Thursday, March 13, 2008

"Partial vote abortion" performed by Kentucky House

For Immediate Release
Contact: Martin Cothran
March 13, 2008
Phone: 859-329-1919


“Partial vote abortion” performed by House,
says family group


LEXINGTON, KY—A family advocacy group called a vote today against pro-life legislation by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives a “partial vote abortion.” “This was an opportunity for the House to show that it is not under the control of a very left-leaning leadership. They chose not to take advantage of that opportunity,” said Martin Cothran, senior policy analyst with The Family Foundation of Kentucky after a 40-16 vote on a petition to bring Senate Bill 40 out of committee for a vote.

SB 40 would make partial birth abortion a crime in the state, would ensure that an ultrasound be done on the pregnant woman, and that women undergoing an abortion be fully informed of the procedure. “We are thankful that Jeff Hoover and the House Republicans stood firm for life,” said Cothran.

Cothran said his group considered abstaining from a vote to be the same as a “No” vote on the bill. “We’ve said for years that abstinence can help prevent abortions, but abstinence from this vote can only serve to promote them. To have almost half the lawmakers in the House abstain from voting isn’t exactly inspiring. This was a partial vote abortion. When you get sent to Frankfort, your constituents should be able to expect that you’ll vote on important legislation. Leaders stand up to be counted, they don’t run for cover.”

Cothran also responded to Rep. Greg Stumbo’s argument against the discharge petition on the grounds that the committee system should be allowed to work. “We respect the committee process too,” said Cothran, “but when you appoint partisan extremists to head the committees that hear this kind of legislation, you better be willing to take responsibility for the results.” Cothran’s group had criticized last year’s decision by Jody Richards to appoint Kathy Stein, the House’s most vocal liberal, to head the House Judiciary Committee.

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