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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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. Labels: anti-choice, community, PP Aurora
Restrictive Bills Fail in Florida, Kansas
Although access to abortion care continues to be threatened in the states, this week, we celebrated the following defeats of new proposed restrictive legislation: The Florida Senate failed to pass a bill, which would have required a woman seeking abortion care to have an ultrasound and view the results unless she signed a waiver. After 90 minutes of debate, the bill died on a 20-20 tie. This legislation was medically unnecessary, and an unwarranted intrusion into the relationship between a doctor and patient. Anti-choice senators in Kansas failed to override the governor's veto of a bill imposing new restrictions on abortion care. Last week, Governor Kathleen Sebelius (D-KS) noted in her veto message that the bill, "endangers the health of women and is likely to be found in violation [of] the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Kansas." >Learn more about abortion rights in the states.Labels: access, anti-choice, Kansas, ultrasound laws
Case Against Over-the-Counter Plan B Sales Dismissed
This week the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia dismissed a lawsuit, which challenged the FDA’s approval of Plan B (also known as emergency contraception) for over-the-counter sales to adults. After years of politically-charged debate, the FDA made Plan B available without a prescription in August 2007, but only for adults. Anti-choice groups were seeking a reversal of this policy, but they failed "to identify a single individual who has been harmed by Plan B's OTC (over-the-counter) availability," according to the ruling. In a separate case, the Center for Reproductive Rights is also challenging the FDA’s policy concerning over-the-counter access to Plan B; however, their case argues that restricting the drug for girls under 18 was based on politics and not science.Labels: access, anti-choice, Contraception, Plan B
Virginia Senate Takes Action on Abortion Measures
The Education and Health Committee of the Virginia Senate rejected a handful of anti-choice measures today. Several of the bills were examples of Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers (TRAP) laws, which single out abortion providers for medically unnecessary, politically motivated regulations. Opponents said the bills would make abortions more expensive and less accessible. These defeats come just one day after the Virginia Senate voted to stop state funding for Planned Parenthood of Virginia because it offers abortion care. After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) warned that the Senate was setting a bad precedent of singling out organizations because of ideological differences, according to The Washington Post. > Learn more about TRAP laws.Labels: access, anti-choice, state legislation, TRAP bills
Senate Questions Anti-Choice Judicial Nominee
Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on anti-choice Richard Honaker’s nomination for a lifetime appointment as a federal district judge to the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming. Throughout his career, Richard Honaker has worked to undermine a woman’s right to access abortion care. While in the Wyoming Legislature, Honaker introduced two bills that would have created a near total-ban on abortion in the state. When the bills failed, Honaker then served as counsel to an organization formed to place the abortion ban on the 1994 Wyoming state-wide ballot. Wyoming voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure. Honaker has repeatedly stated his view that legal abortion is the equivalent of murder, and has criticized Supreme Court decisions establishing the legal right to an abortion. His statements and writings on the role of religion in the law also raise concerns about whether he would follow established precedent if the resulting decision would be inconsistent with his personal beliefs. Given his extensive history of anti-abortion activism and his extremist legal philosophy, Honaker is clearly an inappropriate judicial candidate and his confirmation to the court would threaten the reproductive rights of women in Wyoming. Read NAF’s statement opposing Richard Honaker’s nomination.Labels: abortion bans, access, anti-choice, ballot initiatives
Celebrating 35 Years of Safe, Legal Abortion Care
Today marks the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion care in the United States. On this historic anniversary, it is important that we celebrate what we have achieved under the legacy of Roe while also assessing the challenges that lie ahead. Roe has undoubtedly saved the lives and protected the health of countless women. As we mark this milestone of 35 years of safe, legal abortion care, we must remain vigilant in preserving this freedom so that we never have to return to the days of back-alley abortions when women had to sacrifice their lives and health to end an unwanted pregnancy. In the 35 years since Roe, many new reproductive health care options have become available to women. These include a variety of safe and effective contraceptive methods, emergency contraception, early medical abortion using mifepristone (RU-486), and safe surgical abortion. Despite these advances in reproductive health care, a woman's fundamental right to make her own reproductive health care decisions continues to be eroded by politicians and the courts. Women deserve to have access to safe abortion care, free from the interference of politicians. Legislative attacks on Roe and a woman's right to choose are all too common in state legislatures. In 2007 alone, more than 450 anti-choice bills were filed in states across the country. Although the vast majority of these bills were not enacted, several states passed extreme legislation that would ban all safe abortion procedures at all stages of pregnancy if Roe were overturned. It is critical to the lives and health of millions of women that the protections of Roe not be further weakened. NAF will continue to work to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible to promote health and justice for women. Labels: abortion bans, access, anti-choice, medical abortion, Roe v. Wade, state legislation
