Private Donors Could Spell Success for Abortion Ban

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) Money was the primary concern of lawmakers who voted down an abortion ban yesterday that would have directly challenged Roe versus Wade at a cost of more than a million dollars. Representative Paul Ray says he has private donors ready to pay the legal tab, but that won't be enough to get the ban back on track.

"I don't think any of them are ready to write the check - it takes a little while," says Ray. "I'll collect it over the summer and we'll bring in the money before filing the bill next time, so we'll have it ready to go."

Lawmakers in the Utah House replaced the abortion ban with a trigger law that will outlaw abortion in Utah if another state fights and wins the challenge to Roe versus Wade. Ray says he'll offer his encouragement to half a dozen other states contemplating a direct challenge this year and hopes Utah will join their ranks next year.

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