Council expected to make last changes to abortion bill

The Baltimore City Council is expected to make final amendments tonight to a bill that would require crisis pregnancy clinics that don't provide abortion or birth control referrals to post disclaimers or face a fine. "The pregnancy resources centers are the only agencies asked to put up a sign saying what they don't do," said Angela Martin, executive director of Maryland Right-to-Life. "They don't require grocery stores to put up a sign saying they don't sell hardware." The bill, which is up for a second vote tonight, has already been amended to allow centers a 10-day warning period to post a disclaimer after a violation is noted. The proposed fine for violating the law has been reduced from $500 to $150. Mayor Sheila Dixon, while an abortion rights supporter, is "listening to the concerns of the community" on the measure and will reserve judgment until the bill is passed. Baltimore Sun