Voters For Choice

RECENT PRESS

For Immediate Release 05/31/02

Military Families Handed Victory By Federal Court on Health Care Coverage for Medical Procedures Involving Abortion of a Fetus Afflicted with Anencephaly

Maureen M. Britell v. United States of America

Boston, MA -- The federal district court in Massachusetts ruled today that Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Service ("CHAMPUS"), the health insurance program for the U.S. Military and their families, cannot constitutionally refuse to pay for an abortion of a fetus that is afflicted with anencephaly, a disability that inevitably will result in the death of the fetus.

In 1994, Maureen Britell and her husband, a Captain in the Air National Guard, were anticipating the birth of their second child. A routine checkup revealed the fetus was anencephalic; there was no forebrain or cranium, and no chance of survival outside of the womb. On the advice of her doctors, Britell chose to undergo an abortion. Britell brought the lawsuit against the government after her military insurance denied all healthcare claims.

"I am relieved that the court has realized how harmful military restrictions on abortions are to women. I only hope that this decision will help lift the heavy burden from the other families who will face the devastation of fatal fetal anomalies," stated Maureen Britell, Executive Director of Voters For Choice.

Maureen Britell joined the abortion-rights advocacy movement in 1997 after she testified before Congress during the joint hearings on so-called “partial birth abortions”. When anti-choice activists protested against her in front of her church on her daughter’s first communion, Britell decided to join the movement full time. Britell spent three years as the Director of Government Relations for the National Abortion Federation before Gloria Steinem asked her to take over the Voters For Choice PAC and Action Fund as the Executive Director.

For more information on Voters For Choice visit www.voters4choice.org, or call (202) 944-5080. Reporters on deadline may call Voter’s For Choice Executive Director, Maureen Britell directly at (202) 276-5882.

For Immediate Release 03/22/02

BRIDGEPORT CITY OFFICIALS CHOOSE ANTI-CHOICE PROTESTERS OVER WOMEN

Washington, D.C.-Bridgeport, CT—Summit Women’s Center is being forced from their current location due to a city demolition project. After months of searching with Bridgeport officials, a new location was found. Now, after anti-choice activists trespassed on the new property and complained that the sidewalk was too small, city officials are suggesting that Summit find yet another location for the clinic—in order to accommodate anti-choice protesters.

Gloria Steinem, Founder and VFCAF Board President, said, "Clinics are built to accommodate patients, not protestors. Sidewalks are the Mayor's responsibility. He may build a better sidewalk, but not cause a clinic to uproot itself and move its patients because he is taking orders from the very church from which an elected representative of the state is supposed to be separate."

VFCAF’s Executive Director, Maureen Britell stated, “It appears that Bridgeport officials are more interested in ensuring that anti-choice extremists can stand outside of the clinic to harass and threaten clinic staff then protecting the legal right of women to access reproductive health care.”

For Immediate Release 02/19/02

COLLEGE STUDENTS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT PEERS ARE AWARE OF EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION AS A SAFE AND ACCESSIBLE OPTION

Washington, D.C.-Student activists on campuses across the United States are working in conjunction with Voters for Choice Action Fund and Choice USA to educate their peers about Emergency Contraception. Emergency Contraception (EC) prevents pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.

“Our number one goal is to increase the knowledge and the access to emergency contraception,” says Voters for Choice Action Fund Executive Director, Maureen Britell. “EC provides a positive option for responsible young people who seek to avoid unplanned pregnancies.”

Emergency Contraception is:

Ordinary birth control pills taken after sexual activity in high doses to prevent pregnancy
Also referred to as EC, the morning after pill, Preven or Plan B
75% effective when used right
A safe and responsible way of preventing pregnancy before it begins
Can be acquired before a woman needs it by getting a prescription for EC and filling it ahead of time
An option that few college students are aware of

EC Campaign Components:
With the help of student activists, Voters for Choice Action Fund and Choice USA have launched Emergency Contraception Campaigns on four college campuses to educate and organize students around EC and reproductive choice issues in their community. The campaign, designed to grab the attention of college students, includes posters that read “Some Animals Mate up to Five Times Before Conception; Some College Students Aren’t So Lucky”, and door hangers that announce “Getting Laid. But Not Getting Screwed”. On each campus, students conduct surveys on student knowledge and access to EC, distribute literature, and circulate “matriculation packets”, which include facts about EC, hotline numbers, list of locations where EC is available, and other educational tools.

