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Alaska Gov. Palin Suggests Special Session for Failed Abortion Restriction Laws

Palin calls her baby born last week with Down Syndrome a "gift"

By Michael Baggot

JUNEAU, Alaska, April 24, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - After refusing to introduce two abortion restricting bills to a special session on a natural gas pipeline on Wednesday because of fears that the bills would not likely succeed, Governor Sarah Palin expressed her willingness to bring the legislation to separate sessions.

House Bill 301 would forbid partial birth abortions, while House Bill 364 would require parental consent for women under 17 seeking abortion.

Senate President Lyda Green called on Palin to incorporate the two bills into the pipeline special session after the bills failed to pass the House.

Palin argued that Green should have used her position to support the two bills before they died at the end of the regular legislative session on April 13.

"Senate President Green did not exhaust every possible option during the regular session to move the legislation," said Palin.

"As you are aware, I fully support these bills."

"Alaskans know I am pro-life and have never wavered in my belief in the sanctity of every human life.  These issues are so important they shouldn't be diluted with oil and gas deliberations," added Palin.

Palin asked Senate leaders to examine how best to advance legislation similar to the two failed bills and suggested the possibility of a separate session for abortion restricting legislation, provided Green could "show a path to success."

Palin expressed disagreement with the Alaska Supreme Court when it overturned a 1997 parental consent law in 2007.

"She feels parental consent is reasonable because it is required in nearly every aspect of a child's life. It's a parent's right and responsibility to be involved in their child's life," spokeswoman Sharon Leighow told the Juneau Empire.

Leighow added that Palin supported a constitutional amendment requiring parental consent for abortions.

On Friday, Palin gave birth one month earlier than expected to a child with Down Syndrome. 

"We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives.  We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place.  We are truly blessed," Palin stated

Palin's decision to give birth to her child is unusual, since currently more than 80% of children with Down Syndrome are aborted.

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

"Airbrushing Diversity": Parents of Down Syndrome Children Tell of Abortion Pressures
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/mar/08030303.html

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