SENATE TO CONSIDER FINAL APPROVAL OF PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION MEASURE

The Missouri Senate will consider today a bill outlawing late-term abortions and making it a felony for a physician to perform the procedure.

The bill, introduced by Sen. Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, got first-round approval Monday after three hours of debate.

Kinder predicted that the bill would pass the Senate overwhelmingly today.

His confidence stems from the sound defeat of three amendments to the bill Monday. Opponents could muster no more than seven votes on any of three proposals that would have loosened the restrictions.

"It took about three hours Monday before they threw in the towel," Kinder said.

After the three amendment votes Monday, first-round approval was given on a voice vote. If the Senate approves the bill today, it would be sent on to the House for consideration.

"I have had Democratic members of the House approach me and ask, `Where's your bill? We want to get it and consider it,'" Kinder said.

Opponents of the measure say existing restrictions on late-term abortions make the bill unnecessary.

The procedure, called partial-birth abortion by those opposed to it, involves partially removing a fetus, legs first, through the birth canal. An incision is made in the base of the barely visible skull and the brain is removed through a suction tube.

"Even pro-choice lawmakers don't support partial-birth abortions," Kinder said. "They just don't want to defend it."

Last year Congress passed legislation to ban the procedure, but President Bill Clinton vetoed it. Five states have passed legislation this year banning the procedure: Arkansas, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio and Utah. Similar bills are being considered in other states.

Kinder is scheduled to discuss the legislation Friday night at the opening of the Missouri Right to Life State Convention in Fruitland.

Christine Stephens, secretary of the Missouri Right to Life regional chapter, called Monday's Senate vote a great victory.

"Of course we're hoping this is just one step in the right direction," Stephens said. "All abortions are brutal and painful for the infant.

"The United States Catholic bishops call it four-fifths infanticide and one-fifth abortion," Stephens said. "Unlike other forms of abortion, the baby is almost fully delivered before it is killed."