Holmquist supports partial birth abortion ban

OLYMPIA — The Supreme Court upheld the nationwide ban on partial birth abortions Wednesday advising it does not violate a woman's right to abortion.

"I commend the Supreme Court today for upholding our nation's laws and protecting the sanctity of life," Sen. Janea Holmquist, R-Moses Lake, said. "I believe it is time for Washington state to revisit our laws regarding abortion and the protection of unborn life."

Holmquist's work against the controversal prcedure began in 2005 while she was a member of the House of Representatives, according to her staff.

She proposed a bill banning partial birth abortions and prohibiting public funds for the procedure. The bill required parental consent for abortions sought by minors, called for a 24-hour waiting period for the procedure and required informed consent.

No action was taken on the 2005 bill.

"I am a firm believer in protecting the right to life for unborn children and hope our state will soon address the many gaps in our laws that pose a significant threat to women and their unborn children," she said.

The partial birth abortion is known at dilation and extraction. In 2003 the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act was signed into law by President George Bush.