Breaking News - Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Revived!
Today, the House Natural Resources and Public Safety Committee approved SB 1048 by a vote of 6-3, which presents another opportunity to ban partial-birth abortion in Arizona. This new bill addresses the two concerns the Governor identified in her veto letter and is otherwise identical to the partial-birth abortion bill that was vetoed last week. SB 1048 must receive final approval from the House and Senate before it goes back to the Governor.
In her committee testimony this morning Senator Linda Gray, the bill's sponsor, called on the Governor to hold to her veto letter's commitment to work together to address the issue in a bipartisan manner. The original bill enjoyed significant bipartisan support in the legislature, and the concerns that the Governor stated in her veto letter are addressed by this new bill.
CAP is very grateful for Senator Gray's work and commitment to passing this ban. We also thank Representative Andy Tobin, the original House bill's sponsor, for his dedication to continue working on this bill, Representative Jerry Weiers for bringing the bill before his committee, and all the committee members who voted for the bill.
To read a commentary on the Governor's abortion position and her vetoes by Republic columnist Bob Robb, click here. To view the status of SB 1048 and all of the CAP-supported bills, visit our website at www.azpolicy.org/legislation .
Yours for Arizona Families,
Cathi Herrod, Esq.
President
The Center for Arizona Policy
April 9, 2008