Mont. Constitution changes would restrict abortion

HELENA — House Republicans are pushing long shot constitutional changes sponsored by Rep. Wendy Warburton, R-Havre, aimed at restricting abortion, with the sponsor backing the measures arguing they will help the party at the polls.

Both proposed amendments would go to voters in 2012 if they clear the Legislature, which appears unlikely.

Proposed constitutional changes require support from a total of 100 of 150 House and Senate lawmakers — and Republicans fall four votes shy of being able to get it done on their own. In House votes on Monday afternoon, even a few Republicans didn't support the plans.

One of the proposals would state in the Montana Constitution there is no right to an abortion or its funding, while another would state in the Constitution that life begins at conception. Supporters argue both will help lawmakers end or curtail the practice, while opponents argue they undermine a woman's right to privacy.

Warburton told the Havre Daily News this morning that she is hopeful that if the Leglislature passes the bills, the voters would approve the constitutional amendments in 2012.

"What this is really about is just getting it on the ballot for the people to decide, " she said. "It will be tough.

"If people want it on the ballot and want to vote on it they need to contact their legislators and let them know, " Warburton added.

She said during floor debate that abortion is the "biggest and most important issue of our time, perhaps of all time."

Democratic opponents countered it is a wedge issue that forces the government into the lives of adult Montanans who can make their own decisions.

Warburton assured fellow Republicans prior to floor votes that the ballot measures will help Republicans — beating back fears they could have the opposite effect. Many polls have shown Montana voters mixed on the issue of abortion.

Warburton said that more Republicans than Democrats consider the abortion issue, one way or the other, a top issue.

"These bills will drive our voters to the polls," she told Republicans.

But Warburton conceded it will take some Democrats voting "yes" in the Senate for her proposals to get the required 100 "yes" votes. Depending on today's scheduled House votes, perhaps as many as 10 Senate Democrats will be needed, she said.

"We will need some bipartisan votes to get on the ballot, maybe we will get a miracle and get on the ballot," Warburton said.

A poll in this morning's Billings Gazette indicated that 35 percent of Montanans would support a ban on abortions, while 56 percent oppose it.