Foes of Abortion Ban Reeling

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Yesterday's last-minute maneuver by conservative lawmakers to push an outright ban on abortion came as a surprise to foes who thought they were fighting a more innocuous bill. Planned Parenthood's Karrie Galloway had strong words for the tactic.

"I'm gonna say 'bait and switch' is appropriate right now," says Galloway. "This is no longer a message bill, but a direct attack on Roe."

Conservative Republicans in the Utah House were widely expected to run a so-called "trigger law" which would have banned abortion in Utah if another state succeeded in challenging the landmark Supreme Court ruling of Roe versus Wade. Only after allowing the public to comment on that measure, did the lawmakers spring their substitute bill going straight for a ban that will make Utah the state to invoke the Roe v. Wade challenge. The move also surprised Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"I knew there was some talk about it, but I understood they would not substitute it and just go with the trigger law," says Shurtleff. "What I told them is it's going to be a substantial, costly battle to take this all the way to the Supreme Court. So if they're going to do this, they need to appropriate the money."

Shurtleff estimates it will cost at least one-million dollars to defend the ban. It will cost three times that if the state opts to contract with an outside law firm for the defense. Sponsors of the bill say money is no obstacle and they are setting up a litigation fund to accept private donations. Foes are now scrambling to adapt their strategy. Galloway says Planned Parenthood will renew an email campaign to stop the bill from passing the House.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW