In the Kaiser Report

Two big blows. If the LA bill passes and is signed by the governor (which she says she intends to do), it would be an even greater threat to Roe since it includes health exceptions that are more broad than the SD ones. Just wanted to make sure you all saw these.

Abortion Regulations

• Louisiana: The state House on Wednesday voted 85-17 to approve an amended measure (SB 33) that would ban abortion in the state except when the pregnancy threatens the life of the woman or could cause her severe health problems, the AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune reports (Simpson, AP/New Orleans Times-Picayune, 5/31). The amended version of the measure, sponsored by state Sen. Ben Nevers (D), would allow the procedure when there would be "permanent impairment of the function of a life-sustaining organ or organs or to prevent the substantial risk of a pregnant woman." The measure would punish doctors who perform abortions with one to 10 years in prison and fines of $10,000 to $100,000, but it would not punish women who undergo the procedure (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 5/19). The bill now returns to the state Senate for consideration (Anderson, New Orleans Times-Picayune, 6/1). If the state Senate gives the bill final approval, it will go to Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) for consideration. She has said she likely will sign the ban, adding, "It's got a safety measure for extreme situations for the life of the mother and some other health issues" (KATC, 6/1). If the bill is signed, it would take effect only if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade – the 1973 Supreme Court case that effectively barred state abortion bans (AP/New York Times, 6/2).
• South Dakota: The Oglala Sioux Tribal Council on Tuesday voted to ban abortion on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and suspend Tribal President Cecelia Fire Thunder for allegedly soliciting donations on behalf of the tribe for a proposed abortion clinic without the council's approval, Keloland Television reports (KELOLAND TV, 5/31). Fire Thunder, in March in response to the approval of the South Dakota law (HB 1215) that bans abortion except to save a woman's life, said, "I will personally establish a Planned Parenthood clinic on my own land which is within the boundaries of the Pine Ridge Reservation where the state of South Dakota has absolutely no jurisdiction" (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 3/30). However, Fire Thunder on Tuesday said she had not intended to open a clinic that would perform the procedure but rather one that would provide family planning information and emergency and regular contraception, the AP/Black Hill Pioneer reports. A motion — which was made by a tribal council representative from the Pine Ridge District at a council meeting — to suspend Fire Thunder indefinitely failed, and the council subsequently voted to suspend her for 20 days until an impeachment hearing could be held. According to the AP/Pioneer, a group of women is planning to form a board of directors for Fire Thunder's proposed women's clinic. The women are waiting on the results of the state's abortion ban referendum and any subsequent legal challenges before continuing with the plans, according to Betty Bull Bear, one of the group's members (AP/Black Hills Pioneer, 5/31).

Last night was a success. I really want to thank all who came out to support the Sared Choices Women's Clinic. A special thank you to the Jackpot, Penny Lane, ChoiceUSA, Boo & Boo Too, Death & Flowers, Mountain Tops, and Groovelight, we couldn't have done it without you! Thanks so much. 

A Letter from Sarah London:  

The legislators have finally gone home. (Now if only the state board members would do the same…) Here's a quick update on our the status of sex ed in Kansas:

1. State Board of Education backs down from their original proposal to mandate nine weeks of abstinence-until-marriage curriculum. They introduced and discussed their "statement" at the board meeting this week, but took no action. Note: They are considering putting the statement in the introduction to the health standards, right next to the "opt-in" segment. This is only a recommendation and is not binding. There could be a vote next month. Thanks to the YWCA street visibility team for making sure that the board members noticed us on their way into the meeting! Also, kudos to our speakers: Alicia and Erin. The ab-only folks did not send a representative to the open forum. Press below:

Kansas ed board backs away from abstinence-only mandate on sex ed http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/state/14539671.htm

2. Legislature fails to pass SB 508, The Abstinence Plus Education Act. On the bright side, they removed the abortion lessons mandate from the final school finance package.