Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Reproductive Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Heated testimony as committee rejects measure creating rape/incest exceptions to abortion restrictions
Summary
After extended emotional testimony from survivors, advocates and faith leaders, the committee voted down HB261, a bill to add exceptions for rape and certain offenses to abortion restrictions; the motion to report failed 2–10.
A lengthy and emotionally charged hearing on House Bill 261 ended with the Criminal Justice Committee voting not to advance the measure.
Representative Boyd, sponsor of HB261, asked the committee to add exceptions for sexual assault and related offenses to the state's abortion restrictions. She framed the measure around protecting children and families who face traumatic circumstances following sexual violence.
The public‑comment period drew multiple witnesses. Yvonne Mitchell Grubb, Audrey Wascomb and other survivors delivered personal testimony urging lawmakers to allow exceptions so survivors and their families could make private health decisions. Susie Labrie and other victim‑advocacy witnesses also urged review and oversight for related supervision systems earlier in the agenda.
Opponents—including religious and pro‑life speakers and several committee members—spoke firmly against the change. Representative Knox, Representative Moore and others weighed the moral and constitutional considerations and raised concerns about protecting unborn life; Representative Knox repeatedly emphasized the age of affected girls in some cited cases.
At the close of debate the committee held a roll-call vote on the motion to report HB261 favorably. The result: two yeas and ten nays. The chair announced that the motion failed and HB261 will not leave the committee this session.
