Missouri House debate late term abortion bill.

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2/16/2011: Radio Story - House Health Care Committee approves late term abortion bill

2/16/2011: Newspaper Story - House Health Care Committee passed a motion to increase restrictions on abortion laws

Intro:	Several Democratic representatives say a bill, aimed at ending late term abortion, is stripping women and their families of their personal rights.
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OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The bill would impose additional restrictions before a viable fetus could be aborted, except in cases where the woman's health is in danger.

Republican Representative Tim Jones is the sponsor of the bill. He says his bill has support on both sides of the aisle.

Representative Stacey Newman is one of several Democrats to oppose the bill. Newman's family recently made the decision to keep a child with developmental problems. She says the decision should be kept personal.

Actuality:	NEWMAN2.WAV
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Description: "But to interject yourselves into my families personal decision, I find is wrong, is morally wrong."

After over an hour of debate, the house did not take final action on this measure.

From the state Capitol, I'm Megan McGinnis.

Intro:	The Missouri House held extended debate of a bill which would ban late term abortion. A bill some say would give unborn babies a fighting chance.
RunTime:	0:47
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The bill would impose additional restrictions before a viable fetus could be aborted, except if the mother's health was in danger.

Republican Representative Diane Franklin's family was given the option to abort her granddaughter. Franklin says her granddaughter is now living a meaningful life, and other children should be given the same opportunity.

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Description: "This bill gives those children a chance, it gives them a chance to become a part of our society, and contributing in a way none of the rest of us could because we haven't faced those struggles."

Several Democrats say the bill infringes on the personal choices of women and their families.

The House did not take final action on the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Megan McGinnis.

Intro:	Several Democrats say a bill to ban late term abortion is infringing on the personal choices of women and their families.
RunTime:	0:49
OutCue:	SOC

Wrap: The Missouri House held extended debate on the bill, that would impose additional restrictions before a viable fetus could be aborted. Except in cases where the mother's health is at risk.

Democratic Representative Margo McNeil says the bill needs to be amended, because it imposes on choices which should be made by families.

Actuality:	MCNEIL10.WAV
Run Time:	00:13
Description: "Whether to go ahead and continue and have a child without a brain, that is a personal decision, that is a personal decision, that is not something this body ought to make decisions about."

Those in favor of the bill say it protects the life of unborn children. Several representatives insisted that children with developmental disabilities can still lead full and meaningful lives.

The House adjourned without taking final action on the bill.

From the state Capitol, I'm Megan McGinnis.