"We're tired of it. This group of legislators has had enough of the slaughter of innocents and we're going to step up and we're going to do something about it," said Rep. Carl Wimmer, R-Herriman.

Behind him, about 60 abortion opponents, many in town for a Catholic conference, held signs calling for protection for the unborn. A roughly equal number of pro-choice advocates stood behind them holding signs of their own.

"We are here to stand up for the unborn, to stand up against the dogs of hate who defend abortion on demand," Wimmer said.

The key bill in the package backed by the legislators would ban all abortions, except in cases of rape, incest or if the life or a bodily function of the mother is threatened. Rep. Stephen Sandstrom, R-Orem, said his bill will be nearly identical to one that failed in the 2007 session. [..]

"I have a duty to defend life," said Sandstrom. "I think it's reprehensible to suggest that defending life is a political gimmick."