Backlash Swells Over Indiana Abortion Ban
The legislation, signed by Gov. Mike Pence last month, bans abortions sought because of genetic abnormalities, race or gender. Activists have been flooding his office with calls and plan a more formal rally for this weekend. Elsewhere, media outlets report on abortion news from Louisiana, Florida and Oregon.
The Associated Press:
Pence, Lawmakers Face Backlash Over New Indiana Abortion Law
Following on a campaign in which women called Gov. Mike Pence's office to tell him about their periods, activists plan a more traditional protest this weekend of a new law banning abortions sought because of genetic abnormalities that makes Indiana one of the most restrictive states in the country. Women taking part in the phone blast have been offering information about their menstrual cycles, if they had cramps and other updates to the governor's flustered phone staff and posting the conversations to Twitter or a Facebook group. The "Periods for Pence" page has amassed thousands of "likes" in nearly a week. One caller asked if Pence could recommend a gynecologist. (4/6)
The Associated Press:
Louisiana House Agrees To 72-Hour Wait Period For Abortion
The Louisiana House voted Wednesday to triple the wait time for women seeking an abortion to 72 hours, an increase that would match Louisiana to five other states with the longest waiting periods in the country. The change to Louisiana's abortion restrictions is supported by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards and sailed through the House with an 89-5 vote. It moves next to the Senate for consideration. (4/6)
The Associated Press:
Trial Starts For Woman Accused Of Fraud In Getting Abortion
Opening statements are scheduled Thursday at the trial of an Arizona woman accused of faking a cancer diagnosis in a scheme to get the state to pay for her late-term abortion. Chalice Renee Zeitner is accused of presenting falsified medical records to support her claim that she had cancer and telling an obstetrician that her pregnancy put her life in danger. (4/7)
News Service Of Florida:
State Urges Justices To Reject Abortion Case Appeal
Attorney General Pam Bondi's office is urging the Florida Supreme Court to turn down an appeal in a legal battle over a 2015 law that requires women to wait 24 hours before having abortions. A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal in February overturned a temporary injunction that had blocked the law from taking effect. (4/6)
The Oregonian:
Oregon Clinic Will Join Study Widening Access To Abortion Pill
A clinic in Oregon is set to become part of a national study geared at giving women easier access to the abortion pill. The program allows women to use telemedicine to talk to a physician over a computer instead of meeting in person. (Terry, 4/6)
And attendees at an anti-abortion conference are left disappointed —
Politico:
Anti-Abortion Leaders Disappointed To Not Hear From Trump
Anti-abortion activists gathered in Washington on Wednesday had expected to hear from Donald Trump about his abortion positions. They left disappointed. Trump did not address the 115 Forum, a conference of abortion foes in Washington organized by Priests for Life. Three sources associated with the group said organizers had initially led attendees to believe that Trump would be speaking to them by phone. Yet later on Wednesday, organizers said the mogul would not be speaking. (Isenstadt, 4/6)
