An Alaska state court judge this week temporarily blocked a law that created a narrow definition for when abortions were “medically necessary” and therefore covered under Alaska Medicaid.
Massachusetts Lawmakers Work to Restore Protections for Abortion Clinics Following McCullen
The state of Massachusetts is expected to soon push legislation providing greater protections to reproductive health clinics following the Supreme Court’s ruling in McCullen v. Coakley.
Georgia Law Banning Insurance Coverage of Abortion Goes Into Effect
These health insurance policies can now only cover abortion “in the case of medical emergency,” but not in cases of incest or rape.
Missouri Governor Vetoes 72-Hour Abortion Waiting Period
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon last week vetoed a 3-day waiting period for abortions and issued a fiery response to state lawmakers who signed off on the measure. Now, the Republican-led legislature is threatening to override when Missouri’s state session resumes next term.
Restrictive Abortion Laws Take Effect in Mississippi and Florida
Mississippi law now bans abortion 20 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period, and a new Florida law went into effect banning abortion at any point in the pregnancy once a fetus is deemed viable unless two doctors certify in writing that it is necessary to protect the health and life of the woman.
New York Women’s Equality Act Stalled For A Second Time
Although the State Senate passed nine planks of the WEA as separate bills, the full act ultimately did not move forward because Senate Republicans opposed a provision that would codify Roe v. Wade.
The Supreme Court Just Ignored the Reality of Clinic Violence
Portraying buffer zone laws as a response to “clashes” of political opinion overlooks the harrowing history behind McCullen and the much larger trend of violence against abortion providers and patients that it represents.
Help Us Protect Clinics!
After today’s SCOTUS ruling, the work of our National Clinic Access Project to defend abortion clinics and providers as well as women seeking health care became exponentially more difficult.
House Committee Approves Extending Abortion Coverage to Peace Corps Volunteers
Unlike other employees with federal health care plans – including Peace Corps employees – Peace Corps volunteers currently do not have access to abortion coverage even in cases of rape, incest, or endangered health or life.
Michigan Democrats Aim to Repeal Law Requiring Separate Insurance Coverage of Abortion
Two Michigan lawmakers introduced state legislation to repeal a Michigan law that forces women to buy additional health insurance coverage for abortion, even in cases of rape or when a women’s health is endangered.
Anti-Choice Group May Challenge Law Prohibiting False Political Speech
The US Supreme Court ruled yesterday that anti-choice group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA) could challenge an Ohio state law prohibiting “false statements” in political campaign speech.
Florida Governor Signs Bill Restricting Abortion Access
Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a bill into law on Friday that redefines the state’s current third trimester abortion ban, creating further restrictions for women seeking later abortions.
Anti-Choice Group Asks SCOTUS to Review New York City’s CPC Regulations
The New York City law immediately became a target after it passed in 2011.
South Carolina Legislators Fail to Pass Anti-Choice Measures
None of the bills moved through the body, which women’s groups locally are hailing as a victory.
Oklahoma Governor Signs Admitting Privileges Bill
Only one of Oklahoma’s three clinics already has admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, so the other two may be forced to close when the law goes into effect on November 1.
New Hampshire Governor to Sign 25-Foot Clinic Buffer Zone Bill
The bill had already passed the Senate in February, but the House made a few changes before passage and then sent it to the Senate for another vote. It will now go to the governor’s desk, where Governor Maggie Hassan is expected to sign it.
Missouri Legislature Passes Bill Instating 72-Hour Abortion Waiting Period
The Missouri House voted last night, in the middle of an ongoing 3-day protest on the steps of the state capitol, to approve a measure that will triple Missouri’s waiting period for an abortion procedure from 24 hours to 72 hours.
Louisiana Senate Passes Omnibus Anti-Abortion Bill
The Louisiana Senate voted 34-3 to pass an omnibus abortion bill yesterday that would limit access to abortion in the state by imposing burdensome regulations on abortion providers and forcing women to wait longer to obtain an abortion.
Missouri Activists Stage 72-Hour Protest of Abortion Waiting Period
Reproductive rights activists in Missouri are halfway through a 72-hour rally on the steps of the state capitol in protest of a state bill that would require a 72-hour waiting period for women seeking abortion.
Virginia Governor Orders Review of TRAP Regulations
The TRAP regulations will remain in effect pending the state Board of Health’s review. Clinics have until the end of June to comply.