STATE POLICY NEWS OUTSIDE OF CALIFORNIA
Ohio - New Bill Outlaws Abortion at "first detectable heartbeat". Click here to learn more!
Virginia - New Law Increases Regulations on Abortion Providers - Click here to learn more!
South Dakota - New Law Lengthens Waiting Periods and Requires Anti-Abortion Counseling - Click here to learn more! 





RECENTLY PASSED CALIFORNIA LAWS



AB 499 - Minor's Medical Care Consent Bill

  • Introduced by Toni Atkins (D - San Diego)
  • Permits a minor who is 12 years of age or older to consent to medical care related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease.
  • Makes a technical, conforming change to existing law.
  • Fiscal Impact: None.
Status: 
  • Signed into law October 10, 2011. 
For detailed information on this Bill, click here.

AB 1319 (Butler)

BPA will be eliminated from baby bottles and sippy cups.

AB 1296 (Bonilla) 

A bill that will streamline and simplify eligibility and enrollment for the California Health Benefits Exchange, Healthy Families and Medi-Cal as required by federal law.

 SB 41 (Yee) 

A bill that will allow pharmacists and physicians to furnish syringes as part of the state's comprehensive approach to preventing the spread of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

SB 299 (Evans) 

A bill that will ensure that employer-provided health care coverage is continued for women on Pregnancy Disability 


                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                     817 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089 ~ (213) 748-0200 Ext. 16 ~ info@californiarcrc.org

 


Prayerfully Pro-Choice

Public Policy

In the News
Pending Federal Legislation
Pending California Legislation
Pending Legislation in Other States
Current California Law


PENDING FEDERAL 
LEGISLATION


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.R. 3130 "The Heartbeat Informed Consent Act"
  • Introduced by Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) October 6, 2011.
  • Would force women attempting to receive abortion services to be exposed to a fetal heartbeat in order to coerce them against choosing abortion.
  • Currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce
  • For more information on this bill, click here.
H.R. 2639 "Global Democracy Promotion Act"
H.R. 1319 "Global Sexual & Reproductive Health Act of 2011"
  • Introduced by Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-NY) on April 1, 2011
  • Reintroduction of H.R. 5121 which died with the close of the 111th Congress in 2010.
  • Protect the right of all individuals and couples, both nationally and internationally, to "the basic reproductive right to decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing, and timing of their children and shall have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health"
  • Protects all individuals from coercion to either terminate or continue a pregnancy, protects reproductive health decision-making from intimidation or coercion.
  • Establishes that "the promotion of the responsible exercise of these reproductive rights for all people shall be the fundamental basis for sexual and reproductive health programs supported by United States Government assistance."
  • Referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health and Human Rights
  • FOR THE FULL TEXT OF THIS BILL CLICK HERE.

H.R. 3 “ No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act”

  • Introduced by Rep. Mike Smith (R-NJ)
  • Makes permanent existing bans on federal funding for abortion, like the Hyde Amendment, which prevents Medicaid from covering abortion except in the cases of rape or incest or for the life or health of the mother.
  • Prohibits employers and the self-insured from using federal tax breaks to help buy private health insurance that covers abortion.
  • Includes a new limitation on what “type” of rape a woman must experience in order to qualify for federal funding of her abortion: “if the pregnancy occurred because the pregnant female was the subject of forcible rape…”
  • Federal funds can be used for a woman’s abortion only if she suffers from a “physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness” that a doctor certifies as posing a danger of death. severe mental distress, including suicidal behavior, does not qualify you for a government-funded abortion.
  • TO READ THE FULL TEXT OF THIS BILL CLICK HERE!
  • For more information check out the National Council of Jewish Womens' Information Sheet by clicking here.
  • UPDATE: H.R. 3 PASSED THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON MAY 4, 2011.
H.R.358 “Protect Life Act”

  • Introduced by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA)
  • Permanently extends the Hyde Amendment and also makes sure its restrictions apply to any new programs that result from the health care law.
  • Prevents women who receive even the smallest government subsidy from using their own money to buy an insurance plan sold on a state exchange that includes abortion coverage.
  • Allows hospitals to refuse to perform abortions without the fear of losing federal funding.
  • Allows doctors to refuse to provide abortion services even if the pregnancy threatens a woman’s life.
  • TO READ THE FULL TEXT OF THIS BILL CLICK HERE!
  • For more information check out the National Council of Jewish Womens' Information Sheet by clicking here.
  • Status: Passed by the House of Representatives. Obama Administration has declared it will be vetoed if it reaches the president's desk.
HR 217, the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act
  • Introduced by Rep. Mike Pence (R-NI)
  • Cuts Title X funding to any organization that provides abortions services, even with separate money. (The Hyde Amendment already disallows the use of federal funding for abortion services directly).
  • Greatly impacts the delivery of free to low cost reproductive health services, most notably by cutting federal funding for Planned Parenthood, the largest provider in the country.
  • Refuses care for adult survivors of incest.
  • Increases the likelihood of unsafe abortion attempts. 
  • TO READ THE FULL TEXT OF HR 217 CLICK HERE!
  • For more information check out the National Council of Jewish Womens' Information Sheet by clicking here.

