Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Arizona Judge Recuses Himself From Case Impacting Future Of Abortion
The 19th: Anti-Abortion Arizona Supreme Court Justice Recuses Self From Abortion Case
An Arizona Supreme Court judge who once accused Planned Parenthood of committing genocide has agreed to recuse himself from a case involving the organization that will determine the future legality of abortion in the state. (Gomez and Mirror, 12/4)
The Hill: Democrats Bank On Abortion Playing Pivotal Role In Arizona Senate Race
Arizona’s Senate race may be the next contest for Democrats where abortion plays a decisive role. As the party looks to hold onto its slim majority in the upper chamber, it is leaning into an abortion rights platform, which helped it score numerous victories over the past year in red and purple states. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who’s running for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-Ariz.) seat, is already targeting Republican candidate Kari Lake’s past comments on the issue. The contest comes amid a larger fight over the issue in the Grand Canyon State, as abortion rights advocates are looking to secure a ballot measure enshrining abortion rights in the state constitution. (Vakil, 12/4)
Abortion news from California, Ohio, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Kentucky —
KCAL News: Planned Parenthood Sues Fontana For Allegedly Blocking Abortion Access
Planned Parenthood filed a formal complaint against the city of Fontana for allegedly blocking abortion access, which recently became a right protected by the California Constitution. "We did not want to be among the first organizations to file a lawsuit alleging violation of Californians' constitutional rights under Proposition 1," regional president Jon Dunn said. "However, we have chosen to defend the rights of our community members against the city of Fontana, due to their deliberate actions to actively deny their community access to healthcare services." (Rodriguez, 12/4)
AP: Judge Weighing Ohio Abortion Rights Amendment's Legal Impact Keeps Anti-Abortion Groups Clear
A federal judge in Ohio has denied a group of anti-abortion advocates the ability to weigh in on long-running litigation over abortion clinic transfer agreements, as he assesses the impacts on the case of an abortion-rights amendment approved by voters this fall. In a brief order issued Monday, U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett said he rejected the advocates’ request to file a friend of the court brief because they “will not be of assistance in resolving or clarifying a question of law.” (Smyth, 12/4)
Axios: What Virginia Democrats' Proposed Abortion Rights Constitutional Amendment Would Do
Democrats in the General Assembly are poised to take their first step toward enshrining a right to abortion in the state constitution. What's happening: When lawmakers convene next month, they'll consider a constitutional amendment establishing a "fundamental right to reproductive freedom." Yes, but: There's ongoing debate about what it would actually do if passed. (Oliver, 12/5)
KHOL/ Jackson Hole Community Radio: ‘I Feel Heartbroken’: Jacksonites Concerned About Future Of Women’s Health Care
This fall, access to women’s health care in Jackson got a jolt. Three-decade institution, the Women’s Health and Family Care clinic, announced it’s closing later this month, citing rising costs as the region experiences a crisis of affordability. It’s the second women’s health center to close this year in Jackson, leaving just one major OB/GYN clinic left in town. Some doctors say they plan to resume services in the new year, but it leaves a gap — especially since the Women’s Health and Family Care clinic was also the only abortion provider for a large swath of the Mountain West. (Merzbach, 12/4)
The Washington Post: The Rape Victim Behind Kentucky’s Viral Abortion Ad
Hadley Duvall’s ad about abortion rights helped Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear win reelection — and she’s ready to campaign again in 2024. (Kitchener, 12/4)
Also —
Vox: The Supreme Court Considers If There’s A Right To Medically Necessary Abortion
A federal law, known as the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), requires hospitals that accept Medicare funds to provide “such treatment as may be required to stabilize the medical condition” of “any individual” who arrives at the hospital’s ER with an “emergency medical condition.” ... Now we’re about to find out whether the Supreme Court will follow the text of EMTALA, in a pair of cases known as Idaho v. United States and Moyle v. United States. (Millhiser, 12/4)
Stat: Fetal Surgery At Risk From Dobbs And New Abortion Restrictions
The concept of fetal surgery captures the imagination when, from time to time, it makes the headlines. Few pregnant mothers will need the assistance of fetal medicine specialists; fewer still will need a fetal surgeon to save their children. But it can offer parents-to-be a sense of hope: In the appropriate circumstances, doctors may be able to help before the child is even born. Now, anti-abortion laws intended to protect the unborn may do the exact opposite by threatening this already-challenging field. (Francois I. Luks, Tippi Mackenzie and Thomas F. Tracy Jr., 12/5)
Deseret News: American Family Survey: How Americans Feel About Abortion In 2023
As attempts to restrict or outlaw abortion have failed after Roe v. Wade was overturned, Republicans increasingly favor a national policy, the 2023 American Family Survey shows. (Graham, 12/5)
