Controversy over a Madison abortion clinic reemerged on the state Senate floor Thursday. West Bend Republican Glenn Grothman explained his no votes on the appointment of Roger Axtell of Beloit and Mike Weiden of Madison to UW Hospital and Clinics Authority Board . "In February, these gentlemen voted to have the Madison Surgery Center . . . begin to do abortions all the way through the fifth month," said Grothman. "This is a total disgrace, it's a barbarity."
Grothman said while many hospitals highlight their ability to save premature babies, UW hospital will instead be terminating them. "I'll be voting no on these two gentlemen, and I think it will be a stain on the state of Wisconsin if a majority in this body, after that vote, think they are still fit to govern this board," he said.
Waunakee Democrat Jon Erpenbach noted Democrats were not opposing the reappointment of board member Pablo Sanchez of Madison, who voted against establishing the late-term abortion clinic. "This is not about the issue of whether you are pro-life or pro-choice. It's whether are not they are qualified to serve on the board, which they absolutely, positively are," Erpenbach said. "If you want to debate the issue of abortion, draw up a piece of legislation, somehow get it to the floor, and let's have that debate." The Senate voted narrowly to approve the reappointment of both men to the board.
AUDIO: Grothman, Erpenbach (4:00 MP3)
