I know we probably do not want to get into an abortion discussion, but I think the outcome here is the best. They should have sterilized her in the process though! Mo. Inmate at Center of Case Gets Abortion By Associated Press
document.write(getElapsed("20051021T170731Z")); 3 hours agoUPDATED 23 MINUTES AGO
ST. LOUIS - A Missouri inmate whose effort to get an abortion went all to the way to the U.S. Supreme Court underwent the procedure.
The woman had the abortion Thursday in St. Louis, after the courts ruled that the state Corrections Department must provide her with transportation to the clinic at taxpayer expense.
The four-months-pregnant inmate was in prison in Vandalia, 80 miles from St. Louis, for violating her probation on a methamphetamine-possession charge.
The woman, whose name was not released, was willing to pay for the abortion but said she could not afford transportation. The prison system refused to give her ride because of a Missouri law that forbids the use of tax dollars to facilitate an abortion.
But a federal judge ruled that the policy violated the woman's right to an abortion, and the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday let the judge's action stand.
"The governor remains disappointed in the court actions that compelled the state's involvement," said Spence Jackson, a spokesman for Gov. Matt Blunt. Jackson said that the prison policy reflects Missouri values.
The travel costs were estimated at $350 for two guards plus fuel.
4 months pregnant? That's a little late for getting an abortion, isn't it? Though, I'm sure at least a month passed while she was fighting for a way to get there. Though, in this case, if she was using meth, the child's chance of survival was not the best anyway, nevertheless a normal and healthy life.
(And Ruby, you brought the abortion debate to the board. Have you read any of the blogs? I'm sure you'll get some responses to this!)
I hope I did not make you mad Riggs. Like I said, I was not trying to start an abortion debate, just my usual share the news with everyone! This was the first I had heard about this too!
Not at all Ruby. I have no problem with people expressing their views.
Like I said, I'm just very long winded and passionate about the issue, so I know it would be next to impossible for me to discuss it in a forum setting.
