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Abortion Debates In Jefferson City

September 8, 1999
By: Farrah Fite
State Capital Bureau

The Governor and the Missouri Catholic Conference squared off today on the issue of partial-birth abortion just one week before the legislature will consider overriding the Governor's veto.

Farrah Fite has the story from Jefferson City.

Governor Mel Carnahan used today's debate to explain why he vetoed a bill which bans partial-birth abortion:

Actuality:melgov3
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Contents: [139K WAV file - Missouri's governor voices his objections to the abortion-restriction bill he vetoed.]

Carnahan says vague language in the bill could lead to a ban of all abortions, including those performed as early as the fifth week.

Missouri Catholic Conference lobbyist Lou DeFeo said Carnahan's concerns are misguided.

The Legislature convenes next Wednesday to consider overriding the governor's veto.

Farrah Fite from Jefferson City.

The Missouri Catholic Conference butted heads with the Governor today (Wednesday) on partial-birth abortion issues, just one week before the legislature's veto session. Farrah Fite has the story from Jefferson City.

Facing the prospect of having one of his vetos overturned, the Governor faced off with anti-abortion lobbyist Lou Defeo.

Carnahan said he vetoed the partial-birth abortion bill because it contained vague language. But according to DeFeo, the governor is now worried that his veto will not survive.

Actuality:loude2
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OutCue:
Contents: DeFeo said Carnahan showed that he did not have enough votes to uphold his veto by holding the debate in order to present his case to more legislators to gain their support.

Carnahan refused to say how many lawmakers would back his veto. He expressed concerns that the bill could outlaw early term abortions.

The legislature meets next Wednesday to consider the veto. Enough lawmakers supported the original bill last spring to reach the two-thirds majority needed to support an override.

Farrah Fite from Jefferson City.