Links
Gov. Charlie Crist vetoes abortion bill
Gov. Charlie Crist rejected a controversial abortion bill Friday, using his veto pen to repudiate the conservative Republicans who elected him and championed the legislation as "the most significant prolife measure in Florida's history."
The legislation required most women seeking an abortion to view an ultrasound and listen to a doctor describe the fetus, unless they signed a form to opt out. The bill also included a provision to ensure that tax dollars didn't cover elective abortions.
"This bill places an inappropriate burden on women seeking to terminate pregnancy," Crist wrote in his veto message, saying he put his personal "prolife" views aside in making the decision.
"Personal views should not result in laws that unwisely expand the role of government and coerce people to obtain medical tests or procedures that are not medically necessary," he said.