Senate Defeats Attack on Family Planning Services
Last night, the U.S. Senate rejected an anti-choice amendment by Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) to the 2008 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill (H.R. 3043). The measure would have restricted federal funding for clinics providing vital health services if they also use their own, private funds to provide abortion care. Labels: anti-choice, federal legislation
NAF issued this press release today: The National Abortion Federation (NAF) denounces the appointment of Dr. Susan Orr as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs (DASPA). DASPA oversees Title X, the nation's family planning program, which provides high-quality family planning and preventive health care services to over five million low-income individuals annually. This appointment raises serious concerns, as Dr. Orr previously served as the Senior Director for Marriage and Family Care at the Family Research Council (FRC), an organization that has advocated for limited access to contraception. She currently serves on the board of directors for Teen Choice, a nonprofit organization, which advocates for abstinence in lieu of contraception. During her time at FRC, Dr. Orr spoke out in support of President George W. Bush’s proposed elimination of the contraceptive coverage requirement from federal employees’ health insurance. In 2001 she said to The Washington Post, “We’re quite pleased because fertility is not a disease. It’s not a medical necessity that you have [contraception].” This is not the first time that President Bush has made a controversial appointment to this critical public health post. Last year, Bush appointed anti-birth control advocate Dr. Eric Keroack, who had previously managed Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) in Massachusetts, to this position. CPCs are designed to discourage pregnant women from seeking abortion care, and in many instances they misinform and intimidate women to achieve their goal. Dr. Keroack resigned in March 2007 following public outrage. "This is just another example of the Bush Administration promoting politics over a sound health policy. Dr. Orr should not be entrusted with the oversight of the federal family planning program and the health of millions of Americans," said Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of NAF. "For more than 35 years, the Title X program has been a hallmark of quality preventive care, enabling practitioners to provide family planning services to low-income individuals." Labels: access, anti-choice, Contraception, crisis pregnancy center (CPC), Eric Keroack, Title X
Victory in Aurora!
After weeks of politicization, Planned Parenthood is finally able to open their new clinic in Aurora, IL. Yesterday, the Kane County state's attorney said there was no wrongdoing after reviewing the clinic's development and permit process. The investigation was prompted by the complaints of anti-choice protesters and some members of the City Council. This was the third review to find no problems with the permit process. The city of Aurora then granted Planned Parenthood an occupancy permit and the clinic has opened its doors, two weeks after its scheduled opening. The 22,000-square-foot, $7.5 million building will serve the growing community outside of Chicago by providing much need reproductive health care services including sexually transmitted disease treatment, breast cancer screening, and abortion care. "It's always a victory when we can expand access to reproductive health care services, including abortion services," said Steve Trombley, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood/Chicago Area. Labels: access, anti-choice, PP Aurora
NAF Staff in the Field: Protecting our Members in Alabama
Update 2Tuesday morning about 20 OSA demonstrators gathered at Planned Parenthood and about 25 more at the New Woman All Women's clinic, while a group of about 120 traveled to Tuscaloosa to protest at the clinic there. I spent my day monitoring the situation and assisting clinic staff in Tuscaloosa. The group there included numerous children and teenagers. The protesters trespassed onto clinic property, placed fliers containing the doctor's name and photograph on cars in the clinic parking lot and those of the surrounding buildings, and harassed and grabbed patients entering the clinic. In addition, two protesters went into the clinic waiting room pretending to be patients, and passed out additional flyers. The protesters were eventually moved to the public sidewalk where they continued their demonstration for about two to three hours, despite not having a required permit. Labels: Alabama, anti-choice
NAF Staff in the Field: Protecting our Members in Alabama
This week in Birmingham, Alabama, anti-abortion group Operation Save America (OSA) will be protesting at Planned Parenthood and the New Woman All Women clinic. New Woman All Women was the clinic that was bombed by convicted murderer Eric Robert Rudolph in 1998. An off duty police officer, employed as a security guard, was killed and a nurse, Emily Lyons, was brutally and permanently injured.
