Abortion
In the News

Minn. Judge Dismisses Suit Claiming State Illegally Covered Abortion Costs
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
A Minnesota judge has dismissed a lawsuit that alleged the state incorrectly used public funds to pay for more than 37,000 abortions for low-income women who did not qualify for abortion coverage under state laws, the AP/Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports.

N.C. House Panel Advances Bill Banning Abortions Based on Sex of the Fetus
Friday, May 3, 2013
A North Carolina House committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 716) that would ban physicians from "knowingly or recklessly" performing an abortion when the sex of the fetus is a "significant factor" in a woman's request for the procedure, AP/WRAL reports.

La. House Bill Would Categorize Coercing Minor's Abortion as Abuse
Friday, May 3, 2013
A Louisiana House committee on Wednesday approved a measure (HB 278) that would add coercing a minor into an abortion to a list of acts that constitute child abuse, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Featured Blog
Friday, May 3, 2013
"The Importance of Roe vs. Wade" (Joseph Blady, Huffington Post blogs, 5/1).

Fla. Bill on Failed Abortions Heads to Gov. Scott
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
The Florida Senate on Tuesday advanced legislation (HB 1129) that would require physicians to provide emergency care if an infant is born alive after a failed abortion, the Miami Herald's "Naked Politics" reports.

Rep. Franks Reintroduces 20-Week Abortion Ban for Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Following the failure of a nearly identical bill (HR 3803) last year, Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) on Friday introduced legislation (HR 1797) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C., The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

Va. Clinic Regulations Have 'Claimed Their First Victim' by Forcing Facility's Closure, Washington Post Editorial States
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
"[T]he presence of awnings, the width of doorways and the dimensions of janitorial closets have little to do with the health of patients, ... [b]ut by requiring that Virginia's 20 abortion clinics conform to strict licensing standards designed for new hospitals, the state has ensured that many or most of them will be driven out of business in the coming months," a Washington Post editorial states.

Featured Blog
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
"Florida's Racist Anti-Choice Bill Prompts Walkout by Female Legislators" (Amanda Marcotte, RH Reality Check,4/28).

In Planned Parenthood Speech, President Obama Criticizes 'Absurd' Antiabortion Laws
Monday, April 29, 2013
In a speech to Planned Parenthood on Friday, President Obama condemned lawmakers who are restricting access to abortion and contraception and pledged to fight with women's health advocates "every step of the way," the New York Times' "The Caucus" reports.

Texas Democrats Block Bill To Add Building, Staffing Requirements for Abortion Clinics
Monday, April 29, 2013
Texas Senate Democrats are blocking a measure (SB 537) that would require abortion clinics to be certified as ambulatory surgical centers, the Austin American-Statesman reports.

Mont. Parental Consent Bill Becomes Law After Gov. Declines To Act on It
Friday, April 26, 2013
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (D) on Thursday allowed legislation (HB 391) requiring minors to obtain parental consent before abortions to become law without his signature, the AP/Montana Standard reports.

Proposed Abortion Clinic Regulations Die in S.C. Subcommittee
Friday, April 26, 2013
A South Carolina Senate subcommittee on Wednesday voted 3-2 to reject a bill (SB 204) that would have required abortion providers to be board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital, the Columbia State reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 26, 2013
"Abortion's Foes Twist Logic in Gosnell Case" (Michelle Goldberg, Daily Beast 's "Women in the World," 4/25).

Gosnell Trial Highlights Debate Over Impact of Abortion Clinic Regulations
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The trial of Philadelphia physician Kermit Gosnell, who is accused of killing a woman and infants born alive during abortion procedures, is escalating a debate over whether stricter regulations of abortion clinics makes unsafe facilities more or less likely to exist, NPR's "Shots" reports.

N.Y. GOP Senate Leader Says He Will Not Act on Gov. Cuomo's Abortion Rights Bill
Thursday, April 25, 2013
New York Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos this week said he will block any abortion-rights measures proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), the AP/Lake Placid News reports.