CALIFORNIA


San Francisco Ordinance Introduced to Regulate Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs)
  • Introduced by Supervisor Malia Cohen on August 2, 2011.
  • Prevents CPCs from making "false or misleading statements in their advertising statements to the public about pregnancy-related services the centers offer or perform."
  • Read a copy of the ordinance by clicking here.
  • Supervisors provisionally approved October, 2011.
Ballot Initiative 10-0025 - Parental Notification Before Minor's Abortion
  • Would change the California Constitution to prohibit abortions for unemancipated minors until a physician notifies their parent or legal guardian in writing. 
  • Contains exceptions for medical emergency, parental waiver, or parental abuse documented by notarized statement from law enforcement, protective services, or certain adult relatives. 
  •  Would permit a judge to waive notice if the minor appears personally in court and proves maturity or waiver is in her best interest. 
  • Contains provisions requiring physicians to report specific abortion information to Department of Public Health 
  • Makes  physicians liable for violating these provisions for up to 12 years after the abortion.

  • Approved for circulation in California as an initiated constitutional amendment. To earn a spot on the state’s 2012 ballot, sponsors of the initiative must collect 807,615 signatures by July 11, 2011.

AB 400 - Paid Sick Days

  • Nearly 6 million California workers have ZERO paid sick days.
  • Would guarantee to all California workers the right to earn paid sick days to care for themselves or a sick family member, or to take leave related to domestic violence or sexual assault.  
  • This bill would have a significant impact on women workers in California, who provide the vast majority of care for sick children and family members and often face discrimination for taking time off to provide this care. 
  • Status: Held in submission - Assembly Committee on Appropriations




IN THE NEWS



Texas Court Upholds Restrictive Abortion Law


The 5th Circuit Texas court of appeals has upheld a Texas law that requires coercive anti-abortion counseling prior to abortion services. The law had previously been struck down by another Texas court. 

To read more about this, click here.

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New York Times Article Articulates Real Problems with Mississippi "Personhood" Amendment

November 1, 2011
A recent article in the New York Times gives a great overview of some very real issues with the so-called "Personhood" Amendment in Mississippi, stemming from the ambiguous nature of the bill itself. The author points out that it does not clearly define when personhood actually begins, which could have numerous problematic legal consequences.
To read this article, click here. 


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Restrictive North Carolina Law Goes into Effect, with One Exception 


October 27, 2011

A highly restrictive abortion law has gone into effect this week in North Carolina, which requires a 24 hour waiting period and anti-choice counseling prior to obtaining abortion services. However, a U.S. District Judge has blocked a component of the law which would have required any woman attempting to obtain an abortion to view an ultrasound of the fetus, as well as to listen to a heart beat if present. Opponents of the law argue that forcing doctors to perform this task prior to the implementation of services violates the first amendment, which protects the freedom of speech, including the freedom to not speak. It is also seen as a gross intrusion of the government into the medical lives of women.


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A Useful Resource for Information About International Abortion Laws


October 25, 2011

The Center for Reproductive Rights has created this very useful world map that covers the abortion laws and restrictions in countries throughout the world.

Check it out here!

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An Accessible and Interesting Article on H.R. 358


October 20, 2011

Take a moment to read this interesting article on H.R. 358, which really explains the implications of the law and why it is so important it does not go into effect. 

Catholic Conscience Over a Woman's Life?
by Sara Morice-Brubaker
Religion Dispatches Magazine


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Judge Blocks Anti-Choice Oklahoma Law

October 19, 2011

An Oklahoma judge has blocked House Bill 1970, passed by a Republican led legislature, that would restrict the ability of medical doctors to treat women with safe medical abortion drugs. Supporters of the bill argued that these drugs are unsafe, but were not able to connect any of the drugs as causes of any deaths or serious injuries (though this is what they attempted to do).  The law will not go into effect while the case is being decided in the courts.

For more information on this decision,click here.

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House Passes H.R. 358


October 14, 2011

The House of Representatives has passed H.R. 358, the so-called "Protect Life Act." This law makes it illegal for a woman to purchase insurance that covers abortion services through a state health care exchange, and would allow hospitals to deny emergency, life-saving abortion services to women in need. During the House debate, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) shared her own experiences "I was pregnant, I was miscarrying, I was bleeding. If I had to go from one hospital to the next trying to find one emergency room that would take me in, who knows if I would even be here today. What my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are trying to do is misogynist." President Obama has stated that he will veto the bill. 

To read more, check out this article inThe Huffington Post. 

For more information on reproductive health legislation, check out our Public Policy Page. 

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Obama 
Administration will 
veto H.R. 358 if Passed

October 13, 2011

The House is currently in the process of debating H.R. 358, erroneously titled the "Protect Life Act," though it would, experts argue, actually put many lives in danger. The Obama Administration has released a statement assuring that the President will veto the law if passed:

"The Administration strongly opposes H.R. 358 because, as previously stated in the Statement of Administration Policy on H.R. 3, the legislation intrudes on women's reproductive freedom and access to health care and unnecessarily restricts the private insurance choices that women and their families have today."

To read the rest of the statement, click here. 

For more on policy related to reproductive health, visit our

Public Policy Page.

