It’s 2010 people and abortion rights are being threatened at
every turn!! What’s wrong with this
picture?
Jury selection was delayed in Kansas today in the trial of Scott Roeder. Roeder is charged with murdering Dr. George Tiller, one of the nation's few,
brave, late-term abortion doctors.
Last week, the court hearing the case decided to let Roeder argue for a
conviction of the much lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter (which carries
about a five year sentence), rather than first-degree murder (which carries a
life sentence).
The delay came as prosecutors challenged that decision, as expressed in
today’s NPR
story - "The State encourages
this Court to not be the first to enable a defendant to justify premeditated
murder because of an emotionally charged political belief," the
prosecution wrote. "Such a ruling has far reaching consequences and would
be contrary to Kansas
law."
I wholeheartedly agree.
If Roeder’s actions are minimized, excused or sanctioned by a court of law,
it could only have dramatic and disturbing consequences – including, as imagined
in the NPR story, “open season” on abortion providers. It would also further weaken the framework
supporting Roe v. Wade.
Simultaneously, women’s reproductive rights continue to be threatened by
Congressional amendments to the healthcare reform bill. As anti-Choice Congressmen Stupak and Nelson hold
the bill hostage, we’re told that our
only hope to protect women’s rights and access to abortion is Maine
Senator Olympia Snowe.
Since we can’t do anything to influence the judge in Kansas, let’s do everything we can to
influence our very powerful state Senator to do the right thing for women and
families across the country.
Tell
her to reject the draconian Nelson and Stupak amendments.
Tell
her to vote YES on a comprehensive healthcare bill that retains women’s access
to abortion!