
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 31, 1990                   TAG: 9003310293
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

IDAHO ABORTION BILL DEAD

Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus Friday vetoed the most restrictive abortion law passed in recent years by any state legislature, derailing plans by its supporters to force a Supreme Court challenge to the legality of abortion.

Andrus, who said he opposes abortion, said he agonized over the legislation but concluded the bill does not provide a woman and her family any flexibility in cases of rape and incest.

"The bill is drawn so narrowly that it would punitively and without compassion further harm an Idaho woman who may find herself in the horrible, unthinkable position of confronting a pregnancy that resulted from rape or incest," he said.

Andrus waited to veto the bill until the legislature adjourned for the year Friday, eliminating any chance the veto could be overridden.

Abortion-rights advocates had said the bill was unconstitutionally restrictive and had promised an immediate legal challenge if Andrus signed it. That would have given anti-abortion forces the court test they hoped would lead to overturning the Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized a constitutional right to abortion.

The measure, drafted by the National Right to Life Committee, was designed to attract the support of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, the key vote on the Supreme Court on the divisive issue.

Kate Michelman, executive director of the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL), Friday praised Andrus, who she said was in "a no-win situation." She said, "He put his personal feelings aside and refused to rob women of the personal decision that rightfully belongs to them."

But Michelman warned, "Though this is a major victory and demonstration of `pro-choice' strength, it does not mean that the threat to choice has been eliminated. With every bill we defeat, another threat arises in another state."

Nancy Myers, communications director for the National Right to Life Committee, said Andrus "completely abandoned his principles - he can no longer be considered `pro-life.' "

She said his "excuses won't wash with the people of Idaho. This law was passed by both houses of the Idaho legislature. It's a reasonable measure. People want it. It would be upheld by the court." Myers said the veto will be "a shot in the arm," galvanizing anti-abortion forces nationally. "This doesn't end with Idaho," she added. "Other states will consider this law this year or next year."

by CNB