 

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Michelle Bachmann Introduces Restrictive Abortion Law in Congress

October 12, 2011

Republican presidential candidate and House Representative Michelle Bachmann has introduced H.R. 3130 "The Heartbeat Informed Consent Law," which would force women to be exposed to a fetus's heartbeat prior to consenting to abortion services.  This law would not only put women receiving services through a manipulative medical experience, but would force doctors to participate in an activity that many would consider being against the best interest of their patients. The bill has been introduced to the 112th Congress and is being referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

For more information about the implications of this bill, click here.

For legislative information on this bill,click here.

For more information about legislation regarding reproductive health issues, visit our Public Policy Page. 

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Gov. Jerry Brown Signs

 Important Health Access

 Legislation into Law

October 10, 2011

Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a few pieces of legislation that improve coverage for women and children in the state of California. One is AB 499, which allows anyone over the age of 12 to consent to health service that help prevent the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases. (For more on this bill, click here). Two others,  Senate Bill 222 and Assembly Bill 210, ensure coverage for maternity services in small group and individual insurance plans. (For more information on these bills, click here). All of these pieces of legislation protect the rights of California residents to access essential health care services.

For more on California Legislation, visit our Public Policy Page. 

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GOP-led House Foreign Affairs Committee Votes to Strip $50 Million from International Reproductive Health Organization

October 5, 2011

The House Foreign Affairs Committee has voted, along party lines, to stop U.S. funding for the U.N. Population Fund, an organization that was founded by the U.S. and that provides essential reproductive health services around the world. Republican lawmakers argue that the organizations decision to work within China, given their population policy restricting urban families to one child, makes them somehow responsible for the policy. 
Democratic Rep. Howard Berman of California told his Republican colleagues in the committee: 

“Don’t hold the U.N. culpable for what a sovereign country does, as obnoxious as it is.” 

To read more about this, read this article in The Washington Post. 

To read more about International Family Planning, click here.

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Democrats call Investigation of Planned Parenthood "An Abuse of Government Resources"

October 4, 2011

In response to the recent investigation of Planned Parenthood initiated by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fl.), Democratic representatives are voicing their dismay and disapproval. Planned Parenthood has regularly and voluntarily undergone audits through the Department of Health and Human Services regarding its use of Federal funds, but Stearns has ordered the non-profit to produce years of financial records in what many are accusing is a political move to discredit the organization. Reps. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) have authored a public letter to Stearns, stating that,  "it would be an abuse of the oversight process if you are now using the Committee's investigative powers to harass Planned Parenthood again."

To read more about this issue, read this article by The Huffington Post.

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Idaho Judge Blocks Outdated Abortion Law in Court Case

September 28, 2011

In an ongoing court case brought against a 1972 law that criminalized a woman's ending her own pregnancy, a Judge has ordered that the law not be enforced given the merits of the case. The woman who brought the suit had been arrested under the law after obtaining an abortion with RU486 (pills that cause an abortion, approved by the FDA and very commonly used in abortion services).  The suit was also aimed at stopping a "fetal pain" law which would ban abortions after 20 weeks based on the unsubstantiated and controversial idea that a fetus feels pain at that gestation. The judge in the case would not block the new law in this case because the woman bringing in question was not seen to be in danger of imminent harm by the law as she is not currently pregnant. 

To learn more about this case, click here.

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Woman Prosecuted for Her Own Abortion Brings Federal Suit

August 31, 2011

A woman who was prosecuted in Idaho for ordering and taking doctor prescribed RU486 in order to terminate her pregnancy has filed suit against the law under which she was prosecuted, as well as a new law which makes abortions after 20 weeks illegal except in cases where the mother's life is in jeopardy. The law under which the woman was prosecuted is from 1972 and makes it illegal for anyone to terminate their own pregnancy. This law was written prior to the development of RU486, which is a safe, widely used oral method of abortion. The suit argues that the 1972 law, as well as the new law, are unconstitutional. 


For more information, click here. 


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Federal Judge Strikes Down Texas Sonogram Law


August 30, 2011

U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks ruled today that a new law requiring doctors to perform a sonogram prior to an abortion, as well as playing the sound of the fetal heartbeat, is unconstitutional. The Law, ruled Judge Sparks, violates the free speech of both doctors and patients. He also noted that the provision which would require women to disclose whether or not they became pregnant as a result of rape or incest in order to avoid seeing these images a move to "permanently brand women who choose to get an abortion." 

For more information about this ruling, read this article in theWashington Post. 


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Kansas Government Unwilling to Disclose Key Information in Court Case Brought by Obstetricians 

August 29, 2011

In the ongoing and very important court case regarding highly restrictive regulations in Kansas, the state is asking that they be exempt from disclosing information regarding how the regualtions in question were developed. Attorneys for the obstetricians who filed the case have asked for information regarding the process of development of the regulations, how research for the regulations was performed and who was involved in the process. This information, they argue, will show whether or not the state was intentionally attempting to close clinics that perform abortion services (rather than protect patients, as they claim), and will show whether or not physicians' rights have been violated. The state, however, does not wish to produce this information and is using stalling tactics in order to delay a ruling on the discovery motion. 

For more information on this case, click here. 



