ABSTRACT
In November of 1989, the Pennsylvania legislature passed what was then the nation's most restrictive abortion law. The legislation was quickly signed by Governor Robert Casey, a Democrat. This chapter is an investigation into that legislation. In and of itself, an analysis of the actions of the legislature, interest groups, and the governor on this sensitive and controversial public policy issue, presents an interesting case study of policy formulation. The principal legislative force behind the bill was Rep. Steve Friend. A Republican from suburban Philadelphia, Friend has over the years championed the pro-life cause in the Pennsylvania legislature. He is a hard driving legislator who is not deterred easily in his crusade against abortion. Governor Casey's chief counsel discussed the governor's approach to this legislation. In The governor made it clear to all sides that he would only sign legislation he deemed constitutional.
