Arkansas Governor Vetoes 20-Week Abortion Bill

[joeybee12]

Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday vetoed a ban on most abortions in Arkansas at 20 weeks into a pregnancy, setting up an override fight with a Republican-controlled Legislature that has been pushing for more restrictions on the procedure.

Beebe said he vetoed the ban, which is based on the disputed belief that a fetus can feel pain at 20 weeks, because it runs afoul of the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion until the point where fetuses can survive outside the womb, usually at 22 to 24 weeks. The Republican sponsor of the measure said he'll seek to override Beebe's veto.

"Because it would impose a ban on a woman's right to choose an elective, nontherapeutic abortion before viability, House Bill 1037, if it became law, would squarely contradict Supreme Court precedent," Beebe said in his veto letter. "When I was sworn in as governor I took an oath to preserve, protect and defend both the Arkansas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States. I take that oath seriously."

Beebe also cited the cost of a potential lawsuit if the state enacted the ban. The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas has said it would likely sue if it went into effect.

http://news.yahoo.com/arkansas-governor-veto-20-week-abortion-bill-203009236.html

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I applaud his veto!

[one_voice]

2. Good!

k&r

[MoreGOPoop]

3. Glad to hear this!

Evidently, there are more Lefties here in Arkansas than I thought. Right on, Governor Beebe! We have your back!

[Ilsa]

4. Good on him! nt

[Chorophyll]

5. Ah, good work!

Very glad to hear this.

[jaysunb]

6. "I take that oath seriously."

"When I was sworn in as governor I took an oath to preserve, protect and defend both the Arkansas Constitution and the Constitution of the United States. I take that oath seriously."

WOW ! can I get an AMEN and the same pledge from other politicians ?

[mountain grammy]

7. We're hanging by a thread here. Republican men and radical Christians are hell bent to control women

It has little to do with abortion, and everything to do with control. Control of half the population and keep the power and money where they belong; with white men.

[nyquil_man]

8. The AR legislature hasn't got a clue.

This is what happens when you elect people who have no idea how government works.