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Virginia Releases Highly Restrictive Abortion Clinic Regulations

The Virginia Department of Health has released numerous new restrictions and regulations that will be applied to any health clinic which performs over five abortions per month. These new TRAP laws (Targeted Regulations against Abortion Providers), which have also occurred in Kansas and South Carolina, regulate such things as the specific temperature in the clinic,and the size of faucets and janitors' closets, non of which have any direct effect on patient safety or health. Pro-choice advocates see these laws as a direct attack on a woman's right to obtain comprehensive medical services. TRAP laws are said to have the intent of closing any clinic that provides abortion services, and clinics in other states have had to do just that due to the highly restrictive and ever-changing regulations states put on them by anti-choice legislatures and health boards.


To learn more about the new Virginia regulations, click here. 
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Court Case in Kansas Important to Watch

August 24, 2011

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit in Kansas against a new restriction that would bar private insurance companies from covering abortion services. Sarah Kliff of The Washington Post argues that this case is particularly important to watch, first due to the "possible ripple effects." A majority of private health plans cover some portion of abortion services, and this kind of restriction could encourage private insurance companies to end coverage of abortion services in other states as well. Second, this case is different from others in that the argument isn't regarding restrictions on abortion specifically, but that disallowing the coverage of abortion services under private insurance places an "undue burden" on women attempting to obtain these procedures and violates the Equal Protection Clause by making services specific to women restricted, while men have access to a full range of health services. 

To read Kliff's article, click here. 
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Not Nearly Enough Obstetricians Perform Abortion Procedures, Report Says

August 23, 2011

A recent report by the University of Chicago and Duke University shows that only 14% of obstetricians perform abortion procedures. This does not include primary care physicians, however, who also perform the procedures. The study shows that, while it is generally agreed that those doctors who are unwilling to perform abortion procedures should, ethically, refer patients to physicians who do, many refuse to do even that. The combination of a lack of obstetricians who perform abortions and a lack of referrals is of concern because it has important effects on the ability of those in need to receive abortion services.  The study had some encouraging news, however, in that younger doctors are more willing to provide abortion services, which indicates that more doctors will be willing and able to perform them in the future.

To read more about this study, click here.

To read an interesting blog on the need for more doctors who perform abortion procedures and what some of the roadblocks to those doctors are, click here. 



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Unreasonable Regulations in Arizona Cause Three Planned Parenthood Clinics to Close

August 22, 2011

After a recent ruling of the Arizona Appeals Court, which allows restrictions from a law from 2009 to go into effect, three women's health clinics that provide abortion services will have to close. This will greatly affect women in the three areas (Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Yuma) who will no longer have these clinics to go to for essential reproductive health services.


For more information on this ruling and how it will affect the people of Arizona, read this article in the L.A. Times


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House Republicans Attempting to Reinstate Global Gag Rule

July 22, 2011
The House Foreign Affairs Committee, in its "marathon markup session" voted to bring back what is called the Mexico City Policy, which was brought in during the Reagan Administration and prevents any foreign aid funds going to organizations that provide abortion counseling or services. It was later repealed by President Obama. The newest version of the Global Gag Rule would be even more severe than it was under Reagan and Bush, as it would contain no exceptions for organizations that provide HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services. The measure will still have to pass the House before it can move on, but it displays a disturbing trend.



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Obama Administration Opposes Congress's Restrictions on D.C. Abortion and Needle Exchange
July 14, 2011
The Obama Administration has released a policy statement opposing the House's spending bill, which prevents the District of Columbia from spending its own money on aiding low-income women obtain abortion services, or on needle exchange programs that help prevent the spread of HIV.  The Administration stated that both parts of the spending bill "undermine the principle of states' rights and of D.C. home rule." The statement did not, however, say that the President would veto the bill if it still contained these restrictions.

Click here to read the Statement of Administration Policy



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Kansas Governor Appoints Anti-Choice Lawyer to State Health Board
July 12, 2011
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback (R) has appointed lawyer Rick Macias to a state board that will oversee the regulation of abortion clinics.  Macias has a long history of representing anti-choice activists, particularly through Operation Rescue, one of the most rabid anti-choice organizations in the country. Operation Rescue and its supporters have long asserted that they believe that there should be no reproductive health centers which provide abortion services, under any circumstances.   Brownback is known for his anti-choice political stance, and this is seen by many as an attempt to further restrict any access to abortion services in the state of Kansas.

To read more about this appointment and what it means for Kansas, click here. 
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Louisiana Governor Signs Anti-Choice Law
July 7, 2011
Louisiana has joined the ranks of states who have new, highly restrictive abortions laws on the books. Governor Bobby Jindal signed a law this week that requires women be given anti-abortion information prior to receiving services, and requires that any clinic that provides abortion services post this information. Clinics are also required to refer patients to an "abortion alternatives" website, as well as post a link to this website on their own. These requirements ensure that any woman going through the difficult process of making an incredibly important life choice will be exposed to manipulative information prior to obtaining services.

For more information on this new law,  click here. 
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Case Against Texas Sonogram Law is Underway
July 6, 2011
Federal District Court Judge Same Sparks is set to listen to arguments in the court case filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) against a new law in Texas that would force pregnant women to view a sonogram and wait 24 hours prior to receiving abortion services. The case was filed on behalf of medical providers in the state, and will decide whether or not the law goes into effect as scheduled, on September 1.  

