Harrison Thorp 11:32 a.m.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 11:13 am
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CONCORD - Gov. Chris Sununu sent a letter today to members of the House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee expressing strong support for HB 1609, which would strip some restrictions placed on abortion providers.
Sununu came under harsh criticism when he OK'd the state budget that included a nonbudgetary item that mandated pregnant women get an ultrasound before an abortion procedure.
"The commonsense piece of legislation makes necessary improvements to a recently passed provision contained in the state budget," Sununu wrote in the letter. "Like most Granite Staters, I don't live in extremes on either side of the issue that is being considered today. I am pro-choice, but also like most Granite Staters - and Americans - I support a limit on abortions performed in months 7, 8, and 9 of pregnancy."
Sununu said he allowed the ultrasound provision to ensure the $13 million budget was passed and to avoid gridlock like is found in Washington.
Provisions of House Bill 1609
• HB 1609 makes an exception for cases of sexual assault, rape, and incest
• HB 1609 makes an exception for fetal anomalies incompatible with life
• HB 1609 make an exception for health or life of the mother
• HB 1609 removes the ultrasound requirement
"These measures are not extreme by any stretch of the imagination," Sununu wrote. "These are all or in part
consistent with 43 states around the nation."