Polling Information: EC and College Students Emergency Contraception is currently available on many college campuses. However, polls sponsored by Choice USA and Voters For Choice Action Fund indicate that few college students are aware of what EC is or how to access it. Initial poll results indicate that on some campuses, just 16% of students know the facts about EC; up to 40% do not know that EC is ordinary birth control in high doses; and on some of these campuses, up to 78% of college students answered “yes” to the question of whether they had ever had sexual intercourse.

Information and Accessibility Play a Vital Role in Responsible Decision Making “When women are informed of all of our reproductive options, women make responsible choices. Young activists across the country are working to make sure that emergency contraception is available, and that students know how it works and where to get it,” says Crystal Plati, Choice USA Executive Director. “Ultimately, it is a university's responsibility to protect the health of its students by offering safe options and accurate, complete information.”

Where Can Students Go To Learn More About Emergency Contraception? For information on EC availability, Choice USA and Voters for Choice Action Fund encourages students to contact the Emergency Contraception Hotline at 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or their website at www.not-2-late.com. For information on mobilization on campuses and questions about EC, go to www.choiceusa.org or www.voters4choice.org.

For Immediate Release 01/22/02

ROE V. WADE 29th ANNIVERSARY.

Washington, D.C.-Since the historic decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973, the pro-choice movement has been working on national and statewide levels to protect reproductive freedom. Now on it’s 29th anniversary, this freedom hangs by a thread in America – and if the current administration stays the course, we could see the demise of Roe v. Wade. Voters For Choice’s Founder and Board President, Gloria Steinem stated, “A woman's right to choose is under attack and should not be taken for granted.”

“A well-oiled anti-choice communications machine has succeeded in chipping away at the right to choose until we have reached a point where 86% of counties in our nation have no abortion provider, and where more laws are passed by state legislatures every year that continue to restrict the right to choose,” said Maureen Britell, Executive Director of Voters For Choice.

In the last year alone, the following restrictions have been proposed and or implemented:

The Global Gag Rule-- On his first day in office, Bush condemned over 565,000 women to death internationally by stripping all American funding to health centers that counsels, lobbies, or provides abortion services in developing nations.
The Born Alive Protection Act—The proposed law would replace the medical judgment of Neonatologists and Perinatologists with new restrictions that would do nothing to further maternal care—but could create further obstacles when fetal anomalies are discovered.
The Unborn Victims of Violence Act—The bill claims to protect women from violence, but the bill would allow attorneys to prosecute individuals for harming the “rights” of a zygote, embryo, or fetus without ever prosecuting the offender for the violence perpetrated against the woman.
The Bush administration announced plans to make “unborn children” eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) declaring the “unborn child” and not the woman, the new CHIP client eligible for healthcare.
The Bush Administration’s extreme policies have restricted Embryonic Stem Cell research that may have the potential to cure such debilitating illnesses such as diabetes, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Military Ban on Abortions--although female personnel can be found on the front lines of military actions around the world, their reproductive rights are stripped upon deployment.
Instead of increasing access for drug treatment for pregnant women, many states have begun sentencing women who abuse drugs during pregnancy. The first woman to be sentenced under South Carolina’s new law has recently begun a 12-year sentence for “Fetal Homicide”—she is a 24 year-old, unemployed, homeless crack addict.

In 1984, with board members from Ms. and Planned Parenthood, Gloria Steinem created Voters For Choice. Over the years, VFC has become the largest independent pro-choice political action committee in the United States. VFC has raised millions of dollars for pro-choice candidates and helped send hundreds of supporters of choice to Congress and state offices.

For Immediate Release 08/09/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE RESPONDS TO BUSH’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH

Washington D.C.—Voters For Choice Board President, Gloria Steinem stated, “Bush’s obstruction of almost all stem cell research will unite unlikely allies against him. For example, Senator Orrin Hatch and I, not usually on the same side, agree that the proposed “Presidential Council on Stem Cells Research” could be used against the guidance of the NIH, and thus broader research. According to the American Heart Association, this research could have saved 128 million lives. His decision is profoundly anti-life.”