A staff member from the National Abortion Federation (NAF) is on the ground in Birmingham working with law enforcement and clinic staff in order to ensure that patients have safe access to abortion care and that services are unimpeded. Please visit our blog this week to read our reports “from the field.”Update 1Members of OSA began gathering for their annual week-long protest event in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday. This morning was their first day protesting at the city’s two abortion clinics. About 15 people demonstrated at Planned Parenthood, while about 100 gathered at the New Woman All Women clinic. Protesters carried graphic signs and shouted at clinic staff and law enforcement. Trucks, also bearing graphic signs, drove throughout the city, provoking numerous calls from concerned citizens who complained about the trucks. The group then gathered in the 5 Points neighborhood and held a rally and signing of an "emancipation proclamation for the unborn children of our land." There was a visible law enforcement presence at all the venues. Despite the disruption, the clinics both remained open and cared for their patients. Labels: access, Alabama, anti-choice
Study Finds No Link Between Abortion and Increased Risk of Breast Cancer
Scientists from Harvard published a study last week that “found no difference in breast cancer incidence between the women who had had spontaneous or induced abortions and those who had not.”
According to Karin Michels, the lead author of the study and an associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard, “There are still some states that require women to be informed about the risk of breast cancer if they get an abortion. I think that may not be justified based on the current evidence.”
More than 100 of the world’s leading experts on pregnancy and breast cancer have concluded that having an abortion does not increase a woman’s subsequent risk of developing breast cancer. However, the anti-choice community continues to claim an association between abortion and an increased risk of breast cancer in an attempt to scare women away from choosing abortion.
>Learn about other abortion mythsLabels: anti-choice, studies
Abortion Rights Groups Call on New Brunswick to Enact Security Measures to Protect Abortion Providers, Clinics, and their Patients
Here is the press release we issued today:The National Abortion Federation (NAF), New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women (ACSW) and the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC) are calling on Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Consumer Affairs, Hon. Thomas J. Burke, Q.C., to introduce legislation to establish an access zone around facilities providing abortion services, residences of doctors and service providers, and doctors’ offices in New Brunswick. Similar legislation has already been enacted in British Columbia which created an access zone around the boundaries of abortion clinics. Abortion clinics and providers in Canada have been targeted for violence and harassment by anti-abortion extremists,” said Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of NAF. “We urge New Brunswick to follow the lead of British Columbia and enact legislation to protect patients, providers and the communities in which they live.” Establishing an access zone is extremely important for the Morgentaler Clinic in Fredericton, where there is no patient parking on site. Patients must park across the street in a parking lot and walk to the clinic. “On days abortion services are provided, protestors march outside the clinic carrying signs designed to discourage women from entering. Our patients have made their choice and do not deserve to be intimidated or harassed,“ said Simone Leibovitch, Manager of the Fredericton Morgentaler Clinic and member of ARCC. “Volunteer escorts are recruited to assist women as they enter and leave the Clinic.” Although protesters are not allowed on private property, there was recently an incident with protesters when the police had to be called when protesters have come onto the clinic’s property. "If New Brunswick had access zone protection, anti-choice demonstrators could not continue their unacceptable interference. Women who access this legal health care service and the staff who provide it must be treated with respect for their dignity and privacy," affirmed Ginette Petitpas-Taylor, ACSW Chairperson. Labels: access, anti-choice, Dr. Henry Morgentaler
Alabama Man Sentenced to Probation for Clinic Attack
On Thursday, an Alabama man was sentenced for driving his car into a Tuscaloosa abortion clinic in January 2006. Dalton Ray Skinner was ordered to pay $6,100 in damages, serve five years of probation, and live in an in-house substance abuse center until he successfully completes the treatment program. The judge also ordered Skinner to stay at least 200 feet away from the West Alabama Women’s Center.