Pa. House Passes Restrictions on Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Marketplace
Thursday, April 25, 2013
The Pennsylvania House on Tuesday voted 144-53 to approve a measure (HB 818) that would prohibit abortion coverage in private health plans purchased through the state's insurance marketplace, which is being created under the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148), the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

La. Senate Advances Bill Requiring Physician's Presence During Medication Abortions
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Louisiana Senate on Monday voted 32-2 to advance a bill (SB 90) that would ban the use of telemedicine during the provision of medication abortions, AP/KSLA reports.

Minn. House Approves Fees, Inspections for Abortion Clinics
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
The Minnesota House on Monday voted 71-62 to pass an amendment that would require abortion clinics to pay annual licensing fees and undergo state inspections, the AP/Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
"New TRAP Laws Force Virginia Abortion Clinic To Close After 40 Years of Service" (Lori Adelman, Feministing, 4/22) and "Another Fight Looms on a 20-Week Abortion Ban for D.C." (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 4/22).

Kan. Gov. Brownback Signs Sweeping Bill With Several Abortion Restrictions
Monday, April 22, 2013
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) on Friday approved a far-reaching antiabortion-rights bill (HB 2253) that restricts access to the procedure, penalizes entities associated with abortion providers and declares that life begins "at fertilization," the AP/Topeka Capital-Journal reports.

Planned Parenthood Criticizes La. Bill That Would Restrict Telemedicine, Medication Abortion
Monday, April 22, 2013
A Louisiana bill (SB 90) that would restrict medication abortion access is unnecessary and inaccurately implies that the method is unsafe, according to Planned Parenthood officials, Healthcare IT News reports.

Both Sides Brace for Prospect That State Abortion Bans Could Reach Supreme Court
Monday, April 22, 2013
Lawmakers and experts on both sides of the abortion-rights debate say potential lawsuits over state measures banning abortion before fetal viability could eventually make it to the Supreme Court, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

Fla. House Passes Ban on Certain Abortions
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Florida House on Thursday approved a measure (HB 845) that would prohibit abortions based on the sex or race of the fetus, the Miami Herald reports.

Judge Intends To Strike Down N.D. Law Governing Medication Abortions
Friday, April 19, 2013
A North Dakota judge on Thursday said he plans to strike down as unconstitutional a 2011 state law that would have effectively banned medication abortions, the Grand Forks Herald reports.

Mo. House Gives Preliminary Approval To Medication Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Missouri House this week approved a bill (HB 400) that would impose additional requirements on the provision of medication abortions, the Missouri Times reports.

Fla. House Passes Bill Requiring Care for Infants in Failed Abortions
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Florida House on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill (HB 1129) that would require physicians to provide emergency care if an infant is born alive after a failed abortion, the Miami Herald reports.

La. Senate Panel Passes Bill Requiring Doctors To Be Present for Medication Abortions
Friday, April 19, 2013
A Louisiana Senate committee on Wednesday advanced a bill (SB 90) that would prohibit the use of telemedicine during medication abortion care, the Baton Rouge Advocate reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 19, 2013
"Bringing Down Arkansas' House of Cards" (Becca Cadoff, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 4/17).

GOP Coalition Blocks Wash. Abortion Coverage Bill
Thursday, April 18, 2013
On Wednesday, a Republican coalition in the Washington state Senate blocked debate of a provision that would have required health plans to cover abortion care, the AP/KOMO News reports.

Texas Senate Bill Would Require Abortion Providers To Have Admitting Privileges at Nearby Hospitals
Thursday, April 18, 2013
A Texas Senate committee on Tuesday advanced a bill that would require abortion providers to obtain admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles, the AP/Longview News-Journal reports.

Lawsuit Challenges Ark. 12-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights on Tuesday filed a lawsuit challenging a new Arkansas law (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy, Politico reports.

N.D. Gov. Dalrymple Signs Third Abortion Ban Bill in a Month
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
On the heels of signing two bills last month that ban most abortions, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) on Tuesday signed into law a measure (SB 2368) that prohibits the procedure after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/USA Today reports.

Federal Judge Grants Miss. Abortion Clinic Temporary Reprieve From Admitting Privileges Law
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
A federal judge on Monday issued a temporary order blocking enforcement of a Mississippi law (HB 1390) that could close the state's sole abortion clinic, the New York Times reports.

