Gov. Beebe Says He's Decided Whether to Veto 'Fetal Heartbeat Bill'
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: February 19, 2013
The Arkansas House of Representatives is addressing two abortion measures Tuesday morning.
All the action occurred in the Public Health Committee on Tuesday, where the 20-week abortion ban passed on Monday is running back through the House because of an exception for rape and incest.
That bill is expected to get to Governor Beebe by the end of the week.
The 12-week "fetal heartbeat" bill bans abortion once a heartbeat is detected, and also comes with a myriad of exceptions.
The bill's sponsor, Jason Rapert, says it's constitutional, and Governor Beebe says he's decided whether or not he will veto the bill, he's just not disclosing that decision.
"I've continued to speak with the governor," Rapert says. "We're providing information about this bill and we believe we have struck the proper balance."
"These folks need to vote up or down without necessarily any cover from me," Governor Beebe said. "They need to vote the way they want to vote, and they will. And then I will do what I think is appropriate."
We may find out by the end of the week whether Beebe will use that veto power.
All the action occurred in the Public Health Committee on Tuesday, where the 20-week abortion ban passed on Monday is running back through the House because of an exception for rape and incest.
That bill is expected to get to Governor Beebe by the end of the week.
The 12-week "fetal heartbeat" bill bans abortion once a heartbeat is detected, and also comes with a myriad of exceptions.
The bill's sponsor, Jason Rapert, says it's constitutional, and Governor Beebe says he's decided whether or not he will veto the bill, he's just not disclosing that decision.
"I've continued to speak with the governor," Rapert says. "We're providing information about this bill and we believe we have struck the proper balance."
"These folks need to vote up or down without necessarily any cover from me," Governor Beebe said. "They need to vote the way they want to vote, and they will. And then I will do what I think is appropriate."
We may find out by the end of the week whether Beebe will use that veto power.
