Marianette Miller-Meeks is a Republican running for Congress in Iowa’s Second Congressional District.
When do you believe life begins?
Life begins at conception.
Describe your position on the abortion issue:
While I was not in the Iowa Senate when the Iowa heartbeat bill was passed in 2018, I did support judicial nomination reform in the 2019 legislative session which will hopefully provide more conservative voices on the Iowa Supreme Court. Additionally, I cosponsored and voted for an amendment to the Iowa constitution stating abortion is not a protected right.
Why are you pro-life (if candidate considers self pro-life):
I believe life is tremendously special. All of us have a purpose for why we’re here on earth. My husband and I were both stationed at Walter Reed Medical Center. We had friends who, after a long period of infertility, were expecting. Around 16 weeks, she had an amniocentesis and it indicated a marker for a neurological disorder. In the worst case scenario, the baby could be born without a brain. Our friends called us, asking for our medical knowledge – what given our medical knowledge what would we do, what should they do – because their doctors and nurses were pushing them to have an abortion.
We considered all the risks – and there were tremendous risks. I advised them not to have an abortion. They delivered a perfectly healthy baby. Jacob was their only child. He’s still alive today even though our friend, his father has passed away from injuries suffered in Iraq. When everything was on the line, I chose life. To this day, that guides me in my decisions as a Roman Catholic and as a human being.
What protections should be given to defend an unborn baby’s constitutional rights:
I have supported legislation that would carry criminal penalties if an unborn child were to die in the commission of another criminal activity. I would also support protections should an infant survive an abortion.
How have you lived out and expressed your pro-life position in the past (doesn’t have to be political)?
As a member of the Catholic Church, I have attended events in support of life, attended rosaries to end abortion, and have contributed financially to groups that provide pregnancy care and delivery to mothers to avoid abortion.
On the occasion when I’m at medical events that elucidate the scientific advancements in genetic science that can determine severe ocular abnormalities that could be detected prenatally and the parents pushed toward abortion, I have advocated that parents also know that disabilities should not be the cause for terminating life and children and live fulfilling lives in spite of disabilities. We are all special to God and have a purpose to serve.
Should the courts have the final say on abortion?
I support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life. However, I believe that we should enact legislation protecting the life of unborn children.
Do you support any exceptions that allow for abortions:
The heartbeat bill provided exceptions for rape, incest and the physical life of the mother and I have long supported of these exceptions.