State Lawmakers Focusing on Abortion Bans in 2013, Guttmacher Analysis Finds
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
State legislators in the first three months of 2013 introduced 694 reproductive health-related measures, including about 347 to restrict abortion, according to an analysis by the Guttmacher Institute, United Press International reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
"State Policy Trends 2013: Abortion Bans Move to the Forefront" (Elizabeth Nash/Rachel Benson Gold, RH Reality Check, 4/12) and "Federal Court Blocks Mississippi Admitting Privileges Law" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 4/15).

Va. Board of Health Approves Stricter Abortion Clinic Regulations
Monday, April 15, 2013
The Virginia Board of Health on Friday voted 11-2 to approve regulations that would require the state's abortion clinics to meet the same building standards as hospitals, the Washington Post reports.

W. Va. House Rejects Budget Amendment Targeting Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Monday, April 15, 2013
West Virginia's House of Delegates on Thursday voted 45-52 to reject a budget amendment that would have barred Medicaid from covering abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

States Embracing More Aggressive Approach on Abortion Restrictions
Friday, April 12, 2013
Although states enacted a record number of abortion restrictions in both 2011 and 2012, abortion-rights opponents this year are employing more aggressive tactics in conservative states where lawmakers are receptive to their ideas, according to abortion-rights advocates, the Washington Post reports.

Pa. Senate Panel Approves Bill To Limit Abortion Coverage Under Affordable Care Act
Friday, April 12, 2013
The Pennsylvania Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Wednesday advanced a bill (SB 275) that would ban private health plans in the state's health insurance marketplaces from covering most abortions, CBS Philly reports.

Texas House Comm. Considers 20-Week Abortion Ban
Friday, April 12, 2013
A Texas bill (HB 2364) that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy drew sharp responses from advocates, doctors and lawmakers at a House State Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, the San Antonio Express News' "Texas Politics" reports.

Texas House Comm. Considers Revisions to State Booklet on Abortion
Friday, April 12, 2013
A Texas bill (HB 2364) that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy drew sharp responses from advocates, doctors and lawmakers at a House State Affairs Committee hearing on Wednesday, the San Antonio Express News' "Texas Politics" reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 12, 2013
"In Just Three Months, States Proposed an Astonishing 694 Provisions About Reproduction" (Annie-Rose Strasser, Center for American Progress' "Think Progress," 4/11).

N.D. Lawmakers Build 'Litigation Fund' To Defend Antiabortion Laws as Residents Petition for Repeal Votes
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a budget amendment that would set aside money to defend against potential legal challenges to the state's recently enacted abortion restrictions, the AP/Dickinson Press reports.

Alaska Senate Passes Bill To Restrict Abortion Coverage Through Medicaid
Thursday, April 11, 2013
The Alaska Senate on Tuesday voted 14-6 to advance a measure (SB 49) that would define which "medically necessary" abortions are covered under the state's Medicaid program, the AP/Anchorage Daily News reports.

Ark. Senate Approves Bill That Would Cut Grants to Abortion Providers
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Arkansas Senate on Tuesday voted 19-11 to advance a bill (SB 818) that would prohibit the state from awarding grants to organizations that provide abortion care or referrals or contract with groups that do, Reuters reports.

Ark. Senator Drops Telemedicine Measure
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Missy Irvin (R) on Tuesday said she will not move forward with an effort to ban the use of telemedicine during the provision of medication abortions, AP/Arkansas Business reports.

Kansas Lawmakers Send Governor Sweeping Abortion Bill Declaring Life Begins 'at Fertilization'
Monday, April 8, 2013
Kansas lawmakers late Friday granted final passage to sweeping antiabortion legislation (HB 2253) that would ban certain abortions, penalize entities associated with abortion providers and define life as beginning "at fertilization," The Hill's "Blog Briefing Room" reports.

Opinion Piece Explores Impact of Family Planning Funding Cuts in Texas
Monday, April 8, 2013
Last week, the Texas House took an important step toward restoring 2011 budget cuts that "caused more than 55 family planning clinics across the state to close and left remaining providers with less funding and more patients in need of care," Joseph Potter -- a professor at the University of Texas-Austin -- writes in an opinion piece in the Austin Statesman.

