Michels Says He Would Sign Abortion Ban with Rape, Incest Exceptions

Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels would sign an abortion ban that includes exceptions for rape and incest, he told "The Dan O'Donnell Show" exclusively Friday.

"Yes, I would sign that bill," Michels said, answering a question about whether he would sign legislation banning abortion in Wisconsin with exceptions for rape and incest if elected Governor. "I am pro-life, but I also understand that this is a representative democracy and if the people, in this case the Legislature, brought a bill before me, I would sign it."

Earlier this year, Michels told "UpFront" that Wisconsin's current abortion law, which does not provide such exceptions, "is a mirror of my position."

"But you wouldn't support exceptions for rape or incest?" asked reporter Matt Smith.

"That's correct," Michels replied.

On Friday, however, Michels said he would sign a bill that includes exceptions for rape and incest.

"I understand that as Governor, you're not the ultimate authority on things, that you work with the Legislature," he explained, "and the Legislature, the State Senate, the Assembly, they're closest to the people, so yes, if that bill was put before me, I'd sign it."