CARNAHAN VETO UPSETS ANTI-ABORTION GROUPS

They knew he was going to do it, but local anti-abortion groups are upset with Gov. Mel Carnahan's decision to veto the partial birth abortion bill.

"We are disappointed because we are a group that values life from birth to death," said Jeanette Dohogne, a counselor at the Crisis Pregnancy Center, 109 Independence. "How can you be anything but disappointed when the governor doesn't value life?"

The bill would have made partial birth abortions a crime and allowed prosecutors to criminally charge women, physicians, medical personnel and anyone else who assisted the woman in getting the abortion.

Carnahan called the bill "deceptive and extreme" because he said it went beyond banning partial birth abortions. He said he had to veto the bill because it did not provide any exceptions for medical emergencies.

But Judy Seabaugh, director of Birthright, 134 S. Park, said there are few if any cases where partial birth abortions are needed to save the mother's life.

"In partial birth abortions the baby is ready to be born," Seabaugh said. "They have the baby anyway. But it is during that process that the baby's life is taken."

Seabaugh said the women who want partial birth abortions are not doing it because of medical reasons. She said if women carry the baby to term, there are other alternatives to abortion such as adoption.

The debate won't die soon. Carnahan faces a battle during the fall veto session.

Dohogne said there will be several anti-abortion groups from the area in Jefferson City in the fall. State Rep. Mary Kasten said she is confident the House will have enough votes to overturn the veto, and she anticipates a fight in the Senate.

"I would be willing to bet almost anything on it," said Kasten.

Kasten said she knew Carnahan was going to veto the bill, but she cannot understand how he could do it in good conscience.

"I can't imagine how anyone could ever countenance such a horrible act," Kasten said.

State Rep. Patrick Naeger agreed.

"How tragic that the governor can exercise mercy for a convicted murderer like Darryl Mease but can find no mercy for unborn children in the third trimester," Naeger said.

The political drums are already sounding as Carnahan is set to leave office and seek U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft's seat.

"Hopefully, we will be able to get a pro-life governor," Dohogne said.

Ashcroft is keeping a weary eye on Carnahan. "I am shocked that Gov. Mel Carnahan, who finds mercy for a convicted murderer, can find none for a defenseless baby," said Ashcroft spokesman Matt Morrow. "I hope the Missouri Legislature overrides this terrible veto."