Skinner was charged in April with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which makes it a federal crime to use force, the threat of force, or physical obstruction to prevent individuals from obtaining or providing reproductive health care services. He faced a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. It is disappointing that he only received probation. The enforcement of the FACE Act has had a significant impact on the decline in extreme violence against abortion providers in recent years.Labels: access, Alabama, anti-choice, FACE act, violence
Celebrating Reproductive Freedom: Commemorating Roe v. Wade in the Nation’s Capital – Update 2
 I wanted to share with you insights from one of our staff members handling violence and security issues:
Anti-abortion protesters from around the country came to Washington, DC to participate in Monday’s “March for Life” as well as numerous other activities that took place over the weekend. The march itself began with a rally on the national mall near the White House where the crowd was addressed by anti-choice legislators. President Bush also addressed the protestors via telephone.
On Saturday, a group of anti-abortion teens and college students protested at abortion clinics in Washington, DC. They held signs, prayed, sang, and attempted to approach patients and staff entering the clinics. Escorts from the Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force were on hand to assist women safely into the clinics. On behalf of our members, I went to the clinic protests and the march to monitor the protesters; ensure that no laws were broken; and offer support and assistance. One difference this year at the clinic protests was the noted absence of the older adult male leaders such as Frank Pavone, Pat Mahoney, and Jeff White.
In such an important week for reproductive freedom, another anti-abortion extremist is in federal court. Today the jury found convicted murderer James Kopp guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and using a firearm to commit a violent act. He was previously convicted on state murder charges for the 1998 shooting death of abortion provider Dr. Barnett Slepian, and is serving a 25-year-to-life state sentence. This federal conviction could ensure that he would not be eligible for parole. Such prosecutions and convictions have led to the decline in major acts of violence against abortion providers in recent years.
>Learn more about clinic violence.Labels: access, anti-choice, FACE act, Roe v. Wade, violence
Celebrating Reproductive Freedom: Commemorating Roe v. Wade in the Nation’s Capital - Update 1
 The Supreme Court steps seemed a fitting place to commemorate the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Braving the cold and leftover snow, we joined other activists to celebrate the landmark decision that legalized abortion. As you might expect our celebration was met by anti-choice protestors, but neither their signs nor the weather could dampen our spirits. Roe day is a day for us to celebrate our freedom – and as we stood between the nation’s highest court and the Capitol, we were reminded that we must continue to stand up for our reproductive rights. After the rally at the Supreme Court, we headed over to an event sponsored by one of our members, Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington (PPMW). In addition to meeting other activists and members of the pro-choice community, we also got the chance to meet actress Kathleen Turner. Ms. Turner is an advocate for reproductive freedom and spoke about the need for young women to get involved in protecting a woman’s right to choose abortion. She also talked about the obstacles low-income women face in obtaining abortion care. This event raised money for PPMW’s Justice Fund which offers financial assistance to women seeking abortions. Everyday the NAF Hotline helps low-income women struggling to find a way to pay for their abortions.
