National Abortion Federation Blog: Saporta Reporter
| News about reproductive choice from the President and CEO of the National Abortion Federation, Vicki Saporta. |
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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
Wednesday's Words from Women
 Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.I am a single mother of two children who love me more than life. When I found out I was pregnant, I had mixed reactions, but I knew I had to do what was best for my family. This was the best solution after much thinking. Thank you very much for helping me and my family to be stronger.
--submitted by Claire* through a member clinic
It is hard enough trying to make ends meet as a college student. Seeing that I have one more year to obtain my first degree, the abortion seemed to be the best decision for me. I have seen many females dropping out to support a child, and that is not the thing for me. I really appreciate all the support I have been given by the clinic. Words cannot express my gratitude enough, but for what it is worth, thank you so much for helping my life to be better.
--submitted by Chauncey* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: patient stories, wednesday's words from women, women
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IN MEMORIUM
Dr. George R. Tiller
Ours is a profession filled with sadness. The bitter sweetness of life is our specialty, as we take one life to preserve the choice to create another. Thus are we steeped in the catechisms of sacrifice.
We gather here to remember one whose life was an offering, a penance and a redemption. Smitten in a very public spasm of violence, his loss is our shared and very private grief. For we alone and only can fully know the depth of his love, the fire of his mission, the covenant of his devotion and the endlessness of his forbearance.
The journeys of men and women like George Tiller are often lonely ones, but in his case it was not. Fortified by those who came before, strengthened by his family, cherished by his colleagues and heralded by a courageous few persons in the public eye—some of whom are here today—he is now carried to his place of peace by those who will carry on his work.
Blessed are those of us whose dear friends sustain us with faith, infuse us with courage and delight us with humor. Never more do we need them than on this day.
We bear collective witness to a life of service; we lay to rest a soul of courage.
May the Lord bless him, honor him and keep him close to his bosom, evermore.
Amen.
Steve Lichtenberg
Betsy Aubrey
June 6, 2009
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Appeals Court Upholds Morgentaler’s Right to Challenge Abortion Policy
Yesterday, the New Brunswick Court of Appeal dismissed the province’s appeal of a recent Court of Queen’s Bench ruling that gave NAF member Dr. Henry Morgentaler standing to challenge New Brunswick's restrictive policy on abortion funding. Chief Justice Ernest Drapeau wrote in the decision that, “neither the Province’s primary nor its alternative contention comes close to passing muster.” The Court of Appeal was unable to find “even a hint of reversible error” and dismissed New Brunswick’s appeal. The Court also ordered the province to pay Dr. Morgentaler $5,000. The New Brunswick government is currently reviewing the decision. Dr. Morgentaler is suing the New Brunswick government for its refusal to fund abortions at his clinic. According to Canadian law, an individual must have standing in order to bring a case forward. New Brunswick prosecutors have repeatedly challenged Dr. Morgentaler’s standing due to the fact that he is not a woman. >Learn more about this case and New Brunswick’s restrictive abortion policy. Labels: Canada, Dr. Henry Morgentaler, New Brunswick
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Wednesday's Words from Women
 Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.When I found out I was pregnant, instead of feeling that wonderful feeling you’re supposed to get, I was devastated. I knew that I was not emotionally or financially capable of having a child.
I know how much controversy surrounds what I am doing but I also know how many organizations and women have fought to give me this right. I take solace in the fact that I can obtain an abortion in a legal, professional manner. All in all, I cannot even describe how much I appreciate the ones who gave me the right to choose. Maybe one day I will have a child, but it needs to be when I am ready, and able to give the child a great life. Until then, I am truly thankful that I had the right not to carry this pregnancy to term at this unstable time in my life. Thank you.
