Abortion bills progress in Arizona Senate

PHOENIX, June 11 (UPI) -- Legislation that would restrict abortions has advanced in the Arizona Legislature amid tacit support from anti-abortion Republican Gov. Jan Brewer.

The Arizona Republic Thursday that the two bills have been recommended for passage by the Senate Public Safety and Human Services Committee.

The bills that would require a 24-hour waiting period for abortions and would increase penalties for performing late-term abortions.

"It's safe to say that the governor has a very consistent pro-life track record, both in the Legislature and her other elected offices," Brewer spokesman Paul Senseman said.

The newspaper noted that Brewer's predecessor, former Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano, vetoed the nine

anti-abortion bills that came before her.

"Poll after poll shows the strong majority of Americans support these types of provisions," said Cathi Herrod, president of the conservative Center for Arizona Policy. "It's intended to empower women by making sure they have full and adequate information before they make that decision."

Herrod said 30 states have some requirement to inform women about abortion risks and alternatives to the procedure.