Choice - The issue: Abortion - The Office: Governor
Cincinnati Enquirer
BY JON CRAIG | ENQUIRER COLUMBUS BUREAU
June 13, 2006 The issue: Abortion The question: House Bill 228 would make it a felony to carry out abortions in Ohio or transport a woman across state lines to have one. Would you sign this abortion bill? Bill Peirce, Libertarian running as an independent: "No. I would not sign House Bill 228 as it now reads. I am pro-life, but House Bill 228 is so draconian that it will destroy lives. In particular, making it a second-degree felony to transport a pregnant woman across the county line if she subsequently tries to obtain an abortion will turn every bus driver into an interrogator of prospective passengers. " Bob Fitrakis, Green Party: "Never. I believe that Roe v. Wade is good law and that the decision is between and woman and her God, not the self-proclaimed God squad -- I would no more sign this bill than I would sign one on witch burning. To criminalize transporting a woman across state lines for an abortion will make Ohio the laughingstock of the Midwest." U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, Democrat: "No. House Bill 228 is extreme and unconstitutional legislation that would criminalize all abortions, including cases where the life of the mother is in jeopardy. We should instead focus our efforts on working together to reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and abortions in Ohio by ensuring access to quality prenatal and maternal health care, abstinence and pregnancy prevention education." Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, Republican: "Yes, if amended. The legislation removes current pro-life protections in the law because it enacts a total ban. I would support an amended version with pro-life protections reinstated if the legislation is later challenged and overturned in court."
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