The ban "will undermine their patients' rights to be free from unnecessary medical procedures and to make medical decisions, in conjunction with their physicians, that are in their best interests."According to David Bailey with Reuters, Republican Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt claims he will vigorously defend the ban on dilation and evacuation procedures (known as D and E) procedure—thus effectively banning abortion as early as 14 weeks post-fertilization. According to Guttmacher Institute, this type of abortion is uncommon, since 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester.
Nancy Northup, president and chief executive officer of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said the center was confident a court would block the law from taking effect.Since the beginning of the year, there has been a nonstop effort by Republicans, who own the 'super majority' in many state legislative Houses, to control women. According to Guttmacher Institute:"This is yet another in a relentless barrage of attacks to block women's access to constitutionally protected abortion services."Northup adds:"The ultimate goal of those behind this law is to criminalize abortion services, one by one, until women are left with absolutely no safe or legal options."
By the end of the first quarter of the year, legislators had introduced 791 provisions related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Nearly 42% of these provisions (332 provisions) seek to restrict access to abortion services; abortion restrictions have been introduced in 43 states. By April 1, 53 abortion restrictions had been approved by a legislative chamber, and nine had been enacted.In May, a Texas Republican lawmaker shocked the country by introducing an amendment that would force pregnant women to carry non-viable/brain dead fetuses to full term.
By their votes, Republican lawmakers have made it clear they would just as soon see American women return to illegal back-alley abortions and butchery. What they don't realize is that their laws will never stop abortions. Their laws will only stop safe abortions. And this is why pro-choice women and men remain unified and ready to defend women's reproductive rights to the end, not only for this generation, for generations to come. To join the fight, here are some of the pro-choice organizations and social media groups one can visit/join/support:
Planned Parenthood"The issue is not abortion. The issue is whether women can make up their own mind instead of some right-wing pastor, some right-wing politician telling them what to do." -Howard Dean
Emily's List
NARAL/Pro-Choice America
NOW
4000 Years For Choice
UniteWomen.org
Abortion.com
Abigail Adams Brigade
Fight Laws Against Women
Pro-Choice Liberals
Center For Reproductive Rights
And there it is, yes? Thank you, Howard Dean for the quote, and thank to all the pro-choice supporters, advocates and providers.
To contact/support Dr. Herbert Hodes and Dr. Traci Nauser, who filed the aforementioned lawsuit, click here.