NRLC State Affiliates Working Hard to Pass Pro-Life Legislation

By Dave Andrusko

Virtually all the attention over the past week has been lavished on the fight in Virginia over its ultrasound bill. (See “Lessons  Learned from the Battle over Virginia’s Ultrasound Law.”) But as Mary Spaulding Balch, JD, director of NRL Department of State Legislation, made clear in an interview this afternoon, the Movement is busy advancing legislation in other states as well.

“The media-driven hysteria over ultrasounds is not confined to Virginia,” she explained. “But pro-lifers in Alabama and Idaho and Kentucky are holding strong—ignoring the red herrings–to ensure women get that last opportunity to consider what is, after all, a life-and-death decision.”

Mary was, as always, on the phone, so she quickly summarized the latest developments.

·         In Alaska, a “Choose Life” license plate bill is on the governor’s desk.

·         In Georgia the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection bill has passed two committees in the House and should be on the House floor Friday or Monday. The bill has also passed two committees in Florida.

·         In Minnesota, a Senate committee approved a bill that would prevent dangerous “web cam” abortions. That same Minnesota Senate committee approved a measure to require that abortion clinics be licensed.

·         The Wisconsin Senate has passed a bill that would also ban web cam abortions and stop women from being coerced into having an abortion.

·         In Florida, two committees have passed a measure that would ban abortions based on the child’s race or sex.

·         In Michigan a Senate Committee has passed an “opt-out” measure. (ObamaCare  requires the States to operate and maintain “health insurance exchanges” where individuals can shop around for health insurance plans. But ObamaCare also gave each state the right to prohibit coverage of abortions under the qualified health plans offered through the exchanges.)

·         In South Carolina, one house has passed a “born-alive” measure. Under this children who are born alive following an abortion would receive the same life-sustaining treatment any premature baby would receive. If they were born dying, they would be afforded comfort care.

·         In Oklahoma, a Senate committee has approved a bill that would ban discrimination in treatment decisions based on a patient’s age.

“By the time this story is posted tonight, no doubt something else will have taken place,” Mary said. “The states are working very hard to pass legislation to get on governors’ desks before the session ends.”

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