Steinem went on to say, “In order to reach his so-called compromise, Bush has obviously allowed the opinions of religious leaders to override the knowledge of the medical community, as well as the wishes of the vast majority of Americans. This massive scale down of stem cell research is another example of Bush's willingness to blur the line between church and state.”

The current research guidelines, which have been supported by Anti-Choice legislators such as John McCain, were designed by the National Institutes of Health to ensure federally funded research is conducted in an ethical and legal manner. Bush’s new “Presidential Council on Stem Cell Research” will develop new restrictions and guidelines that will supercede the existing NIH regulations.

For Immediate Release 08/13/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE RESPONDS TO TODAY’S FIST CIRCUIT COURT’S DECISION IN THE MCGUIRE CASE.

Washington D.C.—VFC’s Executive Director, Maureen Britell stated, “We are please that the court recognized a state legislature’s right to protect access to abortion care.” Britell went on to say, “The right of choice means nothing without the right of access.”

For Immediate Release 08/09/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE RESPONDS TO BUSH’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON STEM CELL RESEARCH

For Immediate Release 07/25/01

A Letter to the Editor of The Star Ledger

I certainly hope that Bishop Myers does not attack Jim McGreevey (“Myers Could Complicate McGreevey’s Campaign,” 7/25/01) for his pro-choice views. As a pro-choice, Irish Catholic, who was born in Red Bank, I want religious--not political--guidance from my priests.

Several years ago, I would have never thought I would be writing to support a fellow Catholic who holds pro-choice beliefs. But then again, I never thought I would have to make the difficult decision to end a very wanted pregnancy.

In February 1994, my family was happily awaiting the birth of Dahlia, our second daughter. My pregnancy was progressing smoothly and we were getting more excited as the days and weeks passed.

When we went in for my five-month appointment, that joy dissipated. The technician was unable to locate my daughter’s brain. My doctor informed us that Dahlia had a fatal anomaly called anencephaly, where the brain stem develops, but not the brain.

I went to specialists for a high level sonogram, which confirmed what my doctor had told me. The medical experts reviewed our options with Andrew and me, but they all recommended the same thing: to protect my health, we should induce labor.

As a Catholic, the idea of ending my pregnancy was beyond my imagination. I turned to my parish priest for guidance. He counseled me for a long time, and in the end, he agreed that there was nothing more I could do to help my daughter. With the support of our families and our priest, Andrew and I made the decision to end the pregnancy.

My husband and I still mourn the loss of Dahlia. However, because of the excellent medical care I received, I was able to become pregnant again and in June 1995, we welcomed Nathaniel into our family.

My life has certainly taken some incredible turns since that time. I testified before legislators about my procedure in Washington D.C. After much press about “the Irish Catholic mom who dared to talk about her abortion”, I was the target of protests outside of my daughter’s first communion service.

At that moment, I knew why Dahlia had touched my life. I packed up the husband and children and moved to Washington D.C. so that I could help the families who would come after me.

In a perfect world, I would never have to write this letter. Every pregnancy would be wanted, healthy and happy. Until that time, however, there will be other families like mine. I hope that the new Bishop will find it in his heart to reach out to those families in pain and offer his unconditional love and prayers—and leave the politics to the elected officials.

Maureen Mary Britell, Executive Director

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 07/13/01

BUSH “CHIP’S” AWAY AT WOMEN’S RIGHTS AGAIN

Washington, DC - The Bush administration has announced plans to make “unborn children” eligible for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) declaring the “unborn child” and not the woman, the new CHIP client. “The Bush administrations proposal is a blatant attempt to strip money away from low-income women while following the lead of anti-choice zealots in their attempts to define a fetus as a human,” said Maureen Britell, executive director. “President Bush should instead follow the lead of America’s pro-choice majority and the bi-partisan efforts in Congress that support the expansion of health-care coverage for low-income pregnant women rather than chipping away at the fundamental right to adequate pre-natal health care,” continued Britell.

