Female senators protest abortion laws By Cassie Goff | c.goff@mycityjournals.com
D
uring Utah’s 2020 legislative session, H.B. 364 two controversial bills concerning House Bill 364 (HB364) would imabortion laws in the state were introduced, plement additional necessary requirements amended, voted on and sparked protest. in order for an abortion to occur. In Utah, a S.B. 174 woman must give informed consent in order Senate Bill 174 (SB174) would restrict to receive an abortion. This bill would rewomen from getting abortions, with limited quire informed consent to include: viewing exceptions. Primarily this bill would “pro- live fetal images of the unborn child, listenhibit an abortion at any stage of a pregnant ing to a description of those fetal images, and woman’s pregnancy, except under certain listening to an audible heartbeat of the fetus, circumstances.” Those certain circumstances if possible. In addition, the woman must wait when an abortion would be allowed would 72 hours after to give informed consent. be when childbirth would result in death or a Abortion Revision was sponsored by “substantial and irreversible impairment of a Rep. Steve R. Christiansen and Sen. Curtis major bodily function;” when two physicians S. Bramble. agree that the fetus has an abnormality that During the bill’s introduction Chriswould be lethal; or the “woman is pregnant tiansen explained that “a doctor who fails to as a result of rape or incest.” give an ultrasound would face a fine up to In addition, this bill would enact penal- $100,000 on the first instance, and $250,000 ties for physicians who perform abortions. If on later instances,” reported Imlay. the abortion did not meet any of the above Action criteria, the person who performed the aborOn March 10, when HB364 was introtion “is guilty of a second-degree felony.” duced to the senate floor, all six female senaAbortion Prohibition Amendments was tors (Deidre Henderson, Republican-District sponsored by Sen. Daniel McCay and Rep. 7; Jani Iwamoto, Democrat-District 4; Karen Karianne Lisonbee. Mayne, Democrat-District 5; Ann Millner, During the bill’s hearing, “McCay clar- Republican-District 18; Kathleen Riebe, ified that if a woman performed an abortion Democrat- District 8; and Luz Escamilla, on herself, she could face felony charges,” Democrat-District 1) stepped off the floor reported Ashley Imlay from Deseret News. in protest, before the vote was taken. Seven
Roundtable Talk with Representative Weight Role of Government During the legislative session, a common question about a proposed bill is whether it fits the role of government. With the steps in response to COVID19, questions have become more specific – whether the government role and emphasis should address economic or health or household needs, whether the first focus goes to private business, to public safety, or to the impacts on people’s lives. A primary purpose of government is for elected leaders to show up as people, listening to experts, being spokespersons in a wellinformed and coordinated management of elements that affect all these areas, starting with the well-being of the people they serve. Certainly, on all levels and in all branches of government, thoughtful preparation is part of the role, so necessary networks are established and sustained. What we have seen in the Coronavirus response is the value of perspective, planning, and practice before the emergency occurs. In Utah, we’re pretty good at foresight, and we are learning even more.
Liz4Utah.com
Page 18 | April 2020
days later, the bill died on the floor without a final vote. SB174 was recommended favorable and moved to the floor with a 10-3 vote. SB174 was passed by the Senate on March 2. It was
then passed and signed by the House of Representatives on March 12. On March 16, the final draft of the enrolled bill was prepared. l
Bringing Life to your Backyard ElizabethWeight@le.utah.gov
As your state representative, my views start with people and their lives. When government leaders build trustworthy security for daily routines, our neighborhoods and communities thrive and are positioned for resiliency in challenging times. That provides a stable source of support for our businesses and economy. In my work for West Valley residents and Utah, I agree with a growing majority of people across the country about some foundational pieces for building sureness in all circumstances: • good jobs • affordable, quality healthcare • investment in children • empowerment of people over special interests • equal opportunity for all • sustainable infrastructure, resilience, and innovation • clean air, water, and energy. Underlying it all, for community stability and for accomplishing all our short- and long-term visions, I work most for your trust that I will listen, care, and communicate truthfully. Thank you for taking your role in our community!
Elizabeth Weight, Utah Representative
Senator Ann Millner, Senator Karen Mayne, Senator Jani Iwamoto, Senator Luz Escamilla, Senator Diedre Henderson and Senator Kathleen Riebe made national news this legislative session as they protested bills concerning abortion on the senate floor. (Photo courtesy of Utah State Democrats)
@RepEWeight
• Swing Sets Sales Installation & Custom Builds
• Playground Landscaping • Trampolines Springfree Trampolines & Inground Services
• Pergolas
and more
Call us today to create the backyard you, & your kids, will love!
801-824-9854 | www.utahbackyardcreations.com West Valley City Journal