Arizona Governor Vetoes Pro-Life Bill on Abortion Information

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
March 5, 2004

Phoenix, AZ (LifeNews.com) -- Governor Janet Napolitano vetoed a pro-life bill on Thursday that would have required abortion facilities to provide women considering abortion with information about its risks and dangers, alternatives, and information on fetal development. Since the bill was not approved by the state legislature with veto-proof majorities, it appears Napolitano has defeated the legislation.

In written remarks accompanying the veto, Napolitano said the pro-life bill "represents undue government intrusion into the relationship between a woman and her doctor, her family, her religious counselor, or whomever else she wishes to consult in making this most difficult of personal and medical decisions."

Her decision disappointed pro-life groups, who say the measure would provide the kind of information abortion businesses often fail to give women.

"We are outraged and saddened by the Governor's veto," Shane Wikfors of Arizona Right to Life, told LifeNews.com. "In vetoing this bill, this governor show a complete lack of common sense, decency and regard for women looking for information, protection and help during a pregnancy."

Not only are pro-life groups saddened by the veto, but they're upset at comments Napolitano made saying she would make decision without considering the many calls and letters sent to her by Arizona residents who supported the legislation.

"Quite frankly I will make my decision irrespective of the count, whatever the count is," Napolitano said regarding the many calls coming in to her office from pro-life advocates.

"During the 2002 elections, Janet Napolitano attempted to mask her position on abortion to get elected," Wikfors explained. "This veto clearly demonstrates that she is adamantly pro-abortion. We will do everything in our power to further expose the fact that she is in the camp of the abortion industry."

Kathi Herrod, of the Center for Arizona Policy, who sponsored television commercials across the state urging calls to Napolitano, said the veto shows "the governor put the profits of the abortion industry ahead of the health needs of women.''

Sarah Jones, Vice President of Medical Services for Planned Parenthood of Southern Arizona, applauded the veto saying women should be informed but that the abortion business opposed mandatory information.

Despite the veto of a bill that has reduced abortions by as much as one-third in other states, pro-life groups say the effort was worth it to help educate Arizona women that abortion can cause health problems, even death, and to show young women considering abortion that better alternatives are available.

"Although the bill was vetoed, millions of Arizonans were educated to the reality of abortion and how it adversely affects women. We hope and pray that post-abortive women will find the courage to seek help and healing now that post abortion trauma is recognized as a widespread problem," Wikfors concluded.