Conservative Michigan Lawmaker's Wife Reveals Teen Abortion
By Michael Gerstein, Associated Press
LANSING (AP) - The wife of a conservative Michigan lawmaker says in a Facebook posting that she had an abortion while in high school and went public with it after someone approached her husband vowing to disclose the information.
In a public Facebook post last Friday, Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of GOP state Rep. Lee Chatfield from Levering Township wrote, "You informed my husband that you had heard a rumor, and that you would keep digging. You promised that you would ensure that this story went public. In fact, your desire to see this story go public emboldened me to do something that I should have done years ago.
"After speaking it over with my husband, I felt that telling my story was best," she continued. "And no matter the intentions of anybody wishing to see this story go public, this I am certain of: God meant it for good and will glorify Himself through this."
Stephanie Chatfield could not be reached for comment Tuesday. A phone number listing for her could not be found.
Lee Chatfield did not return phone calls, an email or an in-person message left with his Capitol office staff.
In the post, Stephanie Chatfield wrote that she regretted the abortion and didn't tell anyone until later because she was scared and ashamed. She said she went to a high school party and woke the next morning with no memory, but concluded from her physical condition she'd been "taken advantage of."
Michigan State Police spokeswoman Shanon Banner said she wasn't aware of any investigations by state police.
Gideon D'Assandro, a spokesman for GOP Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter, said the House is not currently looking into the matter.
A spokeswoman for Michigan's attorney general said incidents such as this are usually handled by local police.
Emmet County Sheriff Peter Wallin, whose department would be the one to process a report, would not confirm whether anyone reported the allegation about disclosing the abortion information. Wallin said a records request would need to be filed.
Republican Kathy Twardy, who is running against Lee Chatfield in the August primary, said she had nothing to do with the Facebook revelation. Democrat Phil Bellfy, who could face the GOP nominee for the state representative seat in the November general election, also denied any involvement.
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