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Utah Senate Passes Substitute Senate Bill 23, an Abortion‑Limitation Measure, After Lengthy Debate
Summary
After hours of debate and floor amendments, the Utah Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 23, a two‑step abortion‑limitation bill, by a vote of 23–5 with one senator absent. Sponsors said amendments clarify physician judgment and remove criminal liability for the woman; opponents warned of constitutional risk and litigation costs.
The Utah Senate passed Substitute Senate Bill 23, an abortion‑limitation measure, on a 23–5 vote with one senator absent.
Senator Beatty, floor sponsor in Senator McAllister’s absence, introduced six amendments intended to clarify the bill’s language, including placing certain decisions in the “professional judgment of the pregnant woman’s attending physician” and explicitly removing criminal liability for a woman seeking an abortion. "We believe these amendments bring clarity and would avoid some misunderstandings in any judicial review," Beatty said while moving the changes.
Why it matters: The bill drew sustained, emotional debate over constitutional exposure and the potential cost of litigation. Opponents said the measure is likely to be…
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