New Abortion Bill Reaches Governor's Desk

Published: Thursday, March 30, 2017 - 2:22pm
Audio icon Download mp3 (9.01 MB)

A bill that would require doctors to do everything possible to save the life of a baby born alive after an abortion is on the governor’s desk.

The state House approved SB 1367 on Wednesday, and the Senate gave the measure its final approval shortly thereafter, sending the bill to Gov. Doug Ducey.

During House debate, lawmakers amended the bill to say a doctor does not need to do everything possible if it’s determined before the abortion and confirmed after delivery and some preliminary care that the baby has a "lethal fetal condition'' and will not survive beyond three months.

But Democrat Kirsten Engel of Tucson said that did not make the bill any better.

The bill was approved largely along party-line votes. One of its biggest supporters is Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy. She stopped by the studio recently, and I asked her why this bill is needed.

The Show