The Department of Heath and Human Services, headed by anti-choice Tommy Thompson, will oversee the review and implementation of this regulation if it is advanced. In a statement, Thompson stated that the regulations would “improve prenatal care for the working poor.” However, a fetus is unable to work, which demonstrates the mockery that Bush has made of women since his first days in office.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 07/09/01

GLORIA STEINEM HOSTS AN EVENING OF WHOOPI IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Washington, DC - Voters For Choice prepares for an outrageous night of comedy and politics on July 11, 2001 at the Warner Theatre. The proceeds from the evening will go towards the election of local and national pro-choice candidates in 2002. The r.s.v.p. list is a Who’s Who in Washington: Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barbara Boxer, Senator Lincoln Chafee, Representative Maxine Waters, Representative Mel Watt, Representative Barbara Lee, Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Representative Tammy Baldwin, Representative Ellen Tauscher, Representative Jan Schakowsky, Representative Louise Slaughter, and former Gore advisor—Donna Brazile.

Ms. Steinem will be available for comments immediately before the show, and at the post-show reception with Whoopi Goldberg.

Credentialed press should reserve their passes prior to the show.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 06/25/01

VFC Announces Support for Senator Leahy as new Chair of Senate Judiciary Committee

Washington, DC - Today, in a letter to Senator Leahy, Voters For Choice announced their support of the new Chairman of the Senate Judiciary in the wake of Senator Jefford’s announcement that he will leave the Republican party.

“As a life-long advocate of women’s reproductive rights, and as a leader amongst your fellow Senators and Judiciary Committee members, you will be a crucial obstacle in the President’s path to overturning Roe v. Wade. Please know how much we appreciate your ardent support of a woman’s right to choose, and a your commitment to ensuring that judicial nominees are assessed prudently,” the letter states.

The Executive Director of Voters For Choice, Maureen Britell stated, “I am confident that the future of reproductive freedom in America is not as doubtful with you at the helm of the Senate Judiciary Committee. We look forward to working with you and would like to provide you with any assistance that you may need in the upcoming months.”

For more information on Voters For Choice, or to schedule an interview, call 202-944-5080. Reporters on deadline may call Maureen Britell directly at 202-276-5882.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 06/21/01

Voters For Choice Urges The City Of Bridgeport To Ensure Safe Access To Abortion Clinics Immediately

Washington, DC — After a nationwide manhunt for a prison escape wanted for threats to abortion providers and bank robbery, combined with several days of website threats from the anti-choice terrorist group “The Army of God”, and an escalation of intimidation and harassment outside of the Summit Clinic, Voters For Choice urged the city of Bridgeport to increase the police presence and vigorously enforce the law outside of the clinic.

“We have a very serious problem in Bridgeport. On one hand, we have protestors who are becoming more aggressive in the wake of Clayton Waagner’s internet threats against anyone who works at an abortion location, and the local police who have stated that they no longer feel it’s necessary to be a presence outside of one of most protested clinics in Connecticut,” said Maureen Britell, VFC Executive Director.

Gloria Steinem, Board President of Voters For Choice stated, “The situation in Bridgeport needs to viewed in a national context. With a self-professed anti-abortion assassin on the loose on the East Coast, how can the Bridgeport Police assure women there is no danger? We cannot afford to wait until there is an act of terrorism in Connecticut before providing safe access to reproductive healthcare.”

For additional information on the legal status of the proceedings involving Summit Clinic, contact Jennifer Jaff, Esq. at 860-560-1977.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 05/09/01

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MEMBERS ARE GIVEN BRACELETS TO MEMORIALIZE THE NEEDLESS DEATHS OF WOMEN

Washington, DC - Voters For Choice (VFC) distributed POW style Bracelets to members of the House of Representatives in anticipation of tomorrow's floor vote to repeal the Global Gag Rule. The policy, that was reinstated by the Bush Administration, prohibits American funding of international family planning clinics that provide any counseling, referrals, advocacy, or performance of abortions with their own private funds.

Voters For Choice (VFC) reacted strongly to President Bush's statements on his intentions to reinstate the Mexico City Gag Rule. VFC's Executive Director, Maureen Britell stated, "On his first day of office, Bush sent a clear message to women around the world-that their lives and health will be sacrificed to the political interest groups that put him into office."

Gloria Steinem said, "Bush took off the mask of "Compassionate Conservatism" today when he condemned millions of women in the world to injury and death by withdrawing U.S. aid funds from countries where safe and legal abortion is part of family planning."

