House Speaker.
"Voters should know what they are getting with Collin Peterson," says VanDerHeyden. "They are getting someone who doesn't give the protection of unborn children 100 percent. They are getting someone who wants Nancy Pelosi in charge of the House—even though she kills lifesaving pro-life bills."
Peterson's Republican opponent in the election, Michelle Fischbach, served in the Minnesota Senate and compiled a 100 percent pro-life voting record during her tenure. She authored the Woman's Right to Know and Positive Alternatives pro-life laws, as well as many other pieces of pro-life legislation, and voted repeatedly to ban taxpayer funding of abortion. Fischbach is endorsed by major pro-life organizations, including National Right to Life, Susan B. Anthony List, Family Research Council Action, and the MCCL Federal PAC.