Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Both Sides Of The Abortion Battle Are Taking Their Fight To The States This Year
The Associated Press: Battles Expected In Many States Over Abortion-Related Bills
On each side of the abortion debate, legislators and activists emboldened by recent political developments plan to push aggressively in many states this year for bills high on their wish lists: either seeking to impose near-total bans on abortion or guaranteeing women's access to the procedure. For abortion opponents, many of whom will rally Friday at the annual March for Life in Washington, there's a surge of optimism that sweeping abortion bans might have a chance of prevailing in the reconfigured U.S. Supreme Court that includes Donald Trump's appointees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. (Crary, 1/16)
The Associated Press: Planned Parenthood Challenges Wisconsin Abortion Laws
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin asked a federal judge on Wednesday to repeal state laws that make it more difficult for women, particularly in rural areas, to receive abortions. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Madison targets restrictions enacted by the Republican Legislature under former Gov. Scott Walker. The lawsuit comes 10 days after Walker left office, replaced by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. (1/16)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Planned Parenthood Sues Over Wisconsin Abortion Restrictions
In its filing in federal court in Madison, Planned Parenthood seeks to invalidate state laws that allow only doctors to perform abortions. The group contends advanced practice nurses — such as nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives — should be able to perform certain types of abortions. (Marley, 1/16)