For more information, read this article in Ms. Magazine
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Two Great Commentaries on the New Kansas Law and its Consequences 
July 5, 2011
In response to the recent laws in many states, and Kansas in particular, which have created unreasonable restrictions on access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, supporters of reproductive choice have been speaking out. Below are two blogs regarding the recent laws and their implications for the states in which they were passed:

 

KANSAS IS WRONG ON ABORTION

The Hall Chronicles - Ray Hall


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Ohio Close to Passing a Bill that Restricts Abortions as Early as Six Weeks

June 30, 2011
The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill which would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detectable via ultrasound, which can happen as early as six weeks into pregnancy. The bill will still have to pass the Ohio Senate and be signed into law by the governor.  It does not make any exceptions for the life of the mother, the health of the mother or for cases of rape or incest.  Even the anti-abortion umbrella group Ohio Right to Life says that this bill is unconstitutional and sees it as something that will waste thousands of taxpayer dollars in an inevitable legal battle, should it pass.  

For more information,  click here. 

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Kansas: Doctors File Suit Against Unreasonable Abortion Clinic Restrictions 

June 29, 2011
Two doctors in Kansas have filed a federal lawsuit in an attempt to stop the implementation of new, incredibly strict requirements of clinics which provide abortion services.  These new restrictions are part of a recent Kansas law, and include many requirements that are not, the doctors filing the suit argue, required of those clinics which provide comparable medical procedures. So far, not one clinic that has been assessed has been able to meet the new requirements, which many argue are just another tactic to prevent access to abortion services one way or another. Those filing the suit argue that the office of the governor has purposefully made it difficult for any clinic to pass inspection. 

For more information,  click here.


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Judge Blocks  Indiana Law that would Defund Planned Parenthood

June 28, 2011
An injunction was just issued by US District Court Judge Tanya Walton Pratt against recent Indiana legislation that would have blocked any public funding from Planned Parenthood of Indiana, including Medicaid reimbursements. The federal government has already advised Indiana that the law is unconstitutional and that its implementation may have severe financial consequences for the state. Judge Pratt stated that
 "denying the injunction could pit the federal government against the state of Indiana in a high-stakes political impasse. And if dogma trumps pragmatism and neither side budges, Indiana's most vulnerable citizens could end up paying the price as the collateral damage of a partisan battle."
The law made it illegal for any public funds to go toward any organization that also, separately, provides abortion services, even though the Hyde Amendment already prevents any federal dollars going directly to abortion services. The real consequences of the law would be a drastic decrease in the reproductive health services offered to the people of Indiana, most particularly those living in poverty.  

For more information on this decision, click here. 

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Lawsuit Challenges Texas Abortion Law
June 15, 2011
The national Center for Reproductive Rights has filed suit in Texas against a recent law that requires women to undergo a sonogram and anti-abortion counseling prior to receiving any abortion services. The suit was filed on the grounds that physicians who are forced to give the pre-abortion counseling are having their rights to freedom of speech violated. It also argues that the law puts physicians in a position of possibly having to make decisions that go against the best interests of their patients. 

For more information, read this article from the Wall Street Journal. 


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Alabama the Latest State to Pass Restrictive Abortion Law
June 13, 2011
Lawmakers in Alabama are the latest to pass an extremely restrictive law banning abortion after 20 weeks, except in cases where the woman is in extreme physical danger.  The law does not provide any exceptions for cases of incest or rape. It also requires that all abortions be reported to the state to be put into a yearly report.  Opponents of the law argue that it goes against U.S. Supreme Court rulings, which have ruled that abortion be legal at least until the fetus is viable. It is expected that in Alabama, as in other states, this law will be challenged in court.

To learn more, read this article in Reuters.

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Iowa Senate Could Pass the Most Restrictive Abortion Law in the U.S.
June 10, 2011
The Iowa House has just passed a law that makes abortion after 18 weeks illegal, and would leave doctors who perform the procedure after this point prosecutable of a Class C felony, which carries with it a prison term of up to ten years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.  The measure was passed with absolutely no debate, in a move that Iowa House Democrats are accusing was deliberately manipulative by the House Republicans. Leaders from the ACLU and Planned Parenthood are working against the bill, which they argue is unconstitutional. 

For more information, read this article from the Iowa Independent. 

For the text of the law, Iowa Senate File 534, click here.

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Republican Presidential Hopefuls Using Attacks on Reproductive Choice as a Campaign Strategy


June 6, 2011
As more and more Republican presidential hopefuls start their campaigns, access to abortion is becoming a top issue of discussion.  Candidates, both official and possible, are attempting to galvanize support using abortion, along with health care and the unemployment rate, as divisive issues in the 2012 presidential campaign. This is important because it will undoubtedly stir more debate and more extraneous laws in states who have candidates that are still in office.  California RCRC will be keeping a close watch on the election and how it affects access to comprehensive reproductive health services in California and nationwide. 

To read about the varied uses of abortion in the Republican presidential campaign, read this article in the San Francisco Chronicle.


