Yesterday Governor Bobby Jindal (R) signed a law requiring that clinics providing abortion services post signs indicating that a woman cannot be forced to obtain an abortion and that her partner is legally obligated to pay child support. The signs must also state that services are available to help women during and following their pregnancies and that adoptive parents may be able to offer financial assistance with the pregnancy, regardless of whether or not that statement is true.
Planned Parenthood indicated that it opposes language that “urges (a woman) to consult an independent physician about the risks of abortion to [her] physical and psychological well-being.” Planned Parenthood, which does not operate in Louisiana, vocally opposed the law stating that it patronizes women and compromises the doctor-patient relationship.
The law also requires that abortion providers notify women about a biased state Department of Health and Hospitals “abortion alternatives” website that includes information about adoption services, so-called crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), which do not offer women neutral or comprehensive medical advice. The website also includes statements about so-called fetal pain, which has been discredited by medical experts
