Republicans Not Facing Backlash From Anti-Abortion Groups
After North Carolina Rep. Renee Ellmers helped stop an abortion ban from going through, anti-abortion group leaders vowed to remember her betrayal. But they have been mostly silent during her primary. In other news, clinics in Maine are using technology to ease access to abortions, and a new poll finds that 78 percent of Latino women surveyed believe a woman should make her own decision on the procedure.
CQ Healthbeat:
Anti-Abortion Groups Aren't Punishing Republican Betrayals
No House Republican did more to anger anti-abortion groups last year than Rep. Renee Ellmers, the North Carolina lawmaker who last January scuttled legislation to ban abortions after 20 weeks. At the time, anti-abortion leaders vowed that they and their members would remember Ellmers’ betrayal during her next primary. Apparently, they forgot. Nearly every one of the country’s most prominent anti-abortion groups have stayed out of Ellmers’ primary, not even offering so much as an endorsement to her opponents – much less the financial and grassroots support vital to defeating an incumbent member of Congress. In fact, a review of independent expenditure documents filed with the Federal Election Commission showed that none of these groups has spent money against Ellmers this year, an eye-opening revelation given the anger that still simmers over the congresswoman’s actions and the importance of abortion to many core GOP voters. (Roarty, 2/29)
The Associated Press:
Telemedicine To Expand Access To Abortions In Maine
The operator of one of Maine's three abortion clinics plans to expand access by offering abortion pills without the need for in-office consultation with a doctor. Augusta-based Maine Family Planning said it intends to allow patients to visit one of 16 regional planning clinics, where they'll consult via audio-visual technology with a physician. One of the medications to induce abortion would be given at the clinic, and the second could be taken at home. (2/29)
NBC News:
Poll: Most Latino Voters Think Women Should Have Right To Abortion
The majority of Latino voters believe women should have the right to make their own decisions about having a abortion even if they do not agree themselves, according to a poll released Monday. (Nevarez, 2/29)
