Utah House Rejects Abortion Ban, Chooses Trigger Instead

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Lawmakers backed away from an outright abortion ban in Utah today (yesterday), switching instead to a so-called "trigger law" which will ban abortion only if Roe versus Wade is overturned. Legislators cited concern that Utah's challenge would cost millions to fight in court, with little chance of success. But a third of the Utah House disagreed -- including Provo Representative Chris Herrod:

"So often we talk about leadership, and I guess I'm just greatly disappointed at what we've just taught our children," says Herrod. "I believe it's important that we do no matter what to protect the life of an unborn child."

The substitute bill now directs the money that would have been spent on a court challenge to be used for birth defects prevention and early childhood intervention programs. The bill's sponsor, Representative Paul Ray, says he will not attempt to switch back to the ban when the bill is debated in the Senate.

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