Bill mired in abortion debate moves forward

Bill mired in abortion debate moves forward

MATT GOURAS, Associated Press

HELENA — A legislative measure making it illegal to kill an unborn child easily cleared its first committee vote Friday, despite being mired in the abortion debate.

Supporters of the bill said it has nothing to do with abortion and noted the bill exempts "lawful procedures" from prosecution. But those supporters were unwilling to change the measure to clarify that the protected procedures specifically include abortion.

"It has nothing to do with an abortion," said sponsor Rep. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell. "It places a...