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National Abortion Federation Blog: Saporta Reporter

News about reproductive choice from the President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, Vicki Saporta. photo of Vicki Saporta
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  Remembering an American hero: George Tiller

We continue to mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, Dr. George Tiller. Dr. Tiller was a dedicated physician who provided quality abortion care to women, at great personal sacrifice and risk. He is truly a hero to his fellow abortion providers and his patients. Dr. Tiller’s office is filled with letters from women, thanking him for the excellent, compassionate care he provided. Many of these women say Dr. Tiller saved their lives.

Since his tragic death, we have received messages from some of his patients and from people around the world who are saddened and outraged. We feel it is important to share these words and tributes to our beloved colleague and friend. For the first time, we will enable comments on our blog so that all of you can share your condolences or offer memories of Dr. Tiller. We invite you to join us in honoring a true American hero, Dr. George Tiller.

Post your comments, condolences, and personal memories of Dr. Tiller

Friday, September 26, 2008

Column Tells of Woman’s Experience with Abortion

This week, the Boston Phoenix ran a column from a woman describing her abortion experience. Although she is one of the 40 percent of American women who have had abortions by the time they’re 45 years old, she discusses why her story is one that is rarely told:

When pundits and politicians debate abortion, they often bring up the most unfortunate cases: rape or incest victims, or women with medical problems. The fact that these women risk losing the right to govern their own bodies is outrageous. So we end up fighting for those worst-case scenarios, which somehow makes what we might call the “normal” cases seem more cavalier. As if some cases are less essential, and therefore less justifiable, than others. Let's be clear — it's the circumstances that vary, not the validity of our decisions, nor our need for access to safe, legal abortions.
We know that women who share their abortion experiences can make a difference. NAF is committed to ensuring that voices of real women are part of the public debate about abortion. If you have had an abortion and would like to share your story visit: http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Report Documents 30-Year Abortion Trends

A new report released today documents 30-year abortion trends and provides in-depth analysis of the demographics of women who obtained abortion care between 1974 and 2004. The findings were gathered from data collected by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and by periodic surveys of abortion providers conducted by the Guttmacher Institute.

According to the report, the rate of abortion in the U.S. is at its lowest level since 1974 and the proportion of abortions at seven weeks or earlier has increased substantially from 16% in 1994 to 28% in 2004. This shift is most likely due to greater availability of early surgical procedures and increased use of medical abortion, which is not usually an option after nine weeks. These findings demonstrate that with greater availability of medical abortion more women can obtain abortion care earlier in pregnancy. The FDA approved the mifepristone and misoprostol combination for medical abortion in September 2000.

>Read the full report.

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Monday, September 22, 2008

NAF Blog Named in 100 Best Health Care Policy Blogs

Last week, our blog was recognized as one of the 100 best health care policy blogs by RN Central, an online resource for nurses and nursing students. The list is organized into 15 categories of health care policy, including international health care, health insurance and coverage, pediatrics, and public health. The NAF blog was included as one of the top sexual health blogs.

>View the full list.

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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

City Dismisses Complaint Against Illinois Clinic

Last week, the Aurora, IL Building Code Board of Appeals dismissed a complaint filed by anti-abortion groups against NAF member Planned Parenthood Aurora Health Center. The complaint asserted that multiple zoning and building codes were violated during the construction of the clinic and also challenged the final certificate of occupancy issued July 1. Prior to that, the clinic had been operating under a temporary certificate since it opened its doors in October 2007. Last month, the city’s Zoning Board of Appeals dismissed a similar complaint brought against the clinic by the same anti-abortion group.

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California Parental Involvement Measure Attacks Legalized Abortion

Monday’s LA Times ran an editorial exposing a California parental involvement measure for its attempts to create more obstacles for women attempting to access abortion care. This is the third time such a measure has been placed on the ballot after attempts in 2005 and 2006 were defeated.

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Australian Abortion Law Passes First Vote

After debating into the early hours this morning, MPs in the Australian state of Victoria voted 47 to 35 in favor of a bill to decriminalize abortion. There will be further debate and amendments moved tonight and tomorrow, before a final vote by the Lower House to determine whether the bill is passed and sent to the Upper House.

In Australia, laws regarding abortion care are left up to the states. Currently in Victoria, abortion is illegal except to preserve the health or life of the woman. Australian abortion regulations vary greatly between states and territories. Queensland and New South Wales have enacted laws similar to Victoria, while South Australia and the Northern Territory permit abortions in cases of health or life endangerment and fetal abnormalities. The only Australian state or territory to have completely decriminalized abortion is the Australian Capital Territory.

>Learn more about international abortion issues.

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Monday, September 08, 2008

Bubble Zone Law Upheld in British Columbia

Last week, the British Columbia Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by two anti-abortion protesters who argued that a "bubble zone" around reproductive health care clinics violated their right to freedom of expression. The complainants challenged British Columbia’s Access to Abortion Services Act, which prohibits protestors from coming within 50 meters of reproductive health care facilities.

"This means that women will be able to access a medical procedure in a private, dignified and respectful manner, and that staff members will be able to go to work without being harassed on a regular basis," NAF member Jill Doctoroff, director of the Elizabeth Bagshaw Women's Clinic, said Thursday at a news conference in Vancouver.

>Learn more about clinic protection bills.

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