Here we go again. For the third time in the past two decades, Republicans are wasting the limited time and money of the state government with an attempt to abolish abortion and a woman's right to choose.

Michigan failed in both 1996 and 1999 to have a ban placed on abortion procedures.

The Republican-controlled state senate passed a bill on Tuesday with a 25-11 vote that could create the "Legal Birth Definition Act."

This legislation would define birth as the point at which any part of the fetus is expelled from a woman's body.

Further considerations tied to the bill include: The classification of a fetus as alive when there is a detectable heartbeat, evidence of breathing, spontaneous movement or a pulsating umbilical cord. The bill's supporters believe there is a need to clarify the beginning of life because it has not been spelled out in past court decisions.

Opponents argue the bill could restrict abortions. It's the same argument over and over.

Courts have ruled laws against abortion unconstitutional because there was no consideration for the well-being of the mother.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that abortion is constitutional, so it is pointless for states to be meddling in the specifics of the issue. Gov. Jennifer Granholm holds the future of this bill in her hands but she has said the bill should include an exception concerning the health of the mother.

Since the Legislature has failed to include this in the bill yet again, it is not likely to find support in the governor's office.

It is disappointing that at a time when the state is scrambling to find funding for programs across the state, officials are devoting unnecessary time to this issue.

The House and Senate unfortunately decided to rush this bill to the governor instead of trying to make a real change for Michigan and its residents.