Posted on Mon, Jan. 12, 2004
Bush hasn't decided whether to appeal fetus guardian case
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. - Gov. Jeb Bush said Monday he hasn't decided whether to ask the Florida Supreme Court to review an appellate court decision denying a mentally disabled rape victim's fetus the right to a guardian.
But Bush reaffirmed his belief that the fetus deserved a guardian, something abortion rights advocates dispute. The governor had wanted a guardian appointed for the fetus because the mother - suffering from severe retardation, cerebral palsy and autism - was unable to provide for its well-being.
"I do think that a child that could be brought to term, as this child was, in the case where a mother has little or no capabilities in representing the child's interest, a legal guardian should be appointed," Bush said after visiting Carver Middle School in Orlando. (snip)
Abortion rights advocates had accused Bush, with the help of Department of Children & Families Secretary Jerry Regier, of pushing the case so guardians for fetuses may be broadly appointed, possibly as a method for preventing abortions. Bush opposes abortion rights.
(snip/...)
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/state/7693037.htm