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DMS Administrator: Indiana Can't Defund Planned Parenthood

June 1, 2011
A recent Indiana law that outlawed any public funding to family planning providers that also, separately, provide abortions has just been deemed illegal by CMS Administrator Don Berwick. In a letter to the state, Berwick instructed Indiana to repeal that law or risk losing close to $4 million in Medicaid funding.  Berwick explained that states do not have the authority to restrict the federal dollars, particularly given that the Hyde Amendment already precludes any federal money from going to abortions.  If Indiana decides to ignore this instruction, it will have a huge impact on the ability of the poor to access any family planning services at all.  The letter also has implications for other states that are currently attempting to block Medicaid funding to providers like Planned Parenthood.

For more information, read this article. 

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Bill to Allow Abortion Coverage for Military Women in Cases of Rape Killed by House Republicans

May 27, 2011
Under current U.S. policy women serving in the military can not have abortion services covered in cases of rape or incest, something that all other federal employees currently do have.  Rep. Susan Davis of California, along with five other colleagues, introduced a bill to change this stipulation under the National Defense Authorization Act, but House Republicans killed the bill before it could even be debated on the House floor. Currently, women in the military who suffer pregnancy as a result of rape are forced to raise money for private abortion services, and for those who are stationed in countries where these are not available, the situation is even worse. This is particularly important because sexual assault in the military is twice as prevalent as in U.S. civilian society and a third of women in military service have reported experiencing sexual assault. 

For more information on this, read this article from the Associated Press.

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Senate Rejects Ryan Budget
May 26, 2011

The Senate has voted down the House budget presented by Rep. Paul Ryan that would have made Medicare into a voucher program, as well as giving $4.2 trillion in tax cuts to the rich while cutting $4.3 trillion from valuable social programs.  While the vote mainly split down party lines, a few Republicans voted against the bill, including Senators Scott Brown (Massachusetts), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins (Main).  Sen. Barbara Boxer of California has called Ryan's budget "sick" and Sen. Patty Murray has said of House Republicans that,  “they have put one thing above anything else — cutting health care for women.” 

For more on the vote, click here.

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U.S. Representative Pledges to Fight for Equal Rights Amendment for Women



May 24, 2011
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) has made a promise to fight for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would specifically protect the equal rights of women.  This is especially important during the current climate in which, argued Rep. Maloney, women are being specifically targeted politically. Rep. Maloney and others are planning to enlist as much support from other Representatives as possible in order to push the passage of the amendment.

To learn more, click here.

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  • Kansas the Latest to Pass Anti-Choice Bill

    May 13, 2011

     

    Today Kansas joined the growing list of states passing laws to restrict access to reproductive health services. The Kansas bill made now common changes to laws restricting what insurance plans can offer. In this case, insurance plans are now prevented from covering any abortion services, other than in the case of a life-threatening emergency.  It also makes Planned Parenthood highly unlikely to receive any Title X funding, which pays for a myriad of services, including cancer screenings and STI prevention.  This is a particular blow to those living in rural communities and low-income women in Kansas, many of whom "consider a family planning center like Planned Parenthood their primary health provider."

    For more on this new law, check out the following articles: 

    Kansas Anti-Abortion Bill Could Also Block Planned Parenthood Funding- The Huffington Post


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  • Planned Parenthood to File Federal Lawsuit Against Indiana Anti-Abortion Law 

    May 9, 2011

    Representatives from Planned Parenthood have stated that as soon as Indiana House Bill1210 (see what it does below) is signed into law, they will be filing a lawsuit in Federal Court to block it's implementation. They argue that the bill both violates Medicaid laws at the federal level, and is unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.  Planned Parenthood argues that there will be severe and irrevocable damage done to the citizens of Indiana should this law be put into place. 

    For a full article on the subject from the Huffington Post, click here.

    For a good overview of the numerous state legislative attacks on reproductive health from the L.A. Times, click here.

     


    H.R. 1210 does the following (taken from the text of the bill): 

    "Provides that for consent to an abortion to be voluntary and informed, a physician must inform the pregnant woman that the fetus might feel pain. Requires a pregnant woman seeking an abortion to view fetal ultrasound imaging unless the pregnant woman states in writing that the pregnant woman does not want to view the fetal ultrasound imaging. Requires a physician who performs an abortion to: (1) have admitting privileges at a hospital in the county or in a county adjacent to the county where the abortion is performed; and (2) notify the patient of the hospital location where the patient can receive follow-up care by the physician. Prohibits qualified health plans under the federal health care reform law from providing coverage for abortion." 

    For the full text of the bill, click here.



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  • California Assembly to Consider Bill on Monday That Would Give Minors Greater Consent to Treatment

    May 5, 2011

    Existing California law allows minors to consent to specified forms of medical or dental treatment. AB499(Atkins) would, in addition, allow a minor who is 12 years of age or older to consent to medical care related to the prevention of a sexually transmitted disease.

     Black Women for Wellness along with the California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom recently lobbied in Sacramento in support of AB499. On May 9th, AB499 will be taken to the Assembly floor again.

