Feb. 7, 2008, was a glorious day in the history of the General Assembly of the state of Kentucky. On that date, the Republican-controlled Senate passed a comprehensive abortion bill, SB 40, by a vote of 34-4. After passage the bill was sent to the Democratic controlled House of Representatives.

On arrival in the House SB 40 was assigned, by the House leadership, to the judiciary committee, chaired by Kathy Stein (D-Lexington). Stein has yet to bring the bill before the committee for a vote. It is vital that House Speaker Jody Richards, other Democratic leaders of the House, and your legislator hear from the people regarding this matter.

SB 40 would stipulate that an ultrasound must be performed on the mother seeking an abortion. After viewing her baby sucking its thumb, or seeing the baby's beating heart, or witnessing the baby's peaceful existence, it is very doubtful that many mothers would have the abortion. SB 40 would also proscribe the barbaric procedure known as 'partial birth abortion' in Kentucky. (The baby is delivered feet first with only the head remaining in the birth canal. Its brains are then vacuumed out).

Thomas Jefferson summed it up well when he said, "The first duty of good government is to protect innocent life."

The question arises. Does party really matter? Has the Democratic Party, by its inaction, become the 'protector' and 'enabler' of the culture of death in our beloved state and indeed of all of America?

Promote the culture of life by calling your legislator and the House leadership at 1-800-372-7181. Tell them to enact SB 40 into law.

Thomas E. Cecil

Elizabethtown