Your Daily Whack-O-mole: Alabama House Passes Abortion-Safety Bill (Updated)
Seems legislators in Alabama think we are living in the 1950’s.
Meanwhile, Planned Parenthood condemned the vote, alleging it would put women’s health at risk.
“This legislation is based upon false assertions and bad information. Abortion already is one of the safest medical procedures for women,” said Planned Parenthood Southeast Vice President of Public Policy Nikema Williams. “The people behind House Bill 57 really want to make all abortion illegal and unavailable in Alabama.”
During more than four hours of debate dominated by Democratic opponents, critics alleged the real intent of the bill was to deny access to legal abortions, that it overstepped the Legislature’s authority and that it would result in less safety for women by forcing them to seek abortions elsewhere.“I’€™m pro-life, but I don’€™t think it’€™s my responsibility to tell people what to do with their own personal lives. That’€™s just now who I am,” said Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa.
“At the end of the day, what this bill will do is send young girls and ladies to the back rooms for them to butchered when they want to have an abortion and they’re going to get it through any means necessary,” said Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham.
“This kind of legislation is making its way all across the United State. The reality is ever since we legalized abortion in 1973, there have been all these attempts to restrict access for women by over regulation,” said Rep. Patricia Todd, D-Montgomery.
Even some supporters took that view of the legislation, despite McClurkin’s statement to the contrary.
However, even some supporters said the bill would deny women access to abortions.
“I agree with Rep. Todd, I think that it will truly limit abortions that are done in Alabama, and I’m pleased with that,” said Rep. Terri Collins, R-Decatur.
More: After Lengthy Debate, Alabama House Passes Abortion-Safety Bill (Updated)