    • -----------------------------------------------


    RCRC Member Organization Issues Statement About House Vote on "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act"
    May 5, 2011
    Jon O’Brien, the president of Catholics for Choice, has issued the following statement about the May 4th House vote on HR 3, the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act."
    "With its vote to pass HR 3, the Republican leadership has shown how out of touch it is with the needs of voters. While a vocal minority may hail the vote, the vast majority will simply shrug and ask what it does for them and the needs of their family. We are in tough economic times, and making it harder for women to access reproductive health care services is not going to improve anybody’s life.   For the rest of the statement, click here

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    House Passes H.R. 3!

     

    May 4, 2011 
    Today the House of Representatives voted to pass the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," which makes permanent the Hyde Amendment, puts huge restrictions on private insurance companies with regards to abortion, and strips away tax credits to any small business which purchases private insurance that covers abortion services.  Also included in the law is a provision that may force women who have been impregnated through rape or incest to endure "rape audits" by the IRS.  The passage of this law is a huge blow to women's health in the United States.  It is more important than ever to be vocal in our support for choice and health for all people.  

    To lend your voice to the cause, Become a Member!
    For more on H.R. 3, click here.
    To contact your Representative, click here.

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    Indiana Governor to Sign Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood

     

    May 2, 2011 

    In a move some are saying is a first step in a 2012 Republican presidential campaign, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has pledged to sign into law a bill that strips funding from Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health clinics within the state.  Reports claim that, while the move was said to be an attempt to "stop abortions," the majority of Planned Parenthood clinics and others affected by the cuts have not performed even one abortion, but have given services such as cancer screenings and STI testing.  What is known is that incredibly valuable health services will be greatly impacted by this bill, and that it's implementation should encourage us to stand up for reproductive health, not only in California, but across the country. 

     

    For more on this bill, check out this article by  RH Reality Check.

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    Cuts to Medicaid Equal Cuts to Reproductive Health Services


    April 29, 2011 

    Included in Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI) budget proposal, and in other bills introduced in the legislature, are changes to Medicaid that would have a severe impact on reproductive health services for lower income women, including pregnancy prevention, prenatal care and the birthing process. It is important to be mindful of the repercussions that budget measures have on reproductive health services across the country. Without programs like Medicaid, millions will go without comprehensive health care. 

    For a great overview of what current budget proposals will do to Medicaid and how they will affect reproductive health services, read the following article from RH Reality Check.


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    New Bill Proposed in Louisiana Would Ban All Abortions

    April 25, 2011
    A bill filed by Republican Representative John LaBruzzo would make abortions performed in the state of Louisiana illegal, leaving any woman who obtains an abortion, or the doctor who performed the procedure, open to prosecution for "feticide" and a 5 to 15 year prison sentence. The bill, if it is passed, could lead to a court case that challenges Roe v. Wade. 

     

    For more information about this law, check out this article by Ms. Magazine. 


    For the text of the bill, click here. 


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    TIME Article Addresses "What's Behind the Surge of Abortion Bills"
    March 24, 2011
    Katy Steinmetz discusses the "Perfect Storm" of anti-choice legislation. To read more Click Here.

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    Funding for Reproductive Health Services is Still Under Attack!

    March 5, 2011
    The House Budget has listed over $4 billion in cuts to important programs throughout the United States, without increasing any kind of sacrifices for the wealthy. If you want to stop these attacks on Reproductive Health and Services, here are a few things you can do:

    • Check out organizations such as Planned Parenthood and the National Organization for Women
    • Ask the people at your religious organization to stand with you for reproductive rights.
    • Visit your local reproductive health clinic and show them your support.
    • Become a member of California RCRC and/or Donate (above) to stand with us in our support of the reproductive rights of all people.
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    HOUSE VOTES TO STRIP PLANNED PARENTHOOD OF FEDERAL FUNDING!
    The House of Representatives has just approved a measure that would strip Planned Parenthood of essential funding that supports vital reproductive health education and services.   

    What you can do to fight against this:     
    • Contact your Senator directly by clicking here
    • If you attend religious services this weekend,RCRC's statement on religion and family planning will be helpful. talk to others there about your feelings and concerns. Ask your rabbi or minister to mention the impact these cuts will have on lower-income women and families.
    • Write a note to your local women's clinic,  expressing your support for all they do everyday to safeguard and enhance women's health.
    • Send a letter to your Senators through organizations to which you belong. For the National Organization for Women, click here. To join the Planned Parenthood response, click here

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    February 18, 2011 
    President Obama's Administration Removes Important Parts of Federal Regulations on "Conscience Protection" for Health Workers!

    Obama's administration announced today that they were clarifying federal regulations which address the controversial "conscience protection," which allow health care workers to abstain from giving certain types of reproductive health care based on their own values rather than their duties to the health of patients.  While Obama's clarification will not remove the "conscience" clause, it does restrict which reproductive health care services are considered eligible under that clause.

    STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION!!!

    Read the following article for more on today's announcement:
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    PLANNED PARENTHOOD UNDER ATTACK IN CONGRESS!!!

    Check out Erik Ekholm's highly informative article in the New York Times that gives wonderful overview of the Right's vicious and deceitful attack on Planned Parenthood and reproductive rights in America:

    Planned Parentood Financing Is Caught in Budget Feud,
    by Erik Ekholm, New York Times, February 17, 2011

    For more information on what you can do to combat these attacks visitPlanned Parenthood's Take Action Website

    LEGISLATIVE ALERT!!
    Reproductive Rights Under Serious Attack!!!

