Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
GOP Presidential Hopeful Scott Walker Signs Abortion Ban
The Associated Press: GOP Presidential Hopeful Walker Signs Abortion Ban Bill
Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, one week after launching his bid for the 2016 presidential nomination, signed a bill Monday that outlaws non-emergency abortions at or beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion is a core issue for the conservative Republican base whose support Walker will seek as he tries to stand out in a crowded presidential field that also includes former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and billionaire Donald Trump. (Richmond, 6/20)
Politico: Scott Walker Signs Wisconsin Abortion Bill
The legislation makes performing an abortion a felony punishable by up to three and a half years in prison and $10,000 in fines. The only way abortions after 20 weeks are allowed is if the mother is likely to die or be severely injured. Anti-abortion activists have coalesced around 20 weeks because, they say, that’s when fetuses begin to feel pain. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, says that pain doesn’t occur until 27 weeks. (Collins, 7/20)
The Hill: Walker Signs 20-Week Abortion Ban
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Monday denounced Walker for signing the bill. “This legislation is nothing more than a timely favor that will rally the GOP base just days after Scott Walker’s presidential campaign kickoff,” said Kaylie Hanson, DNC director of women’s media. “But the harsh reality is that this law will hurt women, as it puts up barriers to care for rape and incest survivors — no exceptions — and threatens the health of the mother." (Sullivan, 7/20)
Politico: Planned Parenthood Accuses Group Of Editing Out Fetal Tissue Denials
Planned Parenthood Federation of America on Monday accused an activist group of editing out, in an undercover video, an executive’s repeated assertions that the group does not sell fetal tissue and makes no money off of tissue donations. (Collins, 7/20)