Ohio Hospital Halts Emergency Transfer Arrangements With Two Abortion Clinics
Monday, April 8, 2013
The University of Toledo Medical Center in Ohio has announced it will revoke medical transfer rights from one local abortion clinic and stop negotiations with another abortion provider to obtain the rights, the Toledo Blade reports.

Miss. Bill Restricting Medication Abortion Goes To Gov. Bryant
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Mississippi Senate on Wednesday voted 46-6 to give final passage to a bill (SB 2795) that would tighten restrictions on medication abortions, including requiring that a physician be present when a woman takes the drugs, the AP/Mississippi Business Journal reports.

Fla. House Panel Approves Bill Targeting Abortions Based on Sex, Race of Fetus
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Florida House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 845) that would require abortion providers to sign affidavits stating that they are not performing an abortion based on the sex or race of the fetus, the AP/Miami Herald reports.

Fla. House Panel Approves Bill on Failed Abortions
Friday, April 5, 2013
The Florida House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill (HB 1129) that would permit misdemeanor charges if a person does not provide or seek medical care for an infant born after a failed abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, April 5, 2013
"Outlawing Abortion Won't Help Children with Down Syndrome" (Alison Piepmeier, New York Times' "Motherlode," 4/1); "Seven States Working Hard To Shut Down Abortion Clinics" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 4/3); "Nevada Lawmaker Receives Death Threats After Talking About Her Abortion" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "Think Progress," 4/4).

Ala. Gov. Bentley Poised To Sign Abortion Clinic Regulations
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) on Wednesday affirmed that he will sign legislation (HB 57) to impose stricter regulations on abortion clinics, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Va. Legislature Approves Ban on Abortion Coverage in New Health Insurance Marketplace
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday voted to approve Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) amendment that would ban most abortion coverage in private health plans sold through the state's federally run health insurance marketplace, NBC Washington's "First Read - DMV" reports.

N.D. Conference Committee Drops Amendment Targeting Sex Education Research
Thursday, April 4, 2013
A North Dakota conference committee on Tuesday dropped an amendment that would have prohibited the use of public funds to contract with "entities performing, inducing, referring for, or counseling in favor of, abortions," the AP/Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports.

Ind. House Advances Bill Restricting Clinics That Offer Medication Abortions
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Indiana House on Tuesday approved a bill (SB 371) that would require clinics that offer medication abortions to adhere to the same standards as facilities that perform surgical procedures, Reuters reports.

Sweeping Kan. Antiabortion Bill Heading to Gov. Brownback; Wichita Clinic Opening for First Time Since Tiller's Death
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The Kansas Senate on Tuesday voted 29-11 to pass a far-reaching antiabortion-rights bill (HB 2253) that restricts access to abortion care and penalizes entities associated with abortion providers, the AP/Chicago Sun-Times reports.

Wash. Senator Blocks Advancement of Abortion Coverage Bill
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Washington Senate Health Care Committee Chair Randi Becker (R) on Monday blocked legislation (HB 1044) that would require health plans to cover abortion services from advancing to the full Senate, even though a majority of senators support the measure, the AP/Yakima Herald reports.

Mich. Law Requiring Licenses for Abortion Clinics Takes Effect
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
A Michigan law (HB 5711) that took effect on Sunday imposes several new restrictions on abortion providers, including that they obtain licenses from the state, the AP/Detroit Free Press reports.

Ga. Gov. Deal Weighs Using Executive Powers To Ban Abortion Coverage From State Employee Health Plans
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) is considering using his executive powers to bar state employee health insurance plans from offering abortion coverage, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
"Why the Response to a Philadelphia Abortion Doctor's Ongoing Murder Trial Gets It All Wrong" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "Think Progress," 3/29).

New York Times Editorial, Columnist Collins Denounce N.D. Antiabortion Laws
Monday, April 1, 2013
The New York Times recently published an editorial and column criticizing North Dakota's enactment of legislation (HB 1456) to ban abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, as well as other attacks on abortion rights in that state and elsewhere.

