NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      WASHINGTON, DC (CWNews.com) - The US Senate, for the second time in two weeks, failed to pass a law protecting the right-to-life by letting a bill protecting pregnant teens from being exploited for abortions be stalled for the year.

      The bill would have made it illegal to avoid state parental notification or consent laws by taking a pregnant girl to another state for an abortion. Supporters of the bill said it would was need to protect parents' rights and protect girls from being exploited by older men who get them pregnant. The Senate voted 54-45 to end debate and proceed to consider the bill, but 60 votes were required. Three Republicans joined 42 Democrats in voting to block further consideration of the bill. Two Democrats and 52 Republicans voted to proceed. One senator was absent.

      The sponsor, Sen. Spencer Abraham, R-Michigan, said the bill was dead for the year. "The likelihood that we will be able to continue with respect to this legislation during this Senate session seems very unlikely," he said. The House voted 276-150 in July for a similar bill.