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!