Labels: anti-choice, Roe v. Wade
On the 34th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the National Abortion Federation Releases its 2006 Legislative Report
As our nation today commemorates the 34th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the National Abortion Federation (NAF) released its 2006 Legislative Report. While abortion rights remained under attack in 2006, there were several notable victories at the federal and state levels that could lay the groundwork for future pro-choice legislative victories.
"Legislative attacks on women's reproductive freedom are all too common," said Vicki Saporta, President and CEO of NAF. "Women deserve to have access to safe, legal, and accessible abortion care. At the same time that we celebrate what Roe v. Wade has done to improve the lives and health of American women, we must remain vigilant in opposing attempts to further restrict abortion access."
The report examines key events in 2006, including the confirmation of Samuel Alito, the introduction of sweeping abortion bans in several states, successful campaigns against restrictive state ballot initiatives, the enactment of protective measures for abortion providers, the defeat of anti-abortion legislation on Capitol Hill, and the 2006 elections.
"NAF will continue to work on the state and federal levels to ensure that abortion is safe, legal, and accessible to promote health and justice for women," said Saporta.
NAF’s 2006 Legislative Report is available at www.prochoice.org.Labels: abortion bans, access, anti-choice, ballot initiatives, Roe v. Wade
Pro-Choice License Plates Proposed in Florida
After years of unsuccessful attempts to stop the sale of anti-choice specialty license plates, NOW’s Orlando chapter has designed a Florida license plate which supports abortion rights. The group spent the past year designing the plate and plans to seek legislative approval for the proposed design next year. Thirteen states, including Florida, allow drivers to pay extra for anti-choice vanity plates, but only Hawaii and Montana offer plates that support reproductive freedom. The revenue from anti-choice license plates often funds Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) and other anti-choice organizations. Labels: anti-choice, crisis pregnancy center (CPC)
Kopp Denied Dismissal
Thursday, U.S. District Judge Richard Arcara rejected all of the defense motions to dismiss a federal case against convicted murderer James Kopp. Kopp was convicted of second-degree murder and is serving a 25-year-to-life state sentence for the 1998 shooting of an abortion provider. He faces a life term if he is found guilty of violating the federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act in the shooting. Preparing his own defense, Kopp argued that this latest case should be dismissed because the shooting did not take place in a clinic entrance. Kopp admitted to fatally shooting Dr. Barnett Slepian and had planned to argue that the shooting was justified because it was intended to save the lives of the unborn. Arcara determined Kopp cannot use this defense since his actions attempted to prevent legal behavior. Kopp is also barred from including abortion related photographs or discussion of his anti-choice views in his defense. Labels: access, anti-choice
Act Now to Stop Congress From Interfering In Private Medical Decisions!
