An opponent of an anti-abortion bill working its way through the House accuses the Republican majority in general and the Speaker in particular of pushing the measure because of politics.
The House has given preliminary approval to HB 1831 that adds to the state’s informed consent law. Opponent Beth Low, a representative from Kansas City, sees politics behind the move to push the anti-abortion bill. First, she questions why the sponsor, Rep. Bob Onder (R-Lake St. Louis) has been allowed to move his bill rather than the sponsors of other similar bills.
Then, Low insinuates leadership has pulled strings, "Perhaps it’s because the Speaker is running his race."
Low was gaveled down after that statement and told to confine her remarks to the bill.
House Speaker Rod Jetton (R-Marble Hill) is also a political consultant. He has worked with Rep. Onder on his bid for Congress. Onder sponsors the bill and is among the Republicans who filed in the northeast Missouri district after incumbent Kenny Hulshof decided to run for governor.
Jetton says his professional relationship with Onder has nothing to do with the bill coming before the House for debate.
"That couldn’t be any further from the truth," Jetton tells the Missourinet when asked about Low’s accusations, "I’m disappointed Beth would say something like that."
Jetton denies politics is playing any role in the House action on the bill.
The bill would make it a crime to coerce a woman to have an abortion. It requires a woman seeking an abortion to be informed of alternatives and that a fetus can feel pain.
Another favorable vote sends it to the Senate.
Download/listen Brent Martin reports (1:15 MP3)