Ind. House Panel Advances Medication Abortion Restrictions After Omitting Mandatory Ultrasound Provision
Friday, March 29, 2013
The Indiana House Public Policy Committee on Wednesday voted 8-5 to advance a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortions, the Indianapolis Star reports.

Fla. House Subcommittee Advances Three Antiabortion Measures, Delays a Fourth Bill
Friday, March 29, 2013
Florida House subcommittees on Wednesday approved three antiabortion-rights measures, while a fourth bill -- which would effectively ban most abortions -- appears to have stalled, the Sunshine State News reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 29, 2013
"Is Abortion Heading Back to the Supreme Court?" (Andrew Rosenthal, New York Times' "Taking Note," 3/27); "The Landscape of Abortion Bans, In One Must-See Map" (Sarah Kliff, Washington Post's "Wonkblog," 3/28).

N.D. Abortion Restrictions Draw Swift Rebukes
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Following North Dakota's enactment of legislation (HB 1456) to ban abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, the Washington Post's "Wonkblog" interviewed Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards about the law's repercussions for women, abortion bans in other states and the legal landscape in the abortion-rights debate.

Va. Gov. Proposes Ban on Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Exchange
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has introduced an amendment that would prohibit abortion coverage in health plans sold through the state's federally run health insurance exchange, the AP/Washington Times reports.

N.D. Gov. Dalrymple Signs Abortion Ban To Challenge the 'Boundaries of Roe,' Approves Two Other Bills
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) on Tuesday approved the nation's most-restrictive abortion ban by signing into law a bill (HB 1456) that prohibits the procedure once a fetal heartbeat is "detectable," which can occur as early as six weeks if a transvaginal ultrasound is used, the New York Times reports.

Utah Gov. Signs Into Law Measure Requiring State To Collect Abortion Data
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) on Friday signed into law a measure (SB 60) that requires the state to collect and retain data on the number of abortions in the state, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Okla. Attorney General Asks U.S. Supreme Court To Reinstate Antiabortion Law
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt (R) on Friday filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a ruling that struck down a state law (HB 2780) requiring women seeking an abortion to view an ultrasound image and hear a description of the fetus, AP/KSWO reports.

Ga. Senators Approve Measure Prohibiting State Employee Health Plans From Covering Abortion
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
The Georgia Senate on Monday voted 34-15 to approve a bill (HB 246) that contains an amendment barring state employee health insurance plans from offering abortion coverage, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Political Insider" reports.

Wash. Senate Panel To Consider Bill To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
The Washington Senate Health Care Committee on April 1 is set to hold a hearing on a measure (HB 1044) that would require health plans in the state to cover abortion services, the AP/USA Today reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
"Washington State May Require Insurers To Cover Abortion as Part of Maternity Care" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress, 3/25); "North Dakota Votes To Ban All Abortions by Defining Life at Conception" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 3/22).

N.D. Approves 'Personhood' Amendment for 2014 Ballot, Advances Other Abortion Restrictions
Monday, March 25, 2013
As part of votes on four antiabortion-rights bills on Friday, the North Dakota House approved a resolution (ND 4009) authorizing a 2014 ballot measure that would enshrine in state law the notion that life begins at conception, the AP/Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports.

New York Times, Daily Beast Op-Eds Criticize N.D. Abortion Restrictions
Monday, March 25, 2013
Recent opinion pieces in the New York Times and Daily Beast responded to the passage of antiabortion-rights measures in North Dakota and other states.

Mich. Senate Bill Would Allow Insurers, Providers To Deny Contraception, Other Services
Monday, March 25, 2013
The Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee on Thursday approved a bill that would allow health care providers and insurers to refuse to cover or provide contraceptives and other services for moral, ethical or religious reasons, Interlochen Public Radio reports.

Debate Over Medicaid Abortion Coverage Stalls Iowa Budget Measure
Monday, March 25, 2013
Iowa officials on Thursday said progress on the state's health and human services budget remains stalled because of a recurring debate over language regarding funding of abortions by the state's Medicaid program, the Sioux City Journal reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 22, 2013
"Coercion, Not Consent" (John Culhane/Gayle Matthews, Huffington Post blogs, 3/20).

