FULL REPORT

Abortion: Politicians' Nightmare	January 26, 1990

Report Outline
Special Focus

Introduction

Last summer, when the Supreme Court ruled that some state regulation of abortion was permissible, anti-abortion activists were ecstatic. Their ecstasy soon turned to concern, however, as they watched their opponents use the decision as a catalyst. Now, far from seizing the opportunity to restrict abortion further, most politicians are running away from the explosive issue altogether. The public would like it to go away, too, having already made up its mind. But activists on both sides are itching for battle, and they will get one in many places. Abortion is likely to play a substantial role in the 1990 political year.

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Overview

After such a heady victory as Webster v. Reproductive Health Services, one might assume the state of Missouri would want to test the anti-abortion waters even further. After all, in upholding Missouri's law restricting abortions, the high court issued an invitation to the states to challenge the very essence of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized most abortions.

But when the Missouri Legislature returned to work on Jan. 3 for the first time since Webster, there was no mention of abortion at all on its agenda. Bridges and budgets, roads and schools, yes. But not abortion. “We did not see any need for added legislation in this area at this particular time,” Bob F. Griffin, the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, dryly told reporters.

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