VFC is encouraging all Representatives to wear the bracelet on the house floor to memorialize the millions of women who will die needlessly.

The leading cause of death for 12 to 55 year-old women in developing nations is complication from pregnancy and childbirth. One woman dies every minute. 585,000 women will die every year-- but one in four could be saved with simple healthcare.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 04/26/01

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES "THE UNBORN VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE ACT."

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives passed HR 503, "The Unborn Victims of Violence Act." The legislation is an attempt to create a separate penalty for anyone who causes injury or death to an "unborn child" during the commission of a federal offense. The term "unborn child" would apply to any zygote, blastocyst, embryo, or fetus.

"The idea that this bill is an attempt to protect women from domestic violence would be laughable, if it weren't so dangerous," stated the Voter's For Choice Executive Director, Maureen Britell. "If these legislators were really interested in protecting women from violence, they would be working on laws to increase funding for shelters for battered women and children, or strengthening restraining orders for their abusers. Instead, anti-choice legislators are pushing a bill that would do nothing to prevent violence, and everything to undermine Roe v. Wade."

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 04/18/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE PRESIDENT GLORIA STEINEM AND WORKING ASSETS UNVEILS AN UNPRECEDENTED NATIONAL SUPREME COURT EMAIL ALERT

Washington, DC - Gloria Steinem, President of Voters For Choice discusses the impending retirement of a Supreme Court Justice and its implications on a woman's right to choose safe and legal abortion in a nation email alert. Voters For Choice and Working Assets have joined together to create an emergency mobilization to oppose any anti-choice nominee.

“At any moment, we could receive notice of a Supreme Court Justice’s retirement” Voters For Choice, Executive Director Maureen Britell said. “The pro-choice community must be ready to mobilize and block any candidate who does not support women’s reproductive freedom.”

Already, the Court has weighed in on one key choice decision with a 5-4 vote last summer "Stenberg v. Carhart". Moreover, the Court's 5-4 vote to seat George W. Bush as President has given the mixed-choice justices, who have a history of activism in Republican politics, an opportunity to retire while Republicans control the White House (which nominates justices) and the Senate (which confirms justices).

The next nomination is crucial. President Bush and his anti-choice supporters need only one vote to tip the balance.

In order to defeat their efforts to turn back the clock on reproductive freedom, Gloria Steinem and Working Assets have created the Supreme Court Emergency Mobilization Fund. Our goal is to raise $1 million to fight nominees that oppose a woman's fundamental right to choose. This fund will support the women's, civil rights, and pro-choice organizations that will lead the fight to safeguard a woman's right to responsibly control her own body.

Click here in order to hear and see the Supreme Court email.

For more information on Voters For Choice, call (202) 944-5080. Reporters on deadline may call Ms. Britell directly at (202) 276-5882.

For Immediate Release 02/15/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE ENDORSES LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REPEAL GLOBAL "GAG RULE" RESTRICTIONS ON INTERNATIONAL FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMS

Washington, DC - Voters For Choice joined with other leading organizations in endorsing legislation initiated by Representative Nita Lowey (D-NY 18) today which would repeal the global "gag rule" restrictions on international family planning programs recently reinstated by President Bush. Representative Lowey, along with a bipartisan group of Representatives and Senators introduced the Global Democracy Promotion Act of 2001 at a press conference this morning.

This legislation will stop foreign Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO's) from being forced to relinquish their right to free speech in order to participate in United State's supported family planning programs. It will also stop foreign NGO's from being barred from these same programs solely because they provide reproductive health services, including counseling and referral, with their own non-U.S. funds.

Voters For Choice president, Gloria Steinem, stated that "Bush took off the mask of "Compassionate Conservatism" when he condemned millions of women in the world to injury and death by withdrawing U.S. aid funds from countries where safe and legal abortion is part of family planning."

A repeal of President Bush's gag order will ensure safer reproductive health for millions of our world's women. As it stands, one woman dies every minute from pregnancy related complications, and that number will sharply rise if Bush's Executive Order is not repealed.

