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Kelly Disappointed in Governor's Political Veto
Veto Means State still to Pick-Up Tab on Elective Abortions

(FAIRBANKS) - Sen. Pete Kelly (R-Fairbanks) was not surprised when Governor Knowles vetoed his bill dealing with state funding of abortions.

The issue was Senate Bill 364, which would have helped establish guidelines on medically necessary abortions to curb the use of state funding for elective abortions. "Current regulations allow for state funding of abortions for psychological health. That is a legal loophole that planned-parenthood and the Knowles administration have been able to drive a truck through. The result has been state funded elective abortions," Kelly said.

"Pro-choice advocates like the Governor want unrestricted elective abortions paid for with the peoples money, but this bill said if you want a state funded abortion there should be a medical reason. I guess that's too much of a restriction for those in the pro-choice movement, " said Kelly.

Kelly added, "The crux of this bill can be simply stated, 'You may have a right to an abortion but I shouldn't have to pay for it unless there is a good reason'

People in Alaska, on both sides of the abortion question agree that there is abuse of the system and the state should not be picking up the tab for elective abortions. Unfortunately, Kelly said "The Knowles veto has assured that the voice of the people in the middle has been drowned out by the extremes."

Kelly who has been successful in overriding this governor's veto on three other issues is not speculating on the likelihood of a veto override at this time.

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