One of the things Conservative leader Stephen Harper plans to do if he gains power is to put the abortion issue to a free vote in the House of Commons. If he has a minority, I don’t think the vote will pass, but if he has a majority, it could be a day that will go down in infamy for Canadians women and their right to choose.

Canada is much more liberal (small “l”) than the States, but our right wing loonies are on the move and gaining steam. You might want to watch what’s going on north of the border. It’s pretty scary up here.

Introduced: 8 states

States with further action

Passed at least one chamber: OK and SC

Enacted: SD

In September, a US District Court judge in MICHIGAN found the state’s 2004 Legal Birth Definition Act unconstitutional. The law, which had been enjoined since March, defined a legal birth as when any part of a fetus was outside the womb. District Judge Denise Page Hood found the law, which claimed to target ‘partial-birth’ abortions, confusing, vague and an undue burden on a woman’s right to choose. The decision is yet to be appealed.

In March, the OKLAHOMA House of Representatives approved a measure designed to make abortion illegal in the state if the Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade. Since the legislature has adjourned its regular session, further action is not expected.

In April, the SOUTH CAROLINA House passed a measure that would guarantee that the rights of citizens, as conferred in the state constitution, begin at fertilization. The measure specifies that it would not affect the prescription of emergency contraceptives for victims of sexual assault. Since the legislature has adjourned its regular session, further action is not expected.

(ENACTED) In March, Gov. Mike Rounds (R), of SOUTH DAKOTA, signed legislation that would make abortion illegal in the state, except when necessary to save the life of the woman, if the Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade. The measure was approved by the legislature in February.