For further information contact 202-944-5080.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

For Immediate Release 02/12/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE OPPOSES LEGISLATION THAT RESTRICTS YOUNG WOMEN'S ACCESS TO SAFE ABORTION

Washington, DC. - Voters For Choice announced their opposition to legislation introduced by Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) on February 6, 2001 that would criminalize anyone other than a parent for the act of assisting a young woman across state borders to obtain an abortion. Under the guise of protecting parental rights and improving parent-child communication, the so-called Child Custody Protection Act (H.R. 476)-or "Teen Endangerment Act" jeopardized the lives of pregnant young women by forcing them to travel alone if they seek legal abortion care.

VFC's Executive Director, Maureen Britell state, "the Teen Endangerment Act is an outrageous attempt to restrict young women's travel when seeking a legal medical procedure. The proposed legislation also sends a dangerous message to our young women - either talk with your parents, or travel alone."

H.R. 476 would criminalize anyone (including family members) who assist in transporting a minor seeking an abortion across state lines without parental consent or judicial bypass-even if such laws are non-existent in the state where the actual abortion procedure is taking place. The proposed legislation would require individual doctors to know the laws of various states, while compelling states to implement other state laws that may be in conflict with their own. The end result is that the right to travel will become criminalized and young women's access to safe and early abortions will be encroached if this bill should pass through Congress.

We urge Congress to protect the fundamental rights and privacy of women and ensure that this legislation will never have the power to endanger young women.

Voters For Choice 1115 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 944-5080 phone (202) 944-5081 fax info@voters4choice.org

HR 476 IH
107th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 476

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 6, 2001

Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN (for herself, Mr. BARCIA, Mr. ISTOOK, Mr. PITTS, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. CAMP, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. FOSSELLA, Mr. WALSH, Mr. PETERSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. PHELPS, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. TANCREDO, Mr. RYUN of Kansas, Mr. BAKER, Mr. RILEY, Mr. SHOWS, Mr. NORWOOD, Mr. POMBO, Mr. SHADEGG, Mr. HILLEARY, Mr. HUTCHINSON, Mr. BRADY of Texas, Mr. BURR of North Carolina, Mr. DEMINT, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. HYDE, Mr. MCCRERY, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. EVERETT, Mr. KING, Mr. HAYWORTH, Mr. DELAY, Mr. FLETCHER, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. SMITH of Texas, Mr. THUNE, Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. GUTKNECHT, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. BUYER, Mr. SCHAFFER, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, Mr. SUNUNU, Mr. TERRY, Mr. CANTOR, Mr. COMBEST, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, and Mrs. JO ANN DAVIS of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Child Custody Protection Act'.

SEC. 2. TRANSPORTATION OF MINORS IN CIRCUMVENTION OF CERTAIN LAWS RELATING TO ABORTION.

(a) IN GENERAL- Title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 117 the following:

Sec.2431. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws relating to abortion.

(a) OFFENSE-

(1) GENERALLY- Except as provided in subsection (b), whoever knowingly transports an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years across a State line, with the intent that such individual obtain an abortion, and thereby in fact abridges the right of a parent under a law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, in force in the State where the individual resides, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.

(2) DEFINITION- For the purposes of this subsection, an abridgement of the right of a parent occurs if an abortion is performed on the individual, in a State other than the State where the individual resides, without the parental consent or notification, or the judicial authorization, that would have been required by that law had the abortion been performed in the State where the individual resides.

(b) EXCEPTIONS- (1) The prohibition of subsection (a) does not apply if the abortion was necessary to save the life of the minor because her life was endangered by a physical disorder, physical injury, or physical illness, including a life endangering physical condition caused by or arising from the pregnancy itself.

(2) An individual transported in violation of this section, and any parent of that individual, may not be prosecuted or sued for a violation of this section, a conspiracy to violate this section, or an offense under section 2 or 3 based on a violation of this section.

(c) AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE- It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution for an offense, or to a civil action, based on a violation of this section that the defendant reasonably believed, based on information the defendant obtained directly from a parent of the individual or other compelling facts, that before the individual obtained the abortion, the parental consent or notification, or judicial authorization took place that would have been required by the law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision, had the abortion been performed in the State where the individual resides.

