Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Even In 2006, Biden Felt Like A 'Little Bit Of An Odd Man Out In My Party' When It Came To Abortion
The New York Times: Joe Biden Said He Did Not View Abortion ‘As A Choice And A Right’ In 2006
In a newly unearthed video from 2006, Joseph R. Biden Jr. said he supported Roe v. Wade but did not view abortion as “a choice and a right” — remarks that raise further questions about how he views abortion rights as he runs for the Democratic presidential nomination and faces pressure over his position on the issue. “I do not view abortion as a choice and a right. I think it’s always a tragedy,” Mr. Biden said in a videotaped interview with Texas Monthly, resurfaced on Thursday by CNN. “I think it should be rare and safe,” he added. “I think we should be focusing on how to limit the number of abortions.” (Saul, 6/13)
The Hill: Jayapal Opens Up About Her Own Abortion In NY Times Op-Ed
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) opened up about her own abortion in a column for The New York Times. In the Thursday op-ed, Jayapal describes her first pregnancy and how her child Janak was born weighing 1 pound, 14 ounces and faced complications due to undeveloped organs. (Budryk, 6/13)
The Associated Press: Maine Making Public, Private Insurers Cover Abortions
A bill requiring public and private insurance companies to cover abortion is now law in Maine with Democratic Gov. Janet Mills' signature Thursday. The new law will take effect in 90 days and requires all insurers that cover prenatal care to include coverage of abortion. The proposal faced pushback from Republicans and a handful of Democrats who argued against taxpayer-funded abortions. (6/13)
Boston Globe: Rhode Island Abortion Rights Bill Headed To The Full Senate
After two unsuccessful attempts, an abortion rights bill cleared a major hurdle Thursday, passing a state Senate committee just two days after being transferred from a less supportive committee. The bill now heads to the Senate floor on Tuesday, where supporters expect the vote to be close but favorable. (Fitzpatrick, 6/13)
And in Texas —
The Hill: Texas Planned Parenthood Clinic To Remain Open Despite State Law Aimed At Closing It
A Planned Parenthood clinic in Austin, Texas, is set to remain open until 2039 despite a new state law that prevents local governments from doing business with the organization. A bill signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbot last week bars cities from certain transactions with abortion providers, including leases and sales, going into effect Sept. 1. (Frazin, 6/13)
Austin American-Statesman: Despite New Law, Austin Planned Parenthood Clinic To Stay Open
Senate Bill 22, signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott last week, takes effect Sept. 1 and will ban cities from “any transaction” with an abortion provider or its affiliates — including leases, sales and donations of real estate, goods and services. However, SB 22 is not retroactive and cannot undo a 20-year lease extension that Planned Parenthood recently signed with Austin to continue operating the health center at 1823 E. Seventh St., according to the Texas attorney general’s office, which will enforce the law, and the bill’s author, Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels. (Lindell, 6/13)
