Crist Vetoes Anti-Abortion Bill From GOP Legislature
Eric Kleefeld | June 11, 2010, 2:37PM
Gov. Charlie Crist (I-FL), who left the Republican Party a month and a half ago to run for Senate as an independent, has just vetoed an anti-abortion bill passed by the state's Republican legislature, a further departure by Crist from Republican policies.
The bill would have required women seeking an abortion to get an ultrasound, and to listen to a doctor give a description of the fetus. Crist had already been clearly hinting that he would veto the bill, once it reached his desk, calling it "mean-spirited." It should be noted that Crist's ultimate break with the Republican Party really occurred back in mid-April, when he vetoed another bill from the GOP legislature, which would have abolished tenure for new public school teachers and instituted strict merit-pay guidelines. He officially left the GOP about two weeks later, and has been continually moving towards the center ever since.
Also interesting is that in his official veto message, Crist articulates a position on abortion that might be construed as personally pro-life and politically pro-choice.
This bill places an inappropriate burden on women seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Individuals hold strong personal views on the issue of life, as do I. However, the personal views should not result laws that unwisely expand the role of government and coerce people to obtain medical tests or procedures that are not medically necessary. In this case, such action would violate a woman's right to privacy.
There are many medical or fiscal barriers that could be placed upon a woman in order to prevent her from following through on her constitutionally protected decision to end a pregnancy. However, such measure do not change hearts, which is the only true and effective way to ensure that a new life coming to the world is loved, cherished, and receives the care that is deserved.
more...
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/06/crist-vetoes-anti-abortion-bill-from-gop-legislature.php?ref=fpb
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
