Pro-lifers
are continuing to achieve tremendous success as 1998 legislative
sessions come to a close in the nation's state capitols.
On April 29 Gov. Tommy Thompson (R) signed Wisconsin's partial-birth abortion ban, making Wisconsin the 25th state to ban this barbaric procedure. "Thanks to Sen. Fitzgerald, Rep. Goetsch, and Gov. Thompson, partially born babies in Wisconsin will no longer be subjected to the horror of partial-birth abortion," said Sue Armacost, legislative director for Wisconsin Right to Life.
"Partial-birth abortion is a grave civil rights abuse directed at innocent, helpless infants. All abortions are horrible and we will continue our vigilant work to protect all unborn children. But in the meantime, at least partially born infants cannot be wantonly destroyed in this hideous manner," added Armacost.
Wisconsin also worked hard to pass a fetal homicide bill and to prevent state grants from going to entities that carry out abortion-related activities.
Until now the only way a wrong done to an unborn child outside the abortion context could be rectified was through civil action. With the fetal homicide bill, the state would have the power to intervene on behalf of the unborn child when the child is killed or injured as the result of violent actions inflicted upon their mothers.
The bill passed in the Assembly (75-21) about 10 months ago, and recently in the Senate (22-10). The Senate added two amendments, and the Assembly concured with the Senate version on May 5. Gov. Thompson has indicated he will sign it.
In addition, a budget item would prohibit state grant monies for pregnancy- and family planning-related programs from going to entities that carry out any abortion-related activities. This includes counseling or referring for abortions. It passed both houses and was signed by Gov. Thompson.
Kentucky's partial-birth abortion ban passed in the Senate February 23 (34-2), and in the House (80-13) April 1. Democratic Gov. Paul Patton signed the ban on April 14.
"With the change in leadership in the Kentucky Senate, we had great success in passing pro-life legislation," said Margie Montgomery, executive director of Kentucky Right to Life. "Our lobbyists were there every day working on behalf of the defenseless. We are very appreciative of our pro-life legislators who spoke so eloquently from the floor of the House and Senate."
On April 15, Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating (R) signed a partial- birth abortion ban. The ban passed in the House (98-0) and in the Senate (42-5).
On May 4 Gov. Keating also signed the Assisted Suicide Prevention Act into law. "Pro-life Oklahomans are very gratified by the enactment of legislation this session banning partial- birth abortion and providing civil remedies in the prevention of assisted suicide," said Tony Lauinger, chairman of Oklahomans for Life.
1998 is proving to be a banner year for pro-life legislation. The success of these efforts will have an important impact in the effort to protect the lives of the defenseless.