A conservative lawmaker has successfully tacked an anti-abortion message onto an otherwise innocuous resolution in the Alaska House aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse.
The amendment from Republican Rep. David Eastman of Wasilla refers to abortion as “the ultimate form of child abuse.” He says it would be wrong to discuss child abuse without mentioning abortion.
The amendment was approved Monday by a divided House Rules Committee.
Critics say the resolution is not the appropriate place to launch a fight over abortion.
Anchorage Democratic Rep. Les Gara says he’s not interested in playing “abortion politics” when the measure is supposed to honor women and protect children.
The measure’s fate is unclear. Bills typically only go to the full body if they have enough votes to pass
