By Samantha Kamman, Columnist
The Republican governor of Vermont, Phil Scott, recently signed House Bill 57 into law. This bill recognizes abortion as a “fundamental human right” by ensuring the government does not infringe upon a woman’s right to abort her unborn baby. Speaking on his reasoning for signing the bill, Scott stated that the pro-abortion legislation is about “protecting reproductive rights and ensuring those decisions remain between a woman and her health care provider.” But instead of protecting women, this bill will only benefit the abortion industry.
The bill will remove protections for pregnant victims of violence or malpractice, stripping away any chance of a woman obtaining justice if her baby is lost due to another person’s wrongdoing. In an effort to safeguard women, Republican lawmakers attempted to introduce amendments to the bill. These amendments would have limited abortions after the unborn baby is viable and required minors to obtain parental consent for abortions. Democrats shot it down, however, and a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood expressed displeasure at amendments that would protect viable babies and underage girls, labeling them “burdensome.”
Executive director of the Vermont Right to Life, Mary Hahn Beerworth, said that Scott used to support moderate abortion restrictions, such as parental consent laws, but things have changed.
“With his signature, Gov. Scott has rejected any regulation of abortion, abortionists and abortion clinics, including measures to protect the health and safety of girls and women. Scott has embraced without reservation the agenda of the powerful pro-abortion lobby.”
The bill codifies unrestricted abortions up to the point of birth into law. Acts of legislation like this are completely out of touch with the views of most Americans. A poll from Marist University found 75% of abortions should be limited to the first three months of pregnancy, and a Gallup poll found 53% of Americans oppose all or most abortions.
