Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Republicans Not Facing Backlash From Anti-Abortion Groups
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)