    Anti-choice politicians in the House of Representatives have put forth two bills that would strip millions of their reproductive rights: the deceptively named HR 3 "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" introduced by Rep. Chris Smith and HR 358 the "Protect Life Act", introduced by Rep. Joe Pitts.

    HR 3 will strip important funding for reproductive health care and abortion services, while HR 358 would amend provisions in the federal health reform law, restricting private insurance coverage of abortion services.

    Check out RCRC National President and CEO Reverend Carlton W. Veazy's article on this legislation here.

    What can you do to stop this?
    Contact your Representatives!! Find yours here.


    The Role of the Courts in Reproductive Health Law
    With increasing attacks on choice in numerous states, it has become the job of the courts to protect citizens from extreme reproductive health laws restricting access to services.
    Read a wonderful New York Times editorial on the subject here.


    States Attacking Reproductive Choice!
    Over 30 states have pending legislation that would severely limit women's access to reproductive health services. Read the article here.

    Budget Cuts Affect Women Alarmingly More than Men
    When they say "shared sacrifice" do they mean that women should share it among themselves? Read the article here.

    GOP Budget Cuts Go After International Family Planning
    Budget cuts proposed by the GOP will completely cut some funding for international family planning. Read the article here.


    Republican Lawmakers Attack Choice through Taxes
    In order to restrict access to abortion by any means necessary, Republican lawmakers attempt to make it impossible for anyone to obtain insurance that might cover abortion. Two articles here and here.

    "Uterus" a Dirty Word?
    Florida Lawmaker Reprimanded for using the word "uterus" on the House floor. Read the article here.

    Women will "Fake Rape" to Get Abortions, Republican Lawmaker Accuses
    An Indiana lawmaker wants to close the "fake rape loophole," accusing women of falsely reporting rape in order to obtain abortions. Read the article here.
    TIME Article: "What's Behind the Surge of Abortion Bills?" by Katy Steinmetz

    Steinmetz addresses trends in anti-choice legislation include bills which force women to "undergo dissuasive counseling", call for mandatory ultrasounds, increase the length of waiting periods and more. She states that, "those on the anti-abortion side have little to lose by throwing whatever bills they can at the wall and seeing what sticks."  Click here to read the full-length article. 

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    CURRENT CALIFORNIA LAW

    Overview of CA Abortion Laws

    ·      Abortions must be performed by a licensed physician.

    ·       Abortions prohibited after fetal viability except when necessary to protect the woman’s life or health.

    ·       Individual health care providers and religious institutions allowed to refuse
    to participate.

    ·       Funding provided for all or most medically necessary abortions as the result of a specific court order.

    ·       Enforcement of a parental consent law adopted through a ballot initiative permanently enjoined by court order.

    Laws Relating to Contraception

      ·      Emergency rooms required to provide information and to dispense emergency contraception drug on request to assault victims. 

      ·      Pharmacists may distribute the drug when acting under a collaborative-practice agreement with a physician or in accordance with a state-approved protocol and must fill all valid prescriptions.

      ·      Insurers that cover prescription drugs in general required to provide coverage of the full range of FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices.

    ·       Religious employers permitted to refuse to provide coverage but employers required to notify employees when their health plan does not provide coverage.

    ·      All minors explicitly allowed to consent to contraceptive services.

    ·      Pharmacists have duty to dispense valid prescriptions and can only refuse to dispense a prescription, including contraceptives, when their employers approve the refusal and the woman can still access her prescription in a timely manner.

     

    Sex & HIV Education Laws

    ·     HIV education mandated.

      · Sex education not mandated.

      · When provided, sex and HIV education programs must be age appropriate, culturally appropriate and unbiased.

      · Education cannot promote religion.

      · Parents must be notified and allowed to remove children from instruction.

      · When provided, sex education must include information on contraception, making healthy decisions around sexuality, and how to talk to family members.

      ·   Any sex education must include an inclusive discussion of sexual orientation.

      · HIV education must include information on condoms.  

      · Both HIV education and sex education, when offered, must cover abstinence.

     -      STD prevention services provided without parental consent to anyone over the age of 12, including the administration of the HPV vaccine. 

     

    CA Laws Covering Funding

     

    ·      There are no restrictions relating to state family planning funding.

    ·       Family planning benefits provided through Medicaid to both men and women with eligibility based solely on income of 200% of poverty under a waiver from the federal government that expires on 3/31/11.

     

    Additional Laws Involving Minors

    · Minors allowed to consent to prenatal care under laws specific to prenatal care.

    · Minors explicitly allowed to consent to their child’s adoption.

    · No explicit policy on whether a minor may consent to medical care for their children.

    · Minors, 12 and older, explicitly allowed to consent to STI services, including HIV testing and treatment without requiring parental notification.

     

    Related California Legislation

    · Drug treatment programs specifically targeted to pregnant women.

      · Infant up to 72 hours old can be relinquished to authorized health care providers; anonymity of person leaving the infant preserved; asking for medical information about the infant as well as  providing an ID bracelet to both person leaving the infant and the infant required.
    Content copyright . California Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. All rights reserved.
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