The Alabama Senate delayed until next week a vote on a bill to ban abortion after a heated discussion over a key amendment. The Senate abruptly removed a rape and incest exception from the bill without allowing a roll call vote on that decision.
Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth, who presides over the Senate, said that they followed all Senate rules when making this decision.
After the heated debate, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh out of Anniston moved to delay a vote on the abortion bill until next week. “We can come back in here on Tuesday and have extended debate and make that final decision.”
The bill would allow abortions to protect the woman from serious health risks. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a 74-3 vote last week, with the Republican majority supporting it. Democrats opposed the bill, but most did not participate in the final vote.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill on Wednesday and added the rape and incest amendment that was removed by the Senate today.