(d) CIVIL ACTION- Any parent who suffers legal harm from a violation of subsection (a) may obtain appropriate relief in a civil action. (e) DEFINITIONS- For the purposes of this section--

(1) a law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision is a law--

(A) requiring, before an abortion is performed on a minor, either--

(i) the notification to, or consent of, a parent of that minor; or

(ii) proceedings in a State court; and

(B) that does not provide as an alternative to the requirements described in subparagraph (A) notification to or consent of any person or entity who is not described in that subparagraph;

(2) the term `parent' means--

(A) a parent or guardian;

(B) a legal custodian; or

(C) a person standing in loco parentis who has care and control of the minor, and with whom the minor regularly resides, who is designated by the law requiring parental involvement in the minor's abortion decision as a person to whom notification, or from whom consent, is required;

(3) the term `minor' means an individual who is not older than the maximum age requiring parental notification or consent, or proceedings in a State court, under the law requiring parental involvement in a minor's abortion decision; and

(4) the term `State' includes the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, possession, or other territory of the United States.

(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT- The table of chapters for part I of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 117 the following new item:

117A. Transportation of minors in circumvention of certain laws relating to abortion

For Immediate Release 02/06/01

VOTERS FOR CHOICE PRAISES EUROPEAN UNION DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER POUL NIELSON'S ACTION ON BUSH "GLOBAL GAG RULE"

Washington, DC - Voters For Choice joined with other leading organization in the United States today in sending a letter to European Union Development Commissioner Poul Nielson, praising his suggestion that the European Union would actively promote international family planning thus undermining the restrictions imposed by President George W. Bush's implementation of the "global gag rule."

International public health experts estimate that as many as 600,000 women die each year from the complications of pregnancy and childbirth, and that infant and child mortality could be decreased 25 percent by providing women with the resources to space their pregnancies. The World Health Organization estimates that 80,000 women die annually from unsafe abortion.

Mr. Nielson's commitment to promoting women's reproductive health is to be commended and should be noticed as a challenge to President Bush to value women's lives, health and reproductive freedom and to be a crusader on behalf of our world's women rather than an adversary.

February 7, 2001

The full text of the letter follows:

Mr. Poul Nielson
Commissioner, Development
European Union
Humanitarian Aid Office
Rue de la Loi 200/Wetstraat 200
B-1049 Brussels
Belgium

Dear Mr. Nielson:

Your recent comments on President George Bush's reinstatement of the "global gag rule" were a great boost for our morale. As United States nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), we are gratified by your support. While we are gratified that the European Union would move to fill the funding gap left by our president's callous disregard for the plight faced by women throughout the world, this does not alleviate the United States' responsibility in this area.

Women, especially poor women, are in desperate need of the full range of reproductive health services and the power to make reproductive health decisions on the basis of full information and access to safe and legal services. We are also embarrassed that rights enshrined in the United States Constitution need to be defended by those outside the country when our own government refuses to honor them beyond its borders.

That United States international family planning assistance would be conditioned on an NGO's agreement to violate medical ethics by denying women access to the full range of information about reproductive health services, including safe abortion, as well as require that they absent themselves from the public debate regarding national or international policy on abortion, is an astonishing and unconscionable disregard for the most basic principles of democracy and respect for national sovereignty.

The European Union and the donor countries of Europe have been in the forefront of enlightened and respectful international reproductive health policy. They have been quick to accept the advances in thinking about population and development that place women's empowerment and rights at the center of decision-making. They have been especially supportive of the role NGOs in low- and middle-income countries play in articulating values and policy as well as providing services. NGOs are crucial partners in the effort to prevent the spread of AIDS, to save women's lives by providing much-needed reproductive health services, to inform policy through research and monitoring of services and to partner with governments in improving reproductive health law and policy.

We wholeheartedly support your efforts to strengthen the work of NGOs and United Nations' agencies in this field. Their work helps to protect women around the world from unsafe abortions and takes practical, concrete steps to reduce the need for abortion, while lifting families from poverty, educating the young about HIV prevention and providing crucial family planning services. We urge you to follow through on your statement and work with European and world leaders to replace any shortfall that results from President Bush's actions.

If there are any ways in which we can help you in your effort to ensure that NGOs are able to do their work, do not hesitate to let us know. Rest assured that we will work unceasingly to overturn the newly reenacted "global gag rule." Again our sincere thanks for your courage and commitment to democracy, sound medical ethics and women's health and rights.

