No Signs Of Stopping
More Anti-Abortion Bills Threaten Reproductive Rights In Ten States
Abortion rates declined by 13 percent over three years according to the
latest data, with researchers finding an increase in birth control use having a
more significant effect than restrictive abortion laws. But that information
won’t stop opponents of reproductive health and a woman’s right to choose.
After three years that contained a record-breaking number of state-level abortion restrictions, state legislatures are developing even more attacks. Here is a run down of ten of the worst, or head over to ThinkProgress where Tara Culp-Ressler goes over them in more detail:
After three years that contained a record-breaking number of state-level abortion restrictions, state legislatures are developing even more attacks. Here is a run down of ten of the worst, or head over to ThinkProgress where Tara Culp-Ressler goes over them in more detail:
1. Alabama is attempting to ban
abortions after just six weeks. Lawmakers in the state are holding a hearing on a so-called “heartbeat”
bill–or bill that would ban the procedure after a heartbeat can be detected,
which can occur as early as six week into pregnancy. The measure violates
Roe v. Wade.
2. South Dakota may ban most abortions
and threaten doctors with life in prison. Proposed legislation in the state would “prohibit
the dismemberment or decapitation of certain living unborn children,” vague
language that could end up having far-reaching implications for abortion care in
the state. Doctors in violation of the proposed measure could face life in
prison.
3. Oklahoma wants to follow in Texas’
footsteps and shut down abortion clinics. Even though Oklahoma already
has a law that imposes stringent restrictions on abortion providers, the
proposed bill would tighten those restrictions even further to bring them in
line with Texas’ law. It was approved by a Senate panel on Monday.
4. Indiana could put abortion doctors
at risk for more violence and harassment. The measure being considered
in the state would require “back up doctors” for abortion procedures, and then
publicize the names of those doctors, exposing them to potential threats and
harassment. “It does nothing to improve women’s health. All it will do is target
doctors who provide health care for women,” state Sen. Vaneta Becker (R) explained.
5. Iowa wants to allow women to sue
doctors for “abortion distress.” The upshot of this would be to place
abortion providers under the constant threat of a costly lawsuit from a former
patient who regrets their abortion.
6. Missouri may force women to wait
three days before having an abortion. Although mandatory waiting
periods are a popular type of abortion restriction, research has proven that
they don’t actually change women’s minds about whether
to continue a pregnancy.
7. South Carolina and West Virginia
want to ban later abortions with no consideration for rape, incest, or fetal
abnormalities. Nine states have already passed similar “20-week” abortion bans,
which violate the protections guaranteed under Roe v. Wade. Later
abortions are already very rare.
8. Mississippi is so intent on banning
abortion that it’s poised to pass an unnecessary bill. Another 20-week
abortion ban is currently making its way through the Mississippi legislature,
but it is entirely unnecessary because the state’s only
remaining abortion clinic only performs procedures up to 16 weeks.
9. Kentucky wants to force abortion
doctors to describe ultrasound images to their patients. This type of
abortion restriction was recently struck down in North Carolina for violating
the First Amendment, since it compels doctors to deliver an anti-choice message
sanctioned by the state.
10. Iowa is trying to eliminate
abortion access for low-income and rural women. Iowa earns another spot
on this list for going after “telemedicine” abortion —
essentially, the practice of using video technology to allow doctors to remotely
prescribe a pill to women who may not have access to a nearby clinic.
BOTTOM LINE: 2014 is already
shaping up to be another banner year in the GOP’s war on women, particularly at
the state level. It’s going to be a year when progressives and women’s rights
advocates push back harder than ever.
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