Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Alabama Governor Signs Ban On Abortions, But It's Unclear When, Or Even If, It Will Go Into Effect
Reuters: Alabama Governor Signs Strictest U.S. Abortion Ban Into Law
Governor Kay Ivey, a Republican, signed the measure a day after the Republican-controlled state Senate approved the ban and rejected a Democratic-backed amendment to allow abortions for women and girls impregnated by rape or incest. "To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God," Ivey said in a statement. (Gorman and Trotta, 5/15)
The New York Times: Alabama Governor Signs Abortion Bill. Here’s What Comes Next
The bill that the Republican-controlled Legislature overwhelmingly passed sought to prohibit abortions at every stage of pregnancy. It includes an exception for cases where a woman’s health is at “serious” risk, but lawmakers rejected a proposal to add exceptions for cases of rape or incest. Women who have abortions will not be prosecuted under the measure, but, if the courts allow the law to stand, doctors could be charged with a felony and face up to 99 years in prison for performing the procedure. (Blinder, 5/15)
The Wall Street Journal: Alabama Governor Signs Abortion Ban Into Law
Ms. Ivey, a Republican, conceded in signing the law Wednesday that “we can all recognize that, at least for the short term, this bill may…be unenforceable.” But, she added, “the sponsors of this bill believe that it is time, once again, for the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit this important matter.” (Campo-Flores, 5/15)
Politico: Alabama Governor Signs Bill Banning Nearly All Abortions
The state Senate debated the legislation for several hours Tuesday evening, though the outcome was never really in doubt. Democrats tried to force votes on amendments such as one that would force the chamber's Republicans to bear the cost of expected litigation and another on adding exceptions for rape and incest. All of the efforts failed. (Goldberg, 5/15)
NPR: Alabama Governor Signs Abortion Ban Into Law
Sponsors insist they wanted to limit exceptions because the bill is designed to push the idea that a fetus is a person with rights, in a direct challenge to the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Roe v. Wade decision that established a woman's right to abortion. (Elliott and Wamsley, 5/14)
The Washington Post: Governor Signs Alabama Abortion Ban, Which Has Galvanized Support On Both Sides, Setting Up A Lengthy Fight
As a crop duster with a banner saying “Abortion is okay” hummed above the capitol, circling back and forth around the governor’s mansion, a group of women below let out a cheer. “Just another day in Alabama,” said Mia Raven, director of People Organizing for Women’s Empowerment and Rights (POWER) House. “We knew this would pass and we got ready.” Amanda Reyes, who works with an abortion fund, was wearing an “I’m on the pill” T-shirt, complete with instructions printed on the back detailing how to get a medical abortion. She also looked skyward: “Here it comes again! That’s just the coolest thing.” (Wax-Thibodeaux and Brownlee, 5/15)
Kaiser Health News: Listen: Abortion Laws Could Have Unexpected Consequences
Julie Rovner, Kaiser Health News’ chief Washington correspondent, talks with Robin Young on “Here and Now” about the possible ramifications of strict abortion limits passed by Alabama’s legislature or other laws recently enacted in certain conservative states. The Alabama bill would outlaw all abortions except those to save a woman’s life and would establish long prison terms for doctors who violate it. (5/15)
