Repro Wrap: D&E Bans Are Just Grandstanding and Other News | Care2 Causes
This week, D&E (dilation and evacuation) bans remain in the news as bills in Kansas and Oklahoma continue to proceed through the legislative process. Oklahoma’s bill http://www.newson6.com/story/28085325/bill-to-ban-some-abortions-in-oklahoma-clears-panel passed out of house panel, but the Associated Press continues to downplay its significance, calling it the anti-abortion activists’ preferred term “dismemberment” and claiming it just affects “some” procedures, versus banning virtually all abortions after the first trimester.
In Kansas, the bill passed Senate committee, as well. Bill supporters argue that the ban would be completely constitutional, despite the fact that it would stop abortion at a minimum of two months prior to viability. But do they really believe that? My guess is no. Sources tell me that the Kansas bill is being amended to add “suction” as one of the tools that cannot be used, which would then affect many first trimester abortions as well. Meanwhile, Missouri is introducing an identical ban, making it the third state to publicly declare.
When National Right to Life believed they had the perfect bill to overturn Roe v. Wade, they were very methodical about its implementation. They introduced the 20 week “fetal pain” ban in just one state, and where they knew it wouldn’t be amended, to have a pure bill and a direct challenge. Only after that passed and there was no challenge did they introduce it in other states, pointing to the successful Nebraska law as a sign that it was a good and constitutional bill.
That’s not happening with D&E. They are letting bills be amended. They are introducing them simultaneously, wherever they can get a state to bite. What that means is that they know this isn’t a law that will ever be upheld. It’s a vehicle for their talking points, and they want that vehicle active wherever possible, hoping to have a debate, thinking their talking points are winners. This isn’t about passing laws, this is a set up for changing public perception on abortion. The question is if they will be effective or not.
In other news, Montana is trying to introduce a “personhood” amendment that would need to be ratified by the voters of the state. I guess that is what happens when you let Matt Trewhella http://www.care2.com/causes/montana-legislative-sermon-signals-a-new-push-for-god-in-legislatures.html come speak at your opening legislative prayer event.
In Arizona, the Republican governor gave a speech commending the anti-abortion activists for doing so much to restrict abortion rights in the state. Then he asked them if they could please consider working on some policies to help those children who have been born. Arizona’s conservatives responded by passing a ban on abortion coverage in insurance plans.
The South Carolina house passed a 20 week so-called “fetal pain” ban this week. West Virginia is working to pass their own 20 week ban as well, even after the outrage over one lawmaker’s claim that getting pregnant as a result of sexual assault is a “beautiful” thing. Ohio has announced it will introduce a 20 week ban as well, and New Mexico has proposed a similar bill, although there is an odd “viability test” requirement that could make that slightly later.
Oklahoma has moved a 72 hour waiting period out of committee. And federally, the House has introduced a bill to make it illegal for a teen to cross state lines to get an abortion, believing they are trying to dodge parental consent laws. This bill has been introduced and has failed year after year, so now we will see what having GOP majorities in both chambers will do to its success. Speaking of consent, Texas wants more fetal lawyers to help force pregnant people who can’t respond into carrying to term even over the wishes of their families.
Clinic harassment http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/jurisprudence/2015/02/anti_abortion_harassment_feminist_majority_foundation_survey_of_clinic_workers.html continues to be a massive problem and it is only getting worse. That’s why news that New Hampshire’s legislature is trying to repeal their brand new buffer zone is so alarming. It could be the start of another trend. Speaking of trends, Idaho has jumped on the medically unnecessary admitting privileges bandwagon this legislative session.
South Dakota could inadvertently ban abortion through a new “child abuse” designation that includes any embryo, fetus or fertilized egg. Kentucky is working towards a mandatory ultrasound and 24 hour wait, although the bill looks likely to fail in the Senate, as it has in the past.
In news you probably could have figured out yourself, less people than ever are satisfied with the current abortion laws in the country. Unfortunately, a good chunk of those people think we need harsher restrictions.
Finally, in good news, Colorado killed an admitting privileges requirement TRAP bill, and Texas Democrats are launching a new multi-year plan to roll back the restrictions placed on abortion rights in the state in the last few years. Good luck, y’all.
http://www.care2.com/causes/repro-wrap-de-bans-are-just-grandstanding-and-other-news.html
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