Alabama considers similar abortion ban

By Bob Johnson, Associated Press Writer | Sunday, March 26, 2006

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Two Alabama legislators have introduced bills that would ban almost all abortions in the state, except those performed to save women's lives.

The bills are similar to legislation banning abortion that passed in South Dakota.

"I thought if South Dakota can do it, Alabama ought to do it, because we are a family-friendly state," said state Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo, who has introduced a bill in the Senate that would even ban abortions in cases where a woman became pregnant because of rape or incest.

A similar bill has been introduced in the House by Rep. Nick Williams, R-McIntosh. The bills would make it a felony crime to perform abortions in Alabama.

With only seven days left in the 2006 session, the bills do not have much chance of passing this year, but supporters say they expect to keep trying.

"I think you will see in every session from this day forward a South Dakota-type abortion ban bill," John Giles, president of the Christian Coalition of

Alabama, said.

A supporter of abortion rights said the bills in Alabama and South Dakota are an attempt to get a test case before the U.S. Supreme Court to see if it - with two new justices appointed - will overturn the Rowe vs. Wade decision that upheld a woman's right to seek an abortion.

Similar legislation is being considered in a number of other states, including Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia.

"It's something we need to address," Williams said. "I believe the majority of people in this state are pro-life and would support this legislation."