N.D. House Committee Approves Amendment Targeting Sex Ed Research
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The North Dakota House Human Services Committee on Monday approved an amendment that would prohibit the use of public funds to contract with "entities performing, inducing, referring for, or counseling in favor of, abortions," the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead reports.

N.D. Amendment Could Thwart Valuable Research, Editorial Argues
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Although Planned Parenthood is lawmakers' "target of choice" in an amendment that seeks to block funding for a sex education program run by the group, the provision's broad language "could undermine or scuttle other areas of valuable scientific and social research" if lawmakers disapprove of certain groups, "no matter how tangential such involvement might be," a Forum of Fargo-Moorhead editorial states.

N.D. Lawmakers Urge Gov. To Veto Abortion Restrictions
Thursday, March 21, 2013
A bipartisan group of North Dakota lawmakers is urging Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) to veto legislation that would enact the nation's most-restrictive abortion measures, the AP/Redwood Falls Gazette reports.

Texas Senate Bill Would Add New Building, Staffing Requirements for Abortion Clinics
Thursday, March 21, 2013
The Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday advanced a bill (SB 537) that would place new restrictions on abortion clinics, the Houston Chronicle reports.

Kan. House Approves Sweeping Antiabortion Bill, Rejects Proposal To Add Exceptions Late in Pregnancy
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
The Kansas House on Tuesday gave preliminary approval to a broad antiabortion-rights bill (HB 2253) with several provisions aimed at restricting access to the procedure and penalizing entities associated with abortion providers, the AP/Olathe News reports.

Catholic Bishops Lobby N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Against Expanding Abortion Rights
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
New York's Catholic bishops on Tuesday met with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) to urge him to abandon his efforts to strengthen abortion rights in the state, the New York Times reports.

Editorial Decries 'Outrageous Intrusions' into N.D. Women's
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"Proponents of the pending [North Dakota "personhood"] legislation claim the measures are pro-life, and thus meant to end abortions in the state, but their practical effect would be nothing of the sort," according to a Forum of Fargo-Moorhead editorial.

N.D. Lawmakers Eye 'Personhood' Bills To Ban All Abortions
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Shortly after advancing two of the most restrictive abortion measures (HB 1456, HB 1305) in the nation, North Dakota lawmakers are considering banning all abortions through a pair of "personhood" bills that would grant legal rights to fertilized eggs, the AP/Grand Forks Herald reports.

Abortion-Rights Advocates To Protest N.C. Bill Requiring Hospital Admitting Privileges
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Planned Parenthood and abortion-rights groups in North Carolina say they will hold a rally outside the state Legislature on Wednesday to protest a bill (SB 308) that would increase regulations for abortion clinics, WRAL reports

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"North Dakota Heartbeat Ban: Will the Governor Sign? And Does it Matter?" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 3/18).

N.D. Senate Approves Bans on Abortions After Six Weeks, Those Sought Because of Fetal Sex or Genetic Abnormalities
Monday, March 18, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Friday voted to approve a bill (HB 1456) that would ban abortion as early as six weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Reuters reports.

Minn. House Passes Health Exchange Bill Without Additional Abortion-Coverage Restrictions
Monday, March 18, 2013
The Minnesota House on Friday approved a bill (HF 5) for establishing its health insurance exchange that does not include a provision barring health plans from offering abortion coverage, Kaiser Health News' "Capsules" reports.

Changes to N.Y. Abortion Laws Needed To Ensure Women's Safety, Ob-Gyn Argues in Opinion Piece
Monday, March 18, 2013
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) proposal to move the state's abortion regulations "out of the criminal code and into the Public Health Law" is needed to make state law "consistent with federal law and current medical standards," Stephen Chasen -- director of high-risk obstetrics at Weill Cornell Medical College -- writes in a New York Daily News opinion piece.

N.H. House Rejects Bill Requiring Waiting Period, Signed Consent Before Abortions
Friday, March 15, 2013
The New Hampshire House on Wednesday rejected a bill (HB 483) that would have required women to wait 24 hours before obtaining an abortion, the AP/Boston Globe reports.

