Bentley Oulines Aggressive Pro-Life Legislative Packet

If state Rep. Robert Bentley, R-Tuscaloosa, has his way during the 2010 legislative session the state could be a step closer to outlawing most abortions and allowing health care providers to refuse to provide services that they felt violated their conscience.

In a press conference Tuesday, Bentley announced his intention to pre-file bills for the upcoming 2010 legislative session that would do both. In addition, he is introducing a bill that would insert new language into the state's existing abortion law. He also will introduce a resolution opposing the federal Freedom of Choice Act, which would codify Roe v. Wade.

Bentley, who also is a Republican candidate for governor, said that he knows that his amendment to outlaw abortion would be challenged immediately and could cost the state money to defend it, but he said its the right thing to do. He also said its an opportunity to force legislators and candidates for governor to prove that they are truly pro-life.

"This will be a great test case to determine the state's authority to regulate itself under the 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution," he said.


-- posted by Markeshia Ricks