Sincerely,

Alan Guttmacher Institute
American Humanist Association
American Medical Women's Association
Americans for Religious Liberty
Association of Reproductive Health Professionals
Catholics for a Free Choice
Center for Reproductive Law and Policy
Center for Women Policy Studies
International Women's Health Coalition
National Abortion Federation
National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health
National Black Women's Health Project
National Council of Jewish Women
National Latina Health Organization
National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association
Pathfinder International
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Population Action International
Population Institute
Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice
Voters for Choice

For Immediate Release 02/06/01

Voters For Choice opposes legislation that would restrict women's access to early abortions

Statement of Maureen Britell, Executive Director
Washington, DC

"If Senator Hutchison is truly interested in the efficacy and drug testing process, he would be focused on the death and complication rate of Viagra. This proposed legislation has nothing to do with safety, and everything to do with a never-ending attempt to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Who is Senator Hutchison to override the FDA's scientific approval process? Mifepristone has been tested for over a decade world wide, and used safely by over 620,000 women."

S. 251 requires the Food and Drug Administration to establish onerous restrictions that would severely limit the number of physicians able to prescribe mifepristone. Contact your Senators and Representatives today and reject this latest attack on Roe vs. Wade.

For Immediate Release 01/22/01

"We know politicians by their actions. We cannot sugarcoat the truth: Bush has declared war on reproductive freedom."
-- Gloria Steinem

Voters For Choice (VFC) reacted strongly to President Bush's statements on his intentions to reinstate the Mexico City Gag Rule. VFC's Executive Director, Maureen Britell stated, "On his first day of office, Bush sent a clear message to women around the world - that their lives and health will be sacrificed to the political interest groups that put him into office."

For more information on Voters For Choice, or to schedule an interview, call 202-944-5080.

For Immediate Release 01.09.00

Voters For Choice and Gloria Steinem strongly oppose John Ashcroft's nomination for Attorney General.

Steinem said, "Aschroft embodies every extremist view that I have spent my life fighting against. His nomination should outrage everyone who cares about human rights. I urge activists to join me on Capitol Hill for the Aschroft hearings. We can not allow the Senate to turn back the clock on civil rights by affirming the Ashcroft nomination."

Voters For Choice's Executive Director, Maureen Britell stated, "Voters For Choice normally does not become involved in Presidential nominations. However, Aschroft is so dangerous to lives and health of American women we cannot afford to be silent. Ashcroft is simply an unacceptable nominee for Attorney General."

Gloria Steinem created Voters For Choice (VFC) over 20 years ago. VFC is non-partisan and supports viable Democratic, Republican, and Independent candidates. VFC is devoted solely to electing pro-choice candidates to office. We have raised millions of dollars for pro-choice candidates and help send hundreds of supporters of choice to Congress, as well as impacting the elections of many Governors.

For more information on Voters For Choice, or to schedule and interview, call (202) 944-5080, or (202) 276-5882.

For Immediate Release 12.06.00

VOTERS FOR CHOICE SIGNS FDA PETITION TO MAKE EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTIVES AVAILABLE OVER-THE-COUNTER

Washington DC, Voters For Choice (VFC) signed the "Citizen's Petition" drafted by attorneys at the Center for Reproductive Law and Policy to request that the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) switch two emergency contraceptives, Plan B and Preven, and any equivalent products, from prescription to over-the-counter status.

VFC's founder and Board President, Gloria Steinem said, "Even those who are anti-choice should support the availability of contraception. Providing this method over-the-counter in a normal and natural way is long overdue."

VFC's Executive Director Maureen Britell stated, "We believe that the switch of emergency contraceptives to over-the-counter status is not only appropriate, but essential to the promotion of public health."

Background

The FDA approved Preven and Plan B in September and July 2000 respectively. However, despite the FDA approval, there is still inadequate access to emergency contraceptive pills in both family planning clinics and private physicians' offices throughout the United States. Low-income women served by clinics receiving Title X funding experience the greatest difficulty in obtaining emergency contraceptive pills. VFC believes that switching emergency contraceptive pills from prescription to over-the-counter status will prevent further discrimination of low-income women and grant all women the freedom to choose, in a timely fashion, how to deal with situations that may require their use.

For more information on Voters For Choice, or to schedule and interview, call (202) 944-5080, or (202) 276-5882.