The Anne Arundel County Council voted down an abortion-related resolution this past week that would have recognized the rights of “preborn” children.

The 4-3 vote came after hours of testimony from dozens of residents. Seventy-one people signed up to speak.

The controversial resolution — introduced by Council Chairman Michael Peroutka, a Millersville Republican, sought to recognize “preborn” children as human and deserving of protection.

It would also have required the county health department file an annual report on abortions.

A provision that would have also sought a report on the “emotional” effects of the procedure was removed before the final vote was taken.

Republicans and Democrats generally split on the vote — with Democrats Andrew Pruski, Peter Smith and Chris Trumbauer voting against it and Republicans Peroutka, Derek Fink and Jerry Walker in favor.

Republican Councilman John Grasso of Glen Burnie was essentially the swing member, voting against the measure.

Abortion rights advocates had called the bill a step toward restricting women’s health care choices. Last week Planned Parenthood of Maryland held a rally in opposition to the measure. Opponents had also questioned whether the County Council should consider such a resolution when the council doesn’t have authority over abortion.

Supporters of the resolution said it was their duty to protect unborn children. They also said the measure would not have limited health care rights for women because the council can’t limit access to abortion services.

During the meeting, Peroutka said abortion rights advocates have already conceded that “preborn” children are human beings and that abortion is an act of “destruction.”

In other business, the council unanimously passed a master plan for parks, recreation and land preservation.

The plan serves as recommendations on where to place parks and recreation fields.

The plan also recommends land purchases — including a call to acquire 70 acres for the new South County Athletic Fields in Edgewater, 50 acres for athletic fields in the Pasadena-Marley Neck area and 50 acres for a new West Area Athletic Complex, among other acquisitions.

Council members also debated legislation that would increase police access to massage establishments in the county.

A bill under consideration would allow the chief of police or other police officers to enter the public area of a massage business for an inspection.

Smith said he introduced the legislation because of concerns surrounding human trafficking and prostitution at massage businesses. Anne Arundel is behind only Baltimore County in human-trafficking cases.

“This will allow the police to interact with those establishments and inspect them to make sure they are running an appropriate business,” Smith said during the meeting. But Trumbauer raised concerns that the bill could bypass warrant requirements to inspect those businesses.

“I’m not comfortable as yet of where this is,” Trumbauer said.

“I think there might be a little more work that needs to be done.”

ccook@capgaznews.com