Robert Kull is the sole Democrat running for the now-competitive 28th House District. Great Lakes Weekly reached out to him to learn about his positions on several pieces of legislation that have either been introduced or are being discussed, as well as some other issues.
Legislation has been proposed in the state House – House Bill 6270 – that, if passed, will punish doctors for performing an abortion with a 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $100,000. It would also punish those who distribute, manufacture or sell medications that would induce abortion with a 20-year prison sentence. When asked about this legislation, Kull said he opposes it.
On his website, Kull says one of his priorities is “ensure freedom for individuals to make their own reproductive health care choices”. As part of that position, he supports the Reproductive Freedom For All (RFFA) ballot proposal that will be on the November ballot and would enshrine the right to obtain an abortion in the state constitution. If the RFFA proposal fails to pass and courts allow a 1931 Michigan law that makes abortion a felony to go back into effect, he also supports making exceptions to the law in cases of incest or rape. “Of course I would support that,” he said.
Referring to a recent report of a 10-year rape survivor who was forced to travel from her home state of Ohio due to their new 6-week abortion ban, Kull said, “I think it’s a shame what they did in Ohio.”
People experiencing ectopic pregnancies where a fertilized egg implants outside of the the main cavity of the uterus can result in severe infections like sepsis and can endanger the person’s life. According to the Mayo Clinic, “An ectopic pregnancy can’t proceed normally. The fertilized egg can’t survive, and the growing tissue may cause life-threatening bleeding, if left untreated.” Because of the 1931 law, currently on hold pending a court decision, the use of drugs to end ectopic pregnancies is in question and doctors across the state are worried that they will be prevented for providing this routine reproductive health care.
Great Lakes Weekly asked if he opposes or supports allowing doctors to give healthcare to pregnant people with ectopic pregnancies without government interference or fear of prosecution. Kull said he is in full support of this. He also said he opposes any attempt to ban IUD contraceptives or the Plan B emergency contraceptive pill.
Kull also supports legislation that help control the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs in Michigan: House Bill 5842. Introduced by another Downriver Democrat, Darrin Camilleri, HB 5842 would create a prescription drug affordability board and cap the cost of certain prescription drugs.
Finally, another ballot proposal that will be on the ballot in November is the “Promote the Vote” ballot proposal. It would further bolster Michigan’s election laws to make it easier to vote and stop any voter suppression efforts. Kull supports this proposal that would enshrine these protections in the state constitution.
