Senate Republicans Block Discussion on Abortion Ban
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Today, Senate Republicans moved to table HB 625, which will ban abortion at or after 24 weeks. This comes on the heels of Senate Finance Republicans putting this extremist anti-choice policy into the state budget just yesterday. By tabling the bill, Republicans used a parliamentary maneuver to block any discussion of the bill. In doing so, they also eliminated the opportunity for amendments to be considered, which is particularly concerning as this bill does not make exceptions for victims of rape or incest, and does not include medical considerations for the health of a fetus.
After the vote, Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) and Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) issued the following statements:
“Today’s move by Republicans was a convenient move to circumvent the legislative vetting process, and eliminated any opportunity for bipartisan deliberation of this dangerous legislation,” stated Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester). “This kind of maneuvering lets Republicans continue to push their anti-choice, anti-women agenda without having to defend their position or respond to questions from their colleagues on the other side of the aisle. I am greatly disappointed by this circumvention of our typically collegial process.”
Deputy Senate Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald (D-Nashua) added, “A day after Senate Finance Republicans inappropriately shoved this extremist policy into the state budget, the majority conveniently sidestepped having to answer questions or participate in debate about this legislation today, which represents a sea change in health care policy in New Hampshire. The people of New Hampshire expect and deserve better from us as their elected officials, and I hope the voters demand answers for this kind of behavior the next time they choose their legislative representatives.”
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