NATION : Anti-Abortion Bill Gains in Utah
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SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate today passed a tough new anti-abortion bill that Republican Gov. Norm Bangerter promises he will sign despite a legal battle promised by abortion rights advocates.
The Senate voted 23 to 5 in favor of the bill, which would outlaw most abortions in Utah. The legislation goes to the House Health Committee on Thursday and probably the full House by Friday.
The bill is expected to win House passage. Seventy percent of Utahans and 90% of the 104 state lawmakers are members of the Mormon Church, which considers abortion a grievous sin except in the most dire medical circumstances.
Democratic Sen. Karen Shepherd told the bill’s supporters that it could cost the state millions of dollars if it becomes law. “I fear Utah will pay in terms of the Olympics, tourism and conventions and in human lives and suffering.”
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