BENTLEY SUBMITS MOST AGGRESSIVE PRO-LIFE LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE IN ALABAMA HISTORY

(Montgomery, AL) - Representative Dr. Robert Bentley (R‐Tuscaloosa), today submitted the most aggressive pro‐life legislative package in the history of the State of Alabama. Standing on the steps of the Alabama State House, Bentley announced that he was pre‐filing 3 bills and 1 House Joint Resolution for consideration in the next legislative session which will begin in January 2010. The four pieces of legislation include:

1. The Human Life Recognition Act
2. The Health Care Rights of Conscience Act
3. Proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit abortion
4. House Joint Resolution opposing the Federal Freedom of Choice Act.

According to Dr. Bentley, "As a medical professional there is unequivocal, anatomical evidence that the natural development of human life begins at conception and never ceases until death. Every person, regardless of their stage of human development, deserves the equal privileges of liberty and freedom so fondly sought by millions around the world."

Dr. Bentley is submitting this bill prior to the legislative session because of his extreme concern for the future of abortion in any attempts to pass federal healthcare legislation. These bills strengthen Alabama's Code regarding the rights of the unborn.

Since September, Dr. Bentley has conducted four health care forums across Alabama.

In 2008, Dr. Bentley served as one of two representatives from Alabama on the Republican National Committee's Platform Committee. This committee was responsible for drafting the most pro‐life agenda in the history of the Party.

He was also elected as a Republican Presidential Delegate for Governor Mike Huckabee, who won the Alabama Republican Presidential Primary election. He has filed as a 2010 Candidate for Governor of Alabama in the Republican Primary.

HUMAN LIFE RECOGNITION ACT

The Human Life Recognition Act will require physicians to inform women that an abortion will "terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being." Patients must then wait at least 24 hours to have an abortion. This piece of legislation will bring the State's abortion laws in line with the State's Criminal Code that currently recognizes the life of the unborn in the instance of the murder of a pregnant woman.

"As a physician, serious decisions require careful consideration especially when they involve the life of a human being," Bentley said. "I don't think it is unreasonable to require women to wait a day or so before making the choice to take a human life."

Click here to read the full text of the Human Life Recognition Act

HEALTH CARE RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE ACT

The Health Care Rights of Conscience Act protects the basic civil rights of health care workers who are morally opposed to abortion by ensuring that any health care worker in the State of Alabama can refuse to participate in an abortion procedure without fear of reprimand or penalty of any kind. With the passage of this bill, Alabama would become the third state to provide comprehensive affirmative protection for all health care workers, pharmacists, and students who morally object to participating in abortions. As of today, Alabama is only one of three states lacking any form of protection for such workers.

"Nobody should have to choose between their career and their personal values," Bentley said. "There are thousands of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists who do not want to be in the abortion business.  This bill protects their right to stand up and say ‘No' without fear of reprimand."

Click here to read the full text of the Health Care Rights of Conscience Act

RESOLUTION OPPOSING THE FEDERAL FREEDOM OF CHOICE ACT

In a speech given to the Planned Parenthood Action Fund in 2007, President Barack Obama announced "The first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." That legislation, which he co‐sponsored in 2007, is expected by many in Washington, DC to be passed by the United States Congress later this year under the leadership of Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

"By introducing this House Joint Resolution Opposing the Federal Freedom of Choice Act, I am hoping to send a message that the people of the State of Alabama collectively oppose this Federal Legislation which will negate all State regulations related to abortion," Bentley declared.

Click here to read the full text of the Resolution Opposing the Federal Freedom of Choice Act

THE BENTLEY AMENDMENT TO THE ALABAMA STATE CONSTITUTION

The Bentley Amendment is a proposal to allow the voters to amend the State Constitution to prohibit abortion in Alabama. The amendment would allow voters to make an exception in extreme cases where the pregnancy threatens the life of the mother or where there is rape or incest.

"I understand that once approved by the voters, this will probably be challenged in court but this will be a great test case to determine the state's authority to regulate itself under the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution," Bentley said.

Click here to read the full text of the Bentley Amendment