Md. Abortion Clinic Administrator Refutes Details of Patient Death
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The administrator of a Baltimore abortion clinic that had its license to provide surgical abortions suspended last week is refuting allegations that a patient suffered cardiac arrest at the facility, the Baltimore Sun reports.

Utah Data Collection Bill Heads to Gov. Herbert
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Utah House on Tuesday voted 56-17 to pass a measure (SB 60) that would require the state to collect and retain abortion data that it currently reports to the federal government, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Okla. House Approves Changes to Abortion Provider Reporting Requirements
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Oklahoma House on Tuesday voted 79-15 to approve legislation (HB 2015) that would add more than two dozen questions to a questionnaire abortion providers must already complete, the AP/San Antonio Express-News reports.

Okla. House Approves Two Antiabortion Measures
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Oklahoma House on Tuesday approved two antiabortion-rights bills, related to the state's parental consent law, the AP/San Antonio Express-News reports.

Bills To Ban Abortion Gain Prominence Among State Conservatives
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
In a shift from past decades, abortion-rights opponents have increasingly focused on state legislation banning abortion after certain points in pregnancy, ABC News reports.

Mo. House Approves Refusal Measure
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The Missouri House on Monday approved a bill (HB 457) stating that health care providers and facilities may not be discriminated against for refusing to provide or participate in services and research because of ethical, moral or religious objections, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Proponents of Antiabortion 'Heartbeat' Laws See Ark. as Bellwether for Other States
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Arkansas' recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy is giving new momentum to a segment of abortion-rights opponents who see enactment of early abortion bans as an effective strategy for challenging Roe v. Wade, the New York Times reports.

Md. Suspends Surgical Licenses of Three Abortion Clinics Over Violations
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Last week, three abortion clinics in Maryland had their licenses to provide surgical abortions suspended at least temporarily for not complying with state regulations, the Baltimore Sun reports.

S.D. Gov. Signs Bill To Lengthen Waiting Period Requirement
Monday, March 11, 2013
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) on Friday signed into law a bill that excludes weekends and holidays from the state's 72-hour waiting period before abortions, which would extend the wait to six days for a woman who seeks an abortion the Friday before a three-day weekend, Reuters reports.

Ark. 12-Week Abortion Ban Exposes Divide in Antiabortion-Rights Movement
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Arkansas Legislature's recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that bans most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy has exposed strategic divisions within the national antiabortion-rights movement, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

Kan. House Committee Approves Sweeping Abortion Bill
Monday, March 11, 2013
The Kansas House Federal and State Affairs Committee on Thursday approved a broad antiabortion-rights bill (HB 2253) with several provisions aimed at restricting access to the procedure, the Lawrence Journal-World/Kansas City Kansan reports.

Ark. Bill Aims To Defund Affiliates of Abortion Providers
Monday, March 11, 2013
An Arkansas lawmaker who sponsored the state's newly enacted 12-week abortion ban has introduced a bill (SB 818) that would bar public funding to abortion providers and groups affiliated with them, including Planned Parenthood, the AP/Sacramento Bee reports.

L.A. Times, New York Times Pieces Criticize Ark. Abortion Ban
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Los Angeles Times and New York Times recently published an opinion piece and editorial, respectively, criticizing the Arkansas Legislature's recent enactment of legislation (SB 134) that prohibits most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Tenn. Lawmakers Drop Ultrasound Bill, Focus on Ballot Measure Instead
Friday, March 8, 2013
Tennessee Sen. Jim Tracy (R) and Rep. Rick Womick (R) announced on Wednesday that they will no longer pursue legislation (HB 984, SB 632) that would require abortion providers to perform an ultrasound and describe the image to the woman before an abortion, the AP/ Chattanooga Times Free Press reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 8, 2013
"Arkansas Abortion Ban Disproportionately Affects Poor Women and Teenagers" (Amanda Marcotte, Slate's "XX Factor," 3/7).

Ark. Enacts Earliest Abortion Ban in U.S.; Legal Fight Anticipated
Thursday, March 7, 2013
As expected, the Arkansas House on Wednesday overrode Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (SB 134) that prohibits abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy, thus enacting the nation's earliest abortion ban and setting up a likely legal challenge, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Idaho 20-Week Abortion Ban, Other Statutes
Thursday, March 7, 2013
A federal judge this week ruled that a 2011 Idaho law prohibiting abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the principles of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision, Reuters reports.

