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Crist for abortion ban, adoption incentives

PENSACOLA - Attorney General Charlie Crist would sign an abortion ban similar to South Dakota's if elected governor, he said Wednesday before announcing proposals to increase adoption and protect children from Internet predators.

Asked by a Catholic priest whether he would sign a bill like South Dakota's abortion ban, which only allows the procedure to save a woman's life, Crist answered, "Yes, I would."

But Crist later said the South Dakota law, set to go into effect July 1, is too restrictive, and he would sign a ban only if it also allowed abortions for victims of rape or incest. Crist added, "Promoting a culture of life is preferable to me than passing laws."

Under Crist's proposal to give people incentives to adopt children, those who adopt a child privately would receive $3,000 a year for three years. Families who adopt foster children would get $5,000 a year until the child turns 18.

An office of adoption and child protection would also be created under Crist's proposal. He also proposed increasing the number of state investigators assigned to Internet crimes against children, to 50 from fewer than 10 now.

Crist's Republican opponent, state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, also has suggested financial assistance to families who adopt. His plan would pay legal and other costs couples face when adopting, up to $10,000. Couples who adopt special-needs children could receive up to $20,000.

Gallagher's campaign criticized Crist's remarks on abortion, saying he opposed a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions.

"Charlie Crist is once again taking multiple and contradictory positions on an issue important to Republican voters," said Gallagher spokesman Albert Martinez.

The two main Democrats running for governor are state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua and U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa.

[Last modified March 23, 2006, 02:15:42]