Pro-Life News: Georgia Stem Cell Research, Rhode Island, New Zealand 
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by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
April 9, 2006
Georgia Pro-Life Advocates Disappointed Stem Cell Research Bill Failed
Atlanta, GA (LifeNews.com) — Pro-life advocates in Georgia are disappointed that a bill to promote adult stem cell research in the state, which the House approved, died in the Senate on the last day of the legislative session. Some people are upset at Sen. Vincent Fort, a Democrat who essentially filibustered an unrelated bill in the final minutes of the session. Sen. David Shafer, who sponsored the bill, blamed him. "Sen. Fort was filibustering and refusing to yield … for anything other than a motion to adjourn," Shafer said. "It was a sad ending to the session." But most are blaming Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, who presided over the Senate on the last day, for not stopping Fort’s speech. Georgia Right to Life blamed Taylor for not halting Fort’s speech and said the Lt. Governor showed a "lack of leadership."
Kansas Pro-Life Group Wants Abortion Education Provision Removed From Bill
Topeka, KS (LifeNews.com) — Kansans for Life is asking state lawmakers to remove a provision from a bill that would require schools to teach about abortion and fetal pain during sexual education classes. Although the group backs the intent of the provision, opposition to it is hurting the underlying bill, which requires keeping more accurate abortion records. "Because the fetal development abortion education amendment will continue to generate propaganda by its opponents, it needs to come off SB 528 and be evaluated on its own merits so that any concerns can be adequately addressed," the group said. Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri opposes the legislation. The bill also says proper care must be given to babies who are born alive after a failed late-term abortion.
New Zealand Officials Concerned About Number of late-Term Abortions There
Wellington, New Zealand (LifeNews.com) — New Zealand officials are concerned that the island nation has a much higher percentage of late-term abortions than other countries. A symposium on abortion in Wellington revealed that just 3 percent of abortions are done under 10 weeks pregnancy while more than 60 percent of abortions are done that early in pregnancy in most nations. Wellington abortion consultant, Carol Shand said late-term abortions pose problems for women, including increased complications.
Rhode Island Lawmakers Hold Hearing on Abortion Information Bill
Providence, RI (LifeNews.com) — Rhode Island lawmakers held a hearing on an abortion information bill that would make sure women get details about abortion’s risks and alternatives before having one. The Women’s Right to Know Act has been approved by the Senate but killed in the House in past attempts to approve it. That will probably happen again as Rep. Joseph McNamara, chairman of the House Health, Education and Welfare Committee said the bill may not get a vote in the committee this year. "The Women’s Right to Know bill is moderate, constitutionally sound legislation," Rita Parquette, director of the Rhode Island Right to Life Committee told the HEW panel. "It is just good medical policy to fully inform someone about the possible side effects that might occur as a result of a surgical procedure, especially when the life of a baby hangs in the balance."