--submitted by Amber* through a member clinic
I am 20 years old with a one-year-old daughter. I’m a single parent and I live alone with my child. I attend college and work full-time. It just isn’t the right time for me to have another child. Financially with this economy I can’t afford it, and emotionally it’s too much stress trying to struggle with it. I could possibly see myself having another child when the time is right: when school is done, the recession is history, and the demand for jobs is controlled. --submitted by Lisa* through a member clinic*Names have been changed to protect patient privacyLabels: access, wednesday's words from women, women
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If there were no doctors willing to give abortions, there would be more child abuse, illegitimacy, unnecessary suffering, and poverty. It is so hypocritical that pro-LIFE people would murder someone. Notice you do not hear about pro-choice citizens murdering pro-life people. That is because we are true Christians and believe that others have feelings and rights, even if they don't agree with us. Please keep him and his family in your prayers.
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Wednesday's Words from Women
 Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.Recently I was in an abusive relationship where I feared for my life. After an almost fatal accident I learned I was pregnant. I knew I couldn’t have a baby by somebody who was capable of killing me so I decided to end the pregnancy. When I made the call to schedule an appointment they were more than helpful. I am very grateful and this is something that in a way saved my life.
--submitted by Sharice* through a member clinic
I am currently a single parent and a full time nursing student. Having a baby would impact my life for the worse right now, not the better. I graduate from school in eight months and I’m not ready to have another child right now.
--submitted by Tracey* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacy Labels: wednesday's words from women, women
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Spain to Make Plan B Available Without a Prescription
Yesterday, Spain announced plans to make Plan B available over-the-counter in pharmacies without a prescription. Plan B, also known as emergency contraception, will be sold with no age restrictions within the next three months.
Currently, access to Plan B varies greatly by region. Some areas of Spain make it available free of charge in government health clinics, while other areas have more restrictive policies. Women in these areas are sometimes forced to visit several doctors before finding one who will prescribe Plan B. The new measure will require all regions to dispense emergency contraception without a prescription.
This broadened access to Plan B follows Spain’s announced preparations to draft legislation easing the country’s restrictive abortion law.
>Learn more about international abortion issues.
Labels: Contraception, international, Plan B, Spain
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The President’s Budget Misses an Opportunity to Improve Women’s Access to Reproductive Health Care
Yesterday, we released the following statement:We are deeply disappointed that President Obama failed to strike federal funding restrictions on abortion care from his proposed budget. Federal funding restrictions are the most significant barrier to abortion access for low-income women. These funding restrictions unfairly jeopardize the health and well-being of millions of women who rely on the federal government for their health care. Women affected include low-income women who are enrolled in Medicaid, Peace Corps volunteers, Native American women, women in federal prisons, and federal employees. During these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that all women have access to quality, affordable health care including abortion care. For 30 years, NAF has been operating a national, toll-free hotline to provide women with factual information, options counseling, referrals to providers of quality care, and limited financial assistance. In the last year, call volume to our Hotline has nearly tripled. We hear from thousands of women each week who are struggling to afford the abortion care they need. It is critically important that the health care needs of these women not be overlooked. As we move forward with health care reform, we call on the President and Congress to work together to ensure that women have access to comprehensive health care, including abortion care. Labels: access, hotline, NAF, Obama Administration, women
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Wednesday's Words from Women
 Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.I have a two year old and no job at the moment due to recently being laid off. As much as I love children, the uncertainty of finances and how I’m even going to give my two year old everything he needs right now is just too scary. Thank you so much for your assistance in helping me obtain care. I could not have done it without you. -- submitted by Katherine* though a member clinicHaving an abortion at a NAF member clinic has granted me a second chance. It has also given me back my choice; I’ve been allowed to make my own decision. I am pro-choice, pro-family, and pro-faith, and I trust this clinic. --submitted by Marie* through a member clinic
*Names have been changed to protect patient privacyLabels: wednesday's words from women, women
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Over one-third of women of reproductive age have an abortion by the age of 45. However, women who have chosen abortion are often absent from the public debate. In order to break the silence surrounding abortion, we will be featuring real stories from real women each Wednesday on our blog. If you would like to share your story with us or have it published on our blog, go to http://www.prochoice.org/pregnant/hotline/share.html.
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