Date: 02/27/2013

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB13-1131

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Postpone House Bill 13-1131 indefinitely. The moti
Refer House Bill 13-1131 to the Committee on Appro		PASS
FAIL



10:53 AM -- House Bill 13-1131

Representative Saine, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 13-1131, concerning the Prenatal Sex Nondiscrimination Act. Representative Saine explained the need for the bill, and referenced organizations that oppose sex-selection abortions. Representative Saine discussed the merits of women, and the differences between the sexes. Representative Saine discussed the effect of sex-selection abortions in other countries, and cited a study about the use of sex-selection abortions among immigrants to the United States.


11:03 AM

Representative Saine continued to discuss the use of sex-selection abortion practices in the United States, citing statistics of male-female birth ratio. Representative Saine responded to questions regarding the use of sex-selection abortions in Colorado.


11:10 AM

The following persons testified regarding House Bill 13-1131:

11:10 AM -- Ms. Lara Reinsch, representing NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill, asserting that the bill is an attempt to limit abortion. Ms. Reinsch spoke against the abridgement of women's rights, and discussed solutions to the issue of sex-selection abortions. Ms. Reinsch responded to questions regarding her organization's position on the specific elements of the bill, and the portion of the bill that NARAL specifically opposes. Ms. Reinsch responded to further questions regarding how the bill could be enforced. Discussion returned to her organization's position on the specific elements of the bill, and engagement with certain cultures to address sex-selection abortions.


11:22 AM

Discussion continued regarding engagement with certain cultures to address sex-selection abortions.

11:23 AM -- Ms. Evy Valencia, representing COLOR, testified in opposition to House Bill 13-1131. Ms. Valencia explained how legislation banning abortion undermines the choices of women and the ability to make decisions about their own lives. Ms. Valencia discussed the benefits of reducing gender inequity and improving women's lives.

11:25 AM -- Mr. Matthew Niedzielski, representing Pikes Peak Citizens for Life, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Niedzielski discussed the negative impacts of sex-selection abortions and the resulting demographic imbalances, and the message sent based on action taken on the bill.

11:29 AM -- Dr. Stephanie Schardt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Schardt discussed the ratio of male to female births, and the effect of technology allowing determination of a fetus' sex on male-female ratios in certain cultures. Dr. Schardt discussed studies about sex selection and the effects of this practice on society. Dr. Schardt discussed the importance of preventing violence and discrimination against women and girls. Dr. Schardt responded to questions regarding the medical community's position on sex-selection abortions, and the medical community's position on late-term abortions. Dr. Schardt responded to further questions regarding the use of force associated with sex-selection abortions. Dr. Schardt addressed questions raised earlier about the prevalence of sex-selection abortions in Colorado.

11:39 AM -- Ms. Jenny Kraska, representing the Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of House Bill 13-1131. Ms. Kraska discussed the devaluation of females by sex-selection abortions, and the effect of this practice on certain cultures.

11:43 AM -- Mr. Michael J. Norton, representing the Alliance Defending Freedom, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received written copies of Mr. Norton's testimony (Attachment C). Mr. Norton supported earlier testimony, and spoke in opposition to abortion. Mr. Norton discussed the practice of sex-selection abortions in Colorado, and the position of Planned Parenthood on this practice. Mr. Norton discussed the constitutionality of banning sex-selection abortion, and the need to put such a ban in place.

13HseState0227AttachC.pdf13HseState0227AttachC.pdf

11:47 AM

No amendments were offered to House Bill 13-1131. Representative Saine provided closing remarks in support of the bill.


11:52 AM

The committee recessed.


12:06 PM

The committee returned to order.
BILL:HB13-1131
TIME: 12:07:00 PM
MOVED:Nordberg
MOTION:Refer House Bill 13-1131 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 3-6.
SECONDED:Scott
VOTE
Dore
Excused
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
No
Nordberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Williams
Excused
Salazar
No
Ryden
No
YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:HB13-1131
TIME: 12:13:03 PM
MOVED:Melton
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 13-1131 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 6-3.
SECONDED:Labuda
VOTE
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Labuda
Yes
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
No
Scott
No
Williams
Excused
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



12:13 PM

The committee adjourned.