NAF's Report on Federal and State Action on Abortion
Issues
October, 1999
Federal Legislation
10/21 - The Senate passed the so-called "partial birth abortion" ban by a vote of 63-34. During debate on this bill, the Senate narrowly passed (51-47) a nonbinding Sense of the Senate affirming the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. Clinton has once again vowed to veto the so-called "partial birth abortion" bill.10/22 - President Clinton signed into law the 2000 Agriculture Appropriations bill. Language barring the FDA from final approval of mifepristone, otherwise known as RU-486, was stripped from the bill before he signed.
10/26 - The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the so-called "partial birth abortion" bans in Illinois and Wisconsin. The sharply divided 5-4 decision is inconsistent with last month's Eighth Circuit ruling that struck down similar bans in three additional states.
In the States
Action on so-called "Partial Birth Abortion Bans":
10/15 - A federal judge ruled Idaho's so-called "partial birth abortion" ban unconstitutional, claiming that the law was so vague that it would essentially ban all abortions after the 13th week.
Parental Consent/Notification:
10/28 - Wisconsin legislators are considering a bill to further restricting the current parental consent law that allows minors to seek permission from a family member who is at least 25 years of age. The new bill would require a minors' legal custodian to grant permission before a notary public. The proposed bill would also exclude the current exception that allows minors to waive the consent requirement in cases of medical emergencies.
Contraceptive Coverage:
10/21 - Legislators in Massachusetts introduced bills requiring insurance companies to offer equitable policies for men and women and include coverage for birth control.
Other State News:
10/7 - The New York Senate passed the Clinic Access and Anti-Stalking Act of 1999. The measure creates new criminal penalties for blocking access to abortion clinics and stiff penalties for stalking women, abortion providers or clinic staff. Governor George Pataki (R) is expected to sign the legislation into law.
In the Courts
10/11 - In Florida, a circuit court judge struck down the state's parental notification law. The judge cited a privacy amendment to the state Constitution that protects women against government intrusion into their lives.10/21 - Family planning clinics in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the state health director, Jane Norton, did not have the power to block family-planning dollars from going to abortion providers. The suit alleges that only the state Legislature has the power to block funding.
10/26 - The Montana Supreme Court struck down a state law prohibiting physician assistants from performing abortions. The court ruled that the state legislature can only regulate medical decisions such as abortion if such regulation is needed to protect patients from true medical risks.
Around the World
10/5 - With the help of the UN Population Fund, China has installed condom machines in Beijing, Shanghai and 20 other cities to supplement the existing free contraceptive distribution system. The Chinese Center for Family Planning, Contraceptive Research and Development plans to install 1,000 more condom vending machines in all provinces before the end of the year.10/11 - England The family of a pregnant 12 year-old girl in Britain was given money on the condition that the girl would keep her baby. This is part of a "Pro-Life" initiative set up by Scottish Cardinal Thomas Winning to discourage women from having abortions.
