Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee from Michigan, received online criticism following comments made during a town hall event at Western Michigan University. He referred to a pregnant woman as “an adult” or “juvenile human.” This came after a pro-life student questioned why they should vote for a progressive like him.

El-Sayed, known for supporting Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood funding, addressed the student’s concerns. He stated, “I respect your position insofar as it’s founded in the idea that you want to protect and empower life. The question we have to ask ourselves is, what’s the best way to do that? And whose life gets destroyed in that process?”

El-Sayed expressed that government restrictions on reproductive care could turn “an adult, or sometimes even a juvenile human,” into “simply a carrying vehicle for a fetus that has not ever breathed air.” He stressed that restricting abortion access reduces the pregnant woman’s life to that of a carrier.

His remarks sparked critiques from conservatives on social media, who accused him of dehumanizing language. RNC Research and other conservative voices pointed out his avoidance of the term “woman” when discussing pregnancy. Social media users described his response as a “word salad.”

Comments included comparisons to Vice President Kamala Harris’s speaking style and highlighted the perceived use of euphemisms to support abortion rights. Critics also doubted his medical credentials based on the language used.

Former Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon commented on El-Sayed’s language, accusing him of altering perceptions of motherhood and family. El-Sayed’s positions on abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender-affirming care for minors are pivotal points in the lead-up to the November Senate race. He faces Republican nominee Mike Rogers for the seat of retiring Sen. Gary Peters.

Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for a response.