Let’s meet

James Runestad

State Senator,
Michigan Senate District 23

Republican

The proof:

James sponsored a bill that makes it a crime to perform an abortion, knowing that the abortion is sought because of a disability, or the race or sex of the unborn.

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Take Action

What to do now:

Tell James how important abortion rights are to you:

This legislator has made their anti-choice position clear. They intend to enact laws that would further limit access to abortion.

What to say:

Call your legislator to share how important abortion rights are to you. While you're on the phone, try to gain a deeper understanding of their exact position.

  • Introduce yourself, including your relation to the district.
  • Emphasize your role in the local community.
  • Explain why abortion rights are important to you.
  • Ask if they will commit to voting for any legislation that will protect the right to an abortion.
  • If they say no, ask which abortion restrictions they are pushing for.

Dive deeper:

The latest from James

Voted No on SB 0593

James voted against a bill that further protects Michigan’s new constitutional right to abortion. It also allows healthcare providers to consider broader factors when deciding if an abortion is necessary after fetal viability, and repeals a ban on private insurance coverage of abortion.

Oct 26, 2023

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Voted No on SB 0475

James voted against a bill that removes references to abortion-related offenses from criminal sentencing laws, after the Michigan Constitution was amended to protect the right to abortion.

Oct 19, 2023

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Voted No on SB 0147

James voted against a bill that bans employers from discriminating against employees who are pregnant or have terminated a pregnancy.

May 4, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0106

James sponsored a bill that increases the maximum prison sentence for performing an abortion via dilation and evacuation.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0112

James sponsored a bill protecting non-profit pregnancy care organizations refusing to perform an abortion or provide a referral for an abortion.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0110

James sponsored a bill that makes it a felony not to preform any “medically appropriate and reasonable actions” to preserve the life of the newborn if an abortion results in live birth.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0113

James sponsored a bill that protects pharmacists who refuse to “participate” in an abortion or refuse to have an abortion be “performed” via the pharmacy.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0108

James sponsored a bill that classifies “knowingly performing” an abortion based on a diagnosis of Down Syndrome screening after fetal viability as a felony.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0114

James sponsored a bill increasing the fine for violating law that required abortion coverage to be a separate add-on for health insurance.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0111

James sponsored a bill that criminalizes a physician failing to care for a child born after an abortion despite existing rights to care.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0115

James sponsored a bill that makes performing an abortion on a minor without consent from a parent or the probate court, which was previously a misdemeanor, a felony.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0109

James sponsored a bill that classifies “knowingly performing” an abortion based on a diagnosis of Down Syndrome screening after fetal viability as a felony.

Mar 1, 2023

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Sponsored SB 0107

James sponsored a bill making it a felony to perform or assist in an abortion via dilation and evacuation or to coerce a pregnant woman to get an abortion against her will.

Mar 1, 2023

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Voted Yes on HB 5558

James voted to pass a bill that bans the use of fetal, embryonic, or newborn tissue, organs, or cells obtained from an abortion in scientific research.

Jul 1, 2022

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Sponsored SB 0760

James sponsored a bill that makes it a crime to perform an abortion, knowing that the abortion is sought because of a disability, or the race or sex of the unborn.

Dec 1, 2021

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Sponsored SR 0008

James sponsored a resolution “affirming the right to life of every unborn child in this state and call to enforce all laws regulating or limiting abortion”.

Jan 28, 2021

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