LETTERS: VOTERS WILL REMEMBER HOWARD'S VOTE

To the editor:

I want to personally thank each of you who responded to my letter a couple of weeks ago and called or wrote your senator and representative about the vote to override the governor's veto of the ban on partial-birth abortion. I also want to thank all of the churches in New Madrid County that responded to our request that they get their church members to sign petitions directed to our senator and representative asking that they override the governor's veto. We were able to go to Jefferson City with over 1,100 signatures from all over the county from people who care about the sanctity of life. When we went to see Sen. Jerry Howard, he refused to see us. Later, as one of our members caught him in the Senate Lounge to give him the petitions, he said, "I don't want those things." And, as you know by now, he voted on the side of the governor.

On the news the other day, Howard was interviewed and advised that he, the governor and another senator would file another bill that would ban partial-birth abortion but would include the exception of the health of the mother. What we all need to remember is that the original bill, Senate Bill 275 passed by the Missouri Legislature, allows partial-birth abortion to be performed if necessary to save a woman's life. When the exception for health is added, it brings about a large loophole that would allow partial-birth abortion for emotional well-being or depression. Medical experts testified before congressional committees that it is never necessary to kill the baby that has been almost entirely delivered in order to preserve the life or health of the mother.

I for one will let Howard know that I don't appreciate the fact that he has disregarded the voices of his constituents and that his attempt to mollify us with the introduction of a new bill will not work.

SHEILA BAIRD

New Madrid