Family comes first. No parent should have to choose between supporting their family financially and supporting them emotionally in a time of need. We cannot call ourselves a family-centered people unless we adopt the most basic of family-centered policies: paid family leave. This leave should cover the birth or adoption of children, the death of a loved one, and family emergencies.
Adoption is the best solution to unintended pregnancies. Unfortunately, it is often far too expensive for families who would like to adopt. I will work to bring down the costs of adoption for both birth mothers and adoptive parents, so that every Utah child can be part of a loving family.
Of course, the best choice of all is to avoid unwanted pregnancies in the first place, which is why I support comprehensive sex education. In cases where abortions might be permissible (such as rape, incest, and fetal unviability, or when the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy), abortions need to be performed in a safe, clean setting by competent medical professionals. I stand with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in opposition to abortions of convenience.
