This isn't good.

[jillithian]

From St. Cloud Times:

1 April, 2003
House OKs abortion legislation
By Kirsti Marohn

ST. PAUL -- The state House of Representatives passed a bill Monday that would require women to wait 24 hours before getting an abortion.

Called the "Women's Right to Know" or informed consent bill, it would require clinics to provide women with information on the risks of abortion, the age of the fetus and alternatives available. The author is Rep. Mary Liz Holberg, R-Lakeville.

The House overwhelmingly passed the bill 91-41. The Senate has not yet voted on it but is expected to pass it. Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said he will sign it.

Proponents of the bill say it is needed because women aren't getting important information before making a decision that could have lasting physical and emotional impacts.

All Central Minnesota legislators of both parties voted for the bill. Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, said the bill isn't "pro-life legislation -- it is pro-informed choice legislation."

"The point of this bill is it's not another surgical procedure. It's about information that involves another life, not just the life of the patient," Olson said.

Before the vote, Rep. Jim Knoblach, R-St. Cloud, noted that opinion polls show the majority of Minnesotans support an abortion waiting period. Other states that have adopted a waiting period have seen reductions of up to 25 percent in the number of abortions, he said.

Those voting against the bill said it's an effort to take away abortion rights by increment.

"Those people who are working on these bills are long-term trying to stomp out the right of any woman to have an abortion under any circumstance," said Rep. Mindy Greiling, DFL-Roseville.

Opponents also objected to the cost -- $488,000 for the first two years for the state health commissioner to maintain a Web site and publish information.