State Rep. Jamie Kiel (R-Russellville) is the chief sponsor of legislation that would ban abortion after the detection of a heartbeat in a fetus that replicates a Texas law that has thus far withstood challenges from the federal courts.
The bill, HB23, which has 22 co-sponsors, would allow lawsuits against those performing or assisting those seeking an abortion.
During an interview with Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show,” Kiel acknowledged its similarities to the Texas law. However, he said the law was a “stop-gap” measure until the U.S. Supreme Court would have an opportunity to rule on abortion and challenges to the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
“Well, it does mirror the Texas law,” he said. “That was my intent because that law so far has stood up in court and has not been overturned. My intent was to mirror that law as closely as possible and to stop abortion in the state where we can.”
“In 2019, our legislative passed what many would call the strictest anti-abortion law in the nation,” Kiel continued. “And the governor signed it. So, that was put into effect. However, it has been held up by a court. Until Roe v. Wade is overturned, our law that we passed is not in effect. When I saw Texas had this idea stepping outside of the criminal penalty and making it a civil penalty to help or aid an abortion, I see that as just what you said — a stop-gap effort.”
The Franklin County Republican lawmaker noted the Texas law prevented up to 100 abortions a day from being performed. In Alabama, he said a similar effort could prevent 16 abortions on a daily basis.
“In Texas, I’ve seen numbers anywhere from 55 to 100 abortions were performed per day before their current bill went into effect,” he added. “And so the way I see that is every day that that Texas law stands, 55 to 100 babies are being saved every day. So, every day we can keep the courts from overturning or putting a stay on that law, we save a hundred more babies. In Alabama, the best number I see is there are about 16 babies a day that are murdered via abortion every day in Alabama. So, my point is if Roe v. Wade is overturned, that’s great. I think it should be.”
“Our state already has a strong law in case that happens,” Kiel continued. “But until then, 16 babies a day are killed in Alabama. And so, if we can put this bill in effect if the courts let it stand one day, 16 lives are saved. In two days, 32 lives. So when we get in session, from the time we can pass this, and the governor can sign it, until hopefully in June or whenever it is the United States Supreme Court rules at least on Roe v. Wade, then we will save babies in the meantime. That’s important to me.”
@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.
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