Just weeks ago, voters across the country rejected extremism and elected candidates supportive of reproductive freedom. But as anti-choice politicians in Congress prepare to adjourn for the year, they are attempting to interfere with private health care decisions by requiring doctors to provide women seeking an abortion with misleading information. Anti-choice advocates are going to bring H.R. 6099, the “Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act” to a vote on Wednesday, December 6. This ill-advised bill would inappropriately interfere with the way doctors provide care to women, advance political agendas over sound science, and would punish doctors for providing responsible patient care. Women seeking a legal abortion after 20 weeks would be forced to read and sign a statement saying that "there is substantial evidence the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain." Available scientific evidence fails to support the conclusions drawn by this legislation and its required statement. Doctors already share relevant information about health care options and respect the decisions made by their patients. This legislation intrudes upon the doctor-patient relationship by requiring doctors to provide information that they may not believe is appropriate or accurate for an individual patient. Responsible medicine requires that patients and doctors be able to make treatment decisions together based on each patient’s unique circumstances. Requiring doctors to share misleading mandated communication with their patients, is a dangerous insertion of Congress into private health care decisions. We urge you to contact your Representative to oppose this legislation so that doctors and patients, not politicians, can continue to determine what constitutes medically appropriate care. >Read NAF's position statement opposing this legislation>View NAF's press releaseLabels: anti-choice, federal legislation
Alabama Man Pleads Guilty in Clinic Attack
Dalton Ray Skinner pleaded guilty Tuesday to a January attack on the West Alabama Women’s Center where he drove his car into the front entrance while the clinic was closed. Skinner was indicted in April on one charge of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which makes it a federal crime to use force, the threat of force, or physical obstruction to prevent individuals from obtaining or providing reproductive health care services. He faces a maximum of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine at his February sentencing. Labels: access, Alabama, anti-choice, violence
Act Now to Protect Title X, America’s Family Planning Program
For more than 35 years, the Title X program has been a hallmark of quality preventative care, enabling practitioners to provide family planning services to over 5 million low-income individuals annually. However, this program and its mission are now at serious risk. The Bush Administration has just appointed an anti-choice ob-gyn, Dr. Eric Keroack, to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs, a position which oversees the Title X program. This appointment raises serious concerns, because Dr. Keroack is currently the Medical Director for A Woman’s Concern (AWC), five crisis pregnancy health centers located in the Greater Boston Area. Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs) are designed to dissuade pregnant women from seeking abortions, and in many instances, they misinform and intimidate women to achieve their goal. Dr. Keroack’s support of biased counseling is in direct conflict with Title X’s long-standing requirement that women facing an unintended pregnancy be provided with medically accurate information. In addition, AWC health centers will not distribute, encourage the use of, or offer referrals for contraceptive drugs and devices. Dr. Keroack should not be entrusted with the oversight of the Title X program and the health of millions of American women. Act now and urge Secretary of Health and Human Services, Michael Leavitt, to reconsider the appointment of Dr. Keroack as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs. > TAKE ACTION NOW!Labels: anti-choice, crisis pregnancy center (CPC), Eric Keroack, Title X
Bush Names Anti-choice Advocate to Oversee Family Planning
This week, the Bush Administration appointed Eric Keroack, M.D., as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Population Affairs (DASPA) within the Department of Health and Human Services. In this post Keroack will oversee the Office of Family Planning and the Title X program, which is the only Federal program designed to fund family planning and reproductive health services. An anti-choice advocate, Keroack is the Medical Director of six Crisis Pregnancy Centers in Massachusetts, which oppose counseling and education on birth control, and attempt to dissuade women from obtaining abortions. Labels: anti-choice, Contraception, crisis pregnancy center (CPC), Eric Keroack, Title X
Voters Reject Abortion Restrictions
NAF Staff in the Field: South Dakota Abortion Ban Referenda – Update 8
Staff members from the National Abortion Federation (NAF) are on the ground in South Dakota campaigning to repeal South Dakota’s abortion ban. Please read our blog this week to read our staff’s reports “from the field” about this closely watched ballot initiative and learn more about the “No on Six” campaign.We had a rally in front of the federal court house to get voters and the Sioux Falls Community energized. Jan Nicolay, co-chair of the South Dakota Campaign for Healthy Families , spoke out against the ban and invited others to do the same. Several community members came forward to express their opposition, including a young pregnant woman, a mother of four, a union leader, a high-school student, and a medical student at a local university. Even the arrival of anti-choice protesters couldn’t dampen the energy of the crowd, which filled the entire sidewalk in front of the courthouse. Afterward, we joined about 30 other volunteers with signs and marched up to the busiest Sioux Falls intersections to wave our signs and cheer against the abortion ban. Our supporters honked and cheered as they drove by in their cars during the busy lunch hour. After two hours outside in the chilly South Dakota wind, our fingers were numb but our spirits were high, and we returned to the office to continue our efforts to get out the vote with phone calls and mailings. Labels: abortion bans, anti-choice, ballot initiatives, South Dakota
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