Christian Civic League of Maine is right: Paul LePage’s actions speak louder than his words

As governor, LePage consistently and actively opposed protections and expansions of reproductive healthcare services and programs in Maine

(Portland, MAINE) – On the heels of an inexplicable debate performance by Paul LePage on Oct. 4 during which the former governor suggested he would veto a 15-week abortion ban, the Christian Civic League of Maine quickly assured its supporters that LePage misspoke on stage and that, in fact, he remains an ally to anti-abortion extremists.

Noting LePage’s acknowledgement in a CCLM 2022 candidate survey and his previous statements indicating his willingness to restrict abortion, the CCLM wrote in a newsletter to supporters:

“Not only has Paul LePage given us written acknowledgement that he opposes taxpayer funding of abortion, but he has a history of pro-life statements that have been consistent with him and his administration while in office.”

To assuage any doubt LePage opposes abortion, the CCLM, wrote “a candidate’s position is more than what they say on the debate stage. Politicians are notoriously inconsistent especially on this issue.”

As governor, Paul LePage actively opposed sexual and reproductive healthcare freedoms in Maine. During his 8-year tenure, he:

Attended and spoke at multiple anti-abortion rallies

Cut funds for family planning including Planned Parenthood of Northern New England
Attempted to veto expanded coverage for reproductive healthcare for low-income people
Vetoed a bill that would require insurance coverage for preventive care for women
Used his administration to target abortion providers with politically-motivated investigations.

Statement from Nicole Clegg, Chair of Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC:

The Christian Civic League of Maine is right. Paul LePage is more than his words. His actions define his position on sexual and reproductive health care, and he has a record of restricting our basic freedoms. It’s too bad LePage believes misleading Mainers on a debate stage is a path to victory in November.

Acting as though we don’t recall LePage’s time in office is a losing strategy. We remember. Maine voters want a governor who they can trust on and off the debate stage, and whose words match their actions. LePage's comments during the first debate serve as a reminder that he is willing to mislead voters if he believes it serves his campaign. Maine deserves better.

Governor Janet Mills has repeatedly proven that she has and will continue to protect abortion and sexual and reproductive freedoms here in Maine. She understands a majority of Mainers want abortion to remain safe and legal in this state, and she is the only candidate for governor who has a record of aligning her actions with the will of Maine voters on this issue.

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The Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund Political Action Committee promotes and preserves a health care landscape and a political climate favorable to women’s health by working to identify and elect supportive candidates seeking executive and legislative offices. The PPMEAF PAC is operated by the Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund, an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England in Maine. The Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including voter education, grassroots organizing, and legislative advocacy.