Bette Grande never planned to be a legislator. Concerned about what her children were being taught in school, this mother of three first ran for the local school board. She ended up serving the people of Fargo, North Dakota as state representative for 18 years.
In addition to her work on state budget issues, Rep. Grande became known for her outspoken defense of pre-born lives. Her legislative efforts caught the attention of Planned Parenthood.
State Representative Grande made national headlines as the author of the Human Heartbeat Protection Act, passed by wide majorities in the State Legislature and signed by Governor Jack Dalrymple (R-ND) in 2013. A lawsuit from Planned Parenthood state affiliates quickly followed.
On Wednesday, after a years-long court battle, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the state law unconstitutional; however, the decision urges the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider precedent considering “…an unborn child possesses a detectable heartbeat.”
Bette Grande will not be responding from the floor of the House Chamber, as in years past. She lost her seat in the 2014 election. According to Grande, Planned Parenthood “poured close to two million dollars” into North Dakota and tagged issues ads with Grande’s name – sealing her narrow defeat.
Since then, she and her husband Don have enjoyed spending time with their new grandson while she also serves as a research fellow at The Heartland Institute. Speaking via phone from her office in Fargo, Grande discusses her record as state representative and offers her perspective on how to advance the defense of life.
Bound4LIFE: What is your reaction to the ruling this week by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, essentially repealing the North Dakota Human Heartbeat Protection Act which you authored?
Bette Grande: While the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court opinion that North Dakota’s Heartbeat bill is unconstitutional, the judges were almost apologetic about it. The full body of this new opinion is very positive for defending life, including pro-life laws enacted in North Dakota.
Let me read it straight from the ruling: “Good reasons exist for the Supreme Court to reevaluate its jurisprudence,” the judgesstate. “The viability standard discounts the legislative branch’s recognized interest in protecting unborn children.”
They are saying that “one size fits all” abortion policies that began with Roe v. Wade are unworkable. With the strong difference of opinion on abortion throughout this country, the U.S. Supreme Court needs to reconsider its stance to reflect the people’s will – which is ultimately what the Constitution and separation of powers demand.
What happens now with this lawsuit is anyone’s guess. I trust state leaders will consider all options. But one thing is clear. With a focus on pain-capable legislation and other laws centered on life in the womb, the protection of life at all stages is gaining ground.
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SOURCE: The Christian Post
Josh M. Shepherd
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