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Backer Backs Down on Partial-Birth Abortion

February 10, 1998
By: Tristin Yeager
State Capital Bureau

State Majority Leader Gracia Backer says state anti-abortion representatives told her it was not her place to introduce partial-birth abortion legislation. Tristin Yeager reports from the state capitol. Backer says anti-abortion proponents tried to pressure her not to introduce legislation on the issue.

Actuality: back001.wav
RunTime: :20.685
OutCue: "...I find it very disturbing."
FILL: Backer says abortion representatives told her she had no place introducing abortion legislation. Backer says she decided against introducing her bill to avoid another abortion battle. Backer's bill provided an exemption for the health of the mother. Last year, Governor Carnahan vetoed a partial-birth abortion bill that did not include a similar health stipulation.

State Majority Leader Gracia Backer claims anti-abortion representatives told her not to introduce legislation on the issue. Tristin Yeager reports from the state capitol. Backer says she intended to introduce a bill that would mirror Governor Carnahan's stance on partial-birth abortion. Backer claims anti-abortion representatives tried to pressure her not to introduce her bill. Backer says she backed-off because she wanted to avoid more abortion controversy.

Actuality:back002.wav
RunTime: :09.284
OutCue: "...decided not to file anything."
Contents:

Backer's bill provided an exemption for the health of the mother. The two partial-birth abortion bills introduced in the House this session, do not.