Utah proposal to ban most abortions wiped out

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A Utah proposal to ban most abortions was wiped out Tuesday after falling victim to a common procedural move that eliminates non-critical bills near the end of each session.

The proposal would have banned the dilation and evacuation method of abortion, a procedure commonly used in the second trimester.

Bill sponsor Republican Rep. Curt Oda of Clearfield said he fully expected his proposal to receive widespread support from lawmakers.

“If you’ve ever seen pictures of dismembered fetuses, it’s despicable,” he said.

The proposal took weeks to draft, and was not introduced until late last month.

Utah is one of a handful of states considering similar legislation this year, with many using very similar language that’s been provided by the Washington-based National Right to Life Committee. For example, West Virginia’s Legislature recently approved a similar bill that is currently being considered by its Democratic governor.

Kansas passed a similar ban last year, but a state appeals court struck it down.

Legislative lawyers warned that Utah’s bill is likely unconstitutional.

Oda said that disclaimer is included in almost all abortion-related bills.

Before the session closes Thursday night, lawmakers are expected to consider a separate proposal that would require doctors to administer anesthesia prior to an abortion performed after 20 weeks gestation.

The sponsor of that measure, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, initially sought to ban abortions after 20 weeks entirely, but he changed course after the Legislature’s attorneys warned him that any such measure would likely be unconstitutional.

Oda said he fully supports Bramble’s plan.

Oda’s proposal would have prohibited any abortion that would involve extracting a live fetus in pieces from the uterus using instruments like clamps and forceps, calling that procedure a “dismemberment abortion.”

It would also prohibit what’s known as aspiration abortions during the first trimester. The method involves inserting a tube and using suction.

Oda said he plans to introduce the bill again next session.