Second-Trimester Bill

A bill to prohibit a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure has advanced in the Alabama Legislature.  The legislation would prohibit a procedure called dilation and evacuation, or "D&E."  The bill would allow the procedure in the event of a "serious health risk to the mother."  The bill's supporters describe the procedure as "heinous" and "barbaric."  Democratic Sen. Rodger Smitherman says he doesn't support the procedure but believes the "root" of the issue is a personal choice.  Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed a similar bill into law earlier this month.  D&E bans in Kansas and Oklahoma have been struck down by state courts.  The Senate voted 30-2 for Republican Sen. Phil Williams' bill.  A companion bill in the House has passed out of committee.