Salt Lake City – A Utah House committee voted to ban abortion, setting the stage for a costly legal battle if the bill clears the Legislature and is signed into law.
“We are talking about preserving the sanctity of human life. The state of Utah should lead the charge,” said Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem.
The Health and Human Services Committee approved his bill, 6-2, Tuesday and sent it to the full House.
The committee met to consider a bill that would trigger a ban if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a 1973 decision that legalized abortion. But the bill was subsequently turned into a prohibition, no matter what happens at the court.
The only exceptions would be in cases of rape, incest or medical necessity.
If the bill becomes law, Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said defending it would cost at least $1 million.
He said the bill probably is unconstitutional, but “if the Legislature passes it, then my duty is to defend it.”
Rep. Phil Riesen, D-Salt Lake City, opposes abortion but said it’s a decision that should be made by a woman, her doctor and clergy.
Senate Majority Leader Curt Bramble, R-Provo, predicted the abortion ban would clear the Legislature, which is dominated by Republicans. He said lawmakers would set aside money to defend the state in court.
