Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Texas Bill Over 'Rights Of Living Child After An Abortion' Provokes Boycott From Democrats
Texas Tribune: Texas Abortion Bill Hearing Delayed As House Democrats Skip Meeting
A Texas House committee's attempt to consider a bill regarding "the rights of a living child born after an abortion" boiled over Monday, leading to tears from the committee chairman, frustration from Republicans and a boycott by Democrats that delayed the hearing for a few hours. At issue was House Bill 16, filed by Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano. The bill would require doctors to care for a baby who survives an abortion procedure. (Pollock and Sundaram, 3/25)
Dallas Morning News: Four Female Texas Democrats Skipped A House Hearing On An Abortion Bill. Here's Why
Four House Democrats boycotted a committee hearing Monday, temporarily blocking debate on a bill that could result in fines of doctors who fail to provide "appropriate medical treatment" in the event that a fetus lives through an attempted abortion. The four absences and a late arrival by Republican Dallas Rep. Morgan Meyer wound up denying the nine-member panel a quorum. That frustrated Plano GOP Rep. Jeff Leach, chairman of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee and the bill's author. (Gardner, 3/25)
Kansas City Star: Kansas House Approves Controversial Abortion ‘Reversal’ Law
The Kansas House of Representatives gave first-round approval on Monday to a bill that would require health care providers to notify women that certain abortions are “reversible.” Pro-choice advocates vehemently oppose the bill, saying the “reversal” method is scientifically unproven and highly controversial in medical circles. (Korte, 3/25)
The Associated Press: Judge Cautions Lawyers To Watch Language In Abortion Case
A federal judge in Kentucky has cautioned lawyers to watch their language in their bitter legal feud over abortion — this time over a lawsuit challenging two new state laws aimed at putting more restrictions on the procedure. U.S. District Judge David J. Hale set a Friday hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction requested by attorneys for EMW Women's Surgical Center in Louisville — the only abortion clinic in Kentucky. (3/26)
