Slew Of Recent Anti-Abortion Actions Provokes Democrats To Issue Shot Over Bow
A group of Senate lawmakers wrote a letter criticizing efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and changes to Title X family planning funding.
CQ Roll Call:
Senate Democrats Seek To Pressure Administration On Abortion
Senate Democrats are joining their House counterparts in criticizing the slew of recent anti-abortion actions taken by the Trump administration. The effort, led by Sen. Patty Murray of Washington and signed by 30 other Senate Democrats, comes after a nearly identical letter authored by House Pro-Choice Caucus Chairs Diana DeGette of Colorado and Louise M. Slaughter of New York was issued Monday. (Ramam, 5/2)
Meanwhile, in the states —
The Associated Press:
Planned Parenthood Reopens Abortion Clinic In Texas
Planned Parenthood on Tuesday announced the reopening of its first abortion clinic in Texas since the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down strict regulations that prompted more than half of the state’s abortion facilities to close. The location was notable: Waco, which like many rural and midsized cities in Texas lost its only abortion clinic after then-Gov. Rick Perry signed the regulations in 2013. (Weber, 5/2)
The Associated Press:
Alaska Lawmakers Mull Measure Calling Abortion 'Child Abuse'
A conservative state lawmaker has successfully tacked an anti-abortion message onto an otherwise innocuous resolution in the Alaska House aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. The amendment from Republican Rep. David Eastman of Wasilla refers to abortion as "the ultimate form of child abuse." (5/2)
KCUR:
Planned Parenthood Asks Judge To Speed Up Missouri’s Abortion Licensing Process
After securing a court order blocking two Missouri abortion restrictions, Planned Parenthood now wants the licensing process for abortion facilities speeded up – a proposal opposed by the state. Planned Parenthood is proposing a 45-day period for Missouri to complete the licensing process for its clinics in Kansas City and Columbia, a deadline the state calls artificial. The organization also wants the court to impose a 60-day timeframe for its Joplin and Springfield clinics. Neither has applied for a license to perform abortions but both plan to do so. (Margolies, 5/2)
