Mike_GronstalThe Iowa Senate Majority Leader Dictator Mike Gronstalling (D-Council Bluffs) will not allow a vote on the late term abortion ban, HF 657, which was released from the Iowa Senate Government Oversight committee through a discharge petition with 26 signatures.  Iowa Senate Democrats are proposing their own bill instead spearheaded by State Senator Joe Bolkcom (R-Iowa City) that they say would prevent Leroy Carhart from setting up shop in the state, but it wouldn’t ban abortions after 20 weeks.

Bolkcom couldn’t explain how his bill would even work
 instead complained about the unconstitutionality of the language of a bill which was written in such a way it would likely pass muster and be upheld by the Supreme Court.

Which is exactly what Senate Democrats are afraid of.

Iowa Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley (R-Chariton) said the bill Bolkcom is offering is a tax bill that he doesn’t believe would ultimately prevent Carhart from entering the state.  In a prepared statement, McKinley said:

I am deeply disappointed that Senator Gronstal is continuing to play political games with the vitally important late-term abortion ban by killing the bi-partisan legislation and instead allegedly offering a tax bill in its place that could fail to keep our state from becoming a nationwide haven for late-term abortions.

This debate is not just about keeping one abortionist out of Council Bluffs – it is about protecting the innocent lives of unborn Iowans in every community. We believe it is wrong for Senator Gronstal to continue to obstruct a vote and stand in the way of meaningful Senate debate on this issue and Senate Republicans will continue to demand an up or down vote on a late-term abortion ban this session. We are confident that if Senator Gronstal opts to listen to the citizens of his district and allows a vote on a late-term abortion ban, it will pass the Senate with strong bi-partisan support.

This bill doesn’t get Senate Democrats off the hook.  It may possibly keep Carhart out, but I question how a bill focused on one person will be seen as constitutional.  It also would allow Planned Parenthood or some other abortion provider to perform these types of abortions.

Does Gronstal and Senate Democrats really believe that people are concerned more about the “who” than the “what”?  We don’t want late term abortions in this state (or any abortions for that matter).  It really doesn’t matter who is doing them.

Council Bluffs residents remember when you vote in November 2012 that Mike Gronstal has demonstrated he cares more about Planned Parenthood and the pro-death lobby than he does you.

You May Also Like

Taylor Accuses King and Feenstra of Debate Dodging

Jeremy Taylor accused Randy Feenstra and incumbent Steve King of dodging debates in Iowa 4th Congressional District’s Republican Primary.

Iowa Caucus Polls Are All Over The Place

Bernie Sanders has a 3.6 point lead averaging the last five polls in Iowa of likely Democratic caucus-goers leading in three polls and Joe Biden leading two.

Evidence Allowed in Branstad Trial Should Cause Concern

Former Gov. Terry Branstad’s party affiliation, political views of the party, and beliefs of people advising him is allowed as evidence of discrimination at trial.

Iowa Senate Republicans Select Bill Dix Majority Leader-Elect

Iowa Senate Republicans selected State Senator Bill Dix (R-Shell Rock) as the incoming Majority Leader of the Iowa Senate for the 87th General Assembly.