Ga. Antiabortion-Rights Community Improving Relations With House GOP

Main Category: Abortion
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound;  Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 25 Jan 2010 - 2:00 PDT

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For several years, some members of Georgia's antiabortion-rights movement have not been on speaking terms with state House Republican leaders, but the relationship appears to be improving, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Political Insider" reports. The dispute stemmed from antiabortion-rights groups' long-running effort to extend state constitutional protections and the House's failure to advance such measures. According to "Political Insider," the resistance was related to Georgia's effort to expand its biotech industry, including embryonic stem cell research.

The movement's frustration with then-Speaker Glenn Richardson (R) "became intense and personal," despite passage of other measures restricting access to abortion, including a bill that would require providers to offer ultrasounds before abortions, "Political Insider" reports. However, sentiments might be shifting with current Speaker David Ralston's (R) appointment of state Rep. Bill Hembree (R) as chair of the House Rules Committee, which controls which legislation advances to the floor. Hembree is a "committed abortion opponent" and has backed attempts to declare that life begins at fertilization, according to "Political Insider."

Hembree said he will not grant the movement any special favors, and such legislation would have to move through the House Science and Technology Committee first. He also said that Republicans need to seek a balance on abortion issues. Mike Griffin, legislative director for Georgia Right to Life, said the antiabortion rights community is satisfied with that approach and Hembree's reputation (Galloway, "Political Insider," Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 1/21).

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