Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Missouri Cuts Funding To All Organizations That Provide Abortions
NPR: Missouri Cuts Public Funding To Organizations That Provide Abortion
A new Missouri law cuts off a line of funding to all organizations that provide abortions in the state, including hospitals. For years, Missouri has helped low-income women pay for family planning under a Medicaid program called Extended Women's Health Services, which is funded by both the state and the federal governments. (Bouscaren, 3/29)
The Associated Press: After Setback, Abortion Foes Keep Pressing Congress To Act
The collapse of the Republican health care overhaul was a sharp setback for anti-abortion leaders, whose hopes of halting federal funding to Planned Parenthood were derailed. But they continue to pursue that goal and also are pushing for a federal ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. (3/29)
The Associated Press: Arkansas Governor Signs 'Sex-Selection' Abortion Ban Bill
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Wednesday signed into law a measure that would impose fines and prison time on doctors who perform abortions that are based solely on whether the mother wants to have a boy or girl. Under the new law sponsored by Republican Rep. Charlie Collins, a physician performing the abortion would ask the patient if she knows the sex of the child. If she does, the doctor must let her know that it's illegal to have an abortion based solely on gender. (Mukunyadzi, 3/29)
Arizona Republic: Arizona Legislature Approves Controversial Abortion Bill
The Arizona Legislature has passed a bill regulating how doctors must care for a baby born alive during an abortion. Opponents say the bill would force doctors to perform pointless procedures during what could be an infant's final few minutes of life. During the final votes Wednesday, backers added an amendment they say will mitigate the effect on babies born early with fatal fetal defects, while still assuring doctors give babies every chance of survival. (Beard Rau, 3/29)
The Courier-Journal: Ky's Last Abortion Clinic Sues To Stay Open
Gov. Matt Bevin's administration is seeking to shut down Kentucky's only abortion provider, prompting a federal lawsuit by the clinic to block the move it says would have “a devastating impact on women.” Bevin’s administration has ordered the EMW Women’s Surgical Center in Louisville to stop providing abortions starting Monday, claiming it lacks proper agreements for patient care in the event of a medical emergency. (Yetter, 3/29)
The Associated Press: Last Kentucky Abortion Clinic Files Lawsuit To Stay Open
Kentucky’s only remaining clinic that performs abortions is challenging a state order that would shut it down. The complaint was filed Wednesday in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of the EMW Women’s Surgical Center in Louisville. (Lovan, 3/29)
Des Moines Register: Iowa Republicans Reverse Course On 'Fetal Heartbeat' Abortion Bill
Barely 24 hours after introducing legislation that would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, Iowa Republicans reversed course Wednesday and instead took steps to advance a less restrictive bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks into a pregnancy. (Pfannenstiel, 3/29)
San Antonio Press Express: Texas Senate Gives Fetal Tissue Bill Initial OK
Legislation that would require medical centers to bury or cremate the remains of aborted fetuses won initial approval in the Texas Senate on Wednesday. Because Senate Bill 258 by Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, did not have enough votes to be finally approved, a follow-up vote will be needed before it goes to the House. (Ward, 3/29)
