Anti-Choice Lawmakers Push Trio of Dangerous, Divisive Measures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2007 Anti-Choice Lawmakers Push Trio of Dangerous, Divisive Measures NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina calls on lawmakers to put aside political games; focus on commonsense bills to prevent unintended pregnancy Raleigh, NC—Melissa Reed, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, called the introduction of three back-to-back anti-choice bills aimed at restricting women’s access to reproductive health-care yet another example of how out-of-touch these legislators are with North Carolinian’s priorities. “Anti-choice lawmakers in the state have spent the last two weeks focused on introducing extreme out-of-touch bills that do nothing to address the everyday concerns of North Carolina voters,” Reed said. “Instead of pushing divisive legislation intended to undermine a woman’s right to choose, our lawmakers should focus on commonsense measures that prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce the need for abortion. North Carolinians want their lawmakers to stop the political attacks and unite behind common-ground prevention bills that would ensure teens are taught honest, realistic sex education, sexual assault survivors receive emergency contraception in the emergency room, and women and families have better access to family-planning services.” In only the last two weeks, anti-choice legislators have introduced bills that would: · Restrict state employees’ health insurance from covering abortion, even in cases when the woman’s health is in danger; · Modify an existing parental-consent law to require either in-person parental consent or notarized written consent – making it more burdensome and dangerous for North Carolina teens. Teens should turn to their parents in these situations—and thankfully, most already do. However, if a girl can’t turn to her parents, for whatever reason, responsible parents want to be sure—first and foremost—that their daughters are safe; and · Allow medical providers to refuse medical services, including reproductive healthcare, even if there is no other medical professional on the premise who can provide the treatment. Contact: Melissa Reed (919) 829-9779 ###
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