Council defeats abortion measure
Members also approve park master plan, call for land acquisitions
Baltimore Sun Media Group 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 pur- See COUNCIL, page 2
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 pur- See COUNCIL, page 2
PREVIOUS ARTICLE
