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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- 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 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 likely 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.
"This is about their bodies. ... It's about their families," said Riesen, who voted against the bill.
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.
"Planned Parenthood has made it clear they intend to do all they can to continue killing babies. The Legislature will say the right of the unborn child is important to defend," Bramble said Wednesday.
But in the House, Majority Leader David Clark, R-Santa Clara, was less certain of the bill's passage. He said Republicans there hadn't discussed it and may not want to take on Roe v. Wade with protracted litigation.
Gov. Jon Huntsman, also a Republican, supports efforts to restrict abortion.
"However, our legal counsel is reviewing the bill and we have no comment yet," deputy chief of staff Mike Mower said.
About 3,000 women a year have abortions in Utah. Planned Parenthood President Karrie Galloway said a ban would lead to risky procedures to end pregnancies.
"Abortion is rare in Utah," she said. "But there are at least 3,000 women who need to make that decision. What are we going to do for them?"
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
