New Jersey Republican millionaire and Pennsylvania Senate candidate Mehmet Oz is facing heavy criticism after he said the decision about whether to terminate a pregnancy should be left to women, their doctors and "local political leaders."
Oz made the remark during the first and only debate between him and his Democratic rival John Fetterman when asked about whether or not he supported a federal abortion ban—as was recently proposed by South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsay Graham—banning most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
Oz's answer prompted Fetterman to sound the alarm on Twitter, calling Oz's position "EXTREME" and warning should Oz win the Pennsylvania Senate race, he'd effectively hand the "political" side of abortion decisions to Republicans like Doug Mastriano, the GOP's candidate in Pennsylvania's gubernatorial election.
You can hear what Oz said in the video below.
Oz said:
"There should not be federal involvement in how state's decide their abortion decisions."
"As a physician, I've been in the room when there's some difficult conversations happening. I don't want the federal government involved with that at all."
"I want women, doctors, local political leaders, letting the democracy that's always allowed our nation to thrive, to put the best ideas forward so states can decide for themselves."
In Pennsylvania, Republican lawmakers are seeking to restrict abortion at every turn and Mastriano—who Oz supported at a rally last month—has previously said there should be a six-week ban without exceptions for rape, incest or the life of the mother.
While Oz has said he supports allowing abortions under those exceptions, his response during the debate indicated he supports the ability of GOP legislatures to make their own laws in regard to the procedure.
His response was a stark contrast to the one made by Fetterman, who stressed the right to reproductive freedom should be enshrined in federal law.
Fetterman countered Oz, saying:
"I want to look into the face of every woman in Pennsylvania. You know, if you believe that the choice of your reproductive freedom belongs with Dr. Oz, then you have a choice."
"But if you believe that the choice for abortion belongs between you and your doctor, that's what I'd fight for."
Many criticized Oz in response and urged others to vote for Fetterman if they want to safeguard reproductive freedoms.
Last week, Democratic President Joe Biden in a speech vowed to codify Roe v. Wade—the 1973 landmark decision that once protected a person's right to choose reproductive health care without excessive government restriction—into law should Democrats win next month's midterm elections.
The GOP has doubled down on its opposition to abortion, and last month Senator Graham proposed a bill that would institute a federal ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Graham had previously said reproductive rights should be left up to state legislatures to decide.
Graham's decision to introduce the bill—effectively taking the decision away from the states—offers a preview of how Republicans will act in the event they retake control of Congress.
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