MA: Repeal of the Mideast Abortion Statue II (Vetoed)

[Gass3268]

Personally I feel like this is the appropriate step for our region. The current law is extremely invasive into the personal life of the mother. How do we know for sure that a woman that had abortion was raped or needed the procedure in order to live? Where does the burden of proof lie? If it's on the mother, that's scary. Also there has been a shift to the left in our region over the past few election cycles and our current abortion laws are too strict for the current political makeup of the Mideast. It does't even allow for incest as an exception! Lastly the new federal law restricts abortions past the third trimester, so this repeal won't allow for a total legalization of abortion in the region.

[Gass3268]

I also cannot support Governor Tmthforu94's amendment, as it does not do enough to satisfy the reasoning behind the original bill. 

When do you believe life begins?

Personally I believe that life begins at birth.

[Gass3268]

I also cannot support Governor Tmthforu94's amendment, as it does not do enough to satisfy the reasoning behind the original bill. 

When do you believe life begins?

Personally I believe that life begins at birth.

So should we have any restrictions on abortion?

No, I don't think we need any restrictions, but if there absolutely needs to be some restrictions, the new Federal law is sufficient.

[Gass3268]

I also cannot support Governor Tmthforu94's amendment, as it does not do enough to satisfy the reasoning behind the original bill. 

When do you believe life begins?

Personally I believe that life begins at birth.

So should we have any restrictions on abortion?

No, I don't think we need any restrictions, but if there absolutely needs to be some restrictions, the new Federal law is sufficient.

So you believe a woman at full-term should be able to walk in and have an abortion. Talk about extreme...

I don't feel like it's my place to make that decision for the mother, that is her choice. Also the new federal law would prevent that from happening.

[Gass3268]

If the federal law is still in question, I'd be willing to copy the language of that bill into an amended version of our statue so we would have those same restrictions regardless of the legality of the federal law.

[Gass3268]

If the federal law is still in question, I'd be willing to copy the language of that bill into an amended version of our statue so we would have those same restrictions regardless of the legality of the federal law.

Then would we repeal the Mideast Abortion Statue, which is essentially the same as the law proposed?

I'm at an airport right now, when I get back my place I'll post an amended version of the bill.   

[Gass3268]

While I would prefer just a straight vote on this issue, if a referendum is the only way we can get it passed, I'm down.

[Gass3268]

That's a good compromise bill, I can support it.

[Gass3268]

I say we call to a vote Mr. X's compromise bill.

[Gass3268]

AYE

[Gass3268]

I still support the amendment that was just unanimously approved by the Assembly.

[Gass3268]

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Can we get a call to vote on this?

[Gass3268]

Nay

[Gass3268]

i just want to make it known that I support Mr. X's compromise version and I withdraw my original bill of total repeal. 

[Gass3268]

I agree with Mr. X that we should move forward with a final vote.

[Gass3268]

I can't support the amendment as written, but I could go with this:

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[Gass3268]

Nay

[Gass3268]

AYE


But I'll support Gass's amendment too once it comes to a vote- I can't believe I forgot that...

So I'm assuming people no longer want a final vote immediately after Tmthforu's amendment is voted on?

Well, I can't speak for others, but I don't.

Ditto

[Gass3268]

AYE

[Gass3268]

AYE

[Gass3268]

I've struggled a lot with this decision. I strongly support repealing the current statute which is far too restrictive. But the debate over this bill has been disappointing, and we are left with a bill that is watered down and contains some provisions that I am strongly against, such as parental consent for minors. I believe that this bill would be an improvement over the status quo, but I cannot in good conscience support it. When The People elected an overwhelmingly pro-choice assembly, they expected better than this. I would rather take up this bill again in a new assembly. For these reasons I vote,

NAY

This bill is the best that can actually pass and definitely survive a challenge at the ballot box.  Also, a new Assembly will likely produce a more watered-down bill, not a more progressive one.  I am not thrilled with it either, but I'd urge you to reconsider.  Half a loaf is better than no bread!

I agree with this. I too would support a total repeal of the bill, but this the best we are going to get.

[Gass3268]

The Governor has vetoed the bill.

I request an immediate override vote.

[Gass3268]

Sure. In order to attain my signature, it would have to at least be the start of the second trimester, and I'd also like increased fines.

I can't do that. We gave up too much already on this bill only to have it vetoed. Very frustrating.

[Gass3268]

Sure. In order to attain my signature, it would have to at least be the start of the second trimester, and I'd also like increased fines.

I can't do that. We gave up too much already on this bill only to have it vetoed. Very frustrating.

I completely agree. We have compromised multiple times on this bill in an attempt to win support from the other side of the aisle, yet all that's left us is a watered-down bill that still is opposed by the Right. I support overriding this veto.

I was unaware that if a bill is vetoed it cannot be amended. Since that is the case, I will vote to override the Governor's veto and then as soon as it has passed I will introduce a separate bill changing it to parental notification, rather than consent, as I had requested.

I would support your updated version.

[Gass3268]

Aye