Right to Life Halts Endorsements of Current Ottawa County Commissioners; Investigating Pro-Abortion Alignment

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Ottawa County provides pro-abortion resources through the Health Department and by alignment of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department with pro-abortion organizations.

On Friday, May 13, 2022, Ottawa Impact emailed Right to Life a pre-release copy of the PRO-LIFE PROTECTION ASSESSMENT which detailed pro-abortion advocacy in Ottawa County supported by Republican Commissioners that were previously endorsed by Right to Life.

The Pro-Life Assessment outlined the following activities in Ottawa County local government:

  • Alignment with progressive organizations which promote abortion and “reproductive justice”
  • Promotion of pro-abortion organizations such as Planned Parenthood
  • Promotion of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools

Additionally, Ottawa County’s Sexuality Educator is a member of the board of the Michigan Organization on Adolescent Sexual Health (MOASH), which advocates for abortion without parental consent.

Ottawa Impact appreciates the time and attention Right to Life has given to the concerns outlined in the Pro-Life Protection Assessment.

Due to the serious nature of pro-abortion advocacy within the county, Right to Life determined they will halt the endorsements to previously endorsed Ottawa County Commissioners for the Primary Election. The districts impacted are believed to be the following:

  • District 1: Frank Garcia (R)
  • District 2: Joe Baumann (R)
  • District 4: Allen Dannenberg (R)
  • District 5: Randy Meppelink (R)
  • District 8: Greg DeJong (R)
  • District 9: Phil Kuyers (R)

Ottawa Impact has requested verification from Right to Life on which commissioner districts are impacted.

Current commissioners in districts not listed above either did not have a Right to Life endorsement in the last election cycle, or are not running again in this election.

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, Right to Life emailed Ottawa Impact:

“I wanted to reach out to you regarding a pressing matter. Factors concerning the life issues and the Ottawa County Health Department have come to the attention of Right to Life of MI PAC. This information was provided to RLM-PAC and various pieces [of] information have been independently verified by RLM-PAC.

Due to the nature of these factors Right to Life of MI PAC has made the determination that for Ottawa County Commission races where an RLM-PAC previously endorsed incumbent is running for re-election no Primary Election endorsement will be issued, either for the incumbent or for the challenger (emphasis added).

This is being done so RLM-PAC has an effective period of time to investigate the matter and determine a proper course of action.”

Ottawa Impact hopes the Assessment is helpful to Right to Life and communities across Michigan in protecting against pro-abortion advocacy and alliances within local government.

This is a developing story. Future updates will be provided as details emerge.