Texas Lawmaker Plans Bill To Overturn Pre-Abortion Waiting Period Law in Light of New Research
Thursday, March 7, 2013
A 2011 Texas law mandating a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion is emotionally harmful to some women, but it has not led women seeking abortions to change their minds about wanting the procedure, according to a study presented on Wednesday by a lawmaker seeking to overturn the restrictions, the AP/San Antonio Express-News reports.

Ala. Gov. Pledges To Sign Abortion Clinic Regulations if Passed by Legislature
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) said at a recent antiabortion-rights rally that he would sign a bill (HB 57) to more strictly regulate abortion clinics if it passes the Senate, the AP/Chattanooga Times Free Press reports.

Miss. Abortion-Rights Opponents File New 'Personhood' Ballot Initiative
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Abortion-rights opponents in Mississippi on Tuesday filed paperwork for a "personhood" ballot initiative with different wording than a similar measure that was defeated in 2011, the AP/Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.

Ark. Legislature Poised To Override Veto of 12-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
The Arkansas House could vote as early as Wednesday to override Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of legislation (SB 134) that would ban abortion as early as 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Politico reports.

Coalition of Women's Groups Backs Reproductive Health Provisions in N.Y. Women's Equality Act
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
On Monday, a new coalition lobbying for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) legislative package known as the Women's Equality Act announced its support for including measures to strengthen reproductive rights, the AP/Wall Street Journal reports.

Neb. Committee Hesitant on Refusal Bill, Hears Testimony on Abortion Information Bill
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Lawmakers on the Nebraska Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday gave a "skeptical reception" to a bill (LB 564) that would expand protections for health care workers who refuse to participate in medical services they personally oppose, including those related to abortion and contraception, Omaha World-Herald reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
"Some Arkansas Legislators do the Time Warp; Pass Most Extreme Abortion Bill in the Nation" (Hayley Smith, ACLU's "Blog of Rights," 2/28) and "States With the Highest Teen Pregnancy Rates Lack Adequate Sex Ed Requirements" (Rebecca Leber/Adam Peck, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 3/1).

Ark. Legislature Overrides Gov.'s Veto of 20-Week Abortion Ban, Passes 12-Week Ban
Monday, March 4, 2013
The Arkansas Legislature has overturned Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports.

Editorial Urges Wash. Senate To Hold Hearing on Reproductive Rights Act
Monday, March 4, 2013
Washington senators should heed the will of voters who support abortion rights by holding a hearing on the Reproductive Parity Act (HB 1044), a Seattle Times editorial writes.

S.D. Senate Advances Bill To Extend 72-Hour Waiting Period Provision
Friday, March 1, 2013
The South Dakota Senate on Thursday voted 24-9 to approve a measure under which weekends and holidays would not count toward a mandatory three-day waiting period for women seeking abortions in the state, Reuters reports.

Only Miss. Abortion Clinic Receives Hearing Date on License Revocation
Friday, March 1, 2013
Mississippi's only abortion clinic has received notice of an April 18 license revocation hearing before the state Department of Health, the Center for Reproductive Rights announced on Wednesday, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, March 1, 2013
"Medicaid Coverage for Abortion Care Elusive Even in States Where it is Legal" (Herold, RH Reality Check, 2/26) and "Hope in Indiana? Both Republicans and Democrats Express Reservations on Banning Medication Abortion" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/26).

Ark. House Overrides Governor's Veto of 20-Week Abortion Ban
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Arkansas House on Wednesday voted to override Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) veto of a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/New York Times reports.

Mont. House Approves Parental Consent Bill
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The Montana House on Tuesday voted 59-41 in favor of legislation (HB 391) that would require written parental consent before a minor can obtain an abortion, the AP/Missoulian reports.

Texas Senate Considers Bill To Restrict Medication Abortion
Thursday, February 28, 2013
A bill (SB 97) pending in the Texas Senate would require physicians to personally administer the two drugs involved in medication abortion, which must be taken 24 hours apart, and follow up within two weeks, the Texas