MICHIGAN – On May 14, 2020, James Chapman from Belleville, Michigan attended a rally to protest Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapman carried a 13-star Betsy Ross flag and, hanging from a noose on the end of the flag pole, a Barbie doll he said represented Gov. Whitmer. He also had an axe.
Chapman went on to lose in his bid to become a member of the state House of Representatives in 2020. This year, he’s back, running for the 4th District state Senate seat.
Asked if he supports or opposes House Bill 6270, legislation that would punish doctors for performing an abortion with a 10-year prison sentence, Chapman was clear in his support.
“I would make the punishment equivalent to 2nd degree or 1st degree murder,” he said. “Or you could charge them with open murder. It’s premeditated, like a mob hit.”
Chapman said he would draft legislation and vote positive on anything bans ending a pregnancy “because they have the right to be protected.” “Anything after conception, that is a citizen,” he said.
When it comes to making exceptions to an abortion ban for rape or incest, Chapman was equally clear. “If it’s incest, force her to have it, it’s in the family.”
One of Chapman’s opponents in the GOP primary on August 2nd is Beth Socia from the Downriver area. Socia also supports HB 6270 which, in addition to the 10-year prison sentence for doctors providing abortions, would also punish those who distribute, manufacture or sell medications that would induce abortion with a 20-year prison sentence.”
Socia also said she would oppose any exceptions for rape and incest survivors seeking an abortion.
Darrin Camilleri, the sole Democrat running for SD-4, is “completely opposed to [HB 6270]” and says he will “do everything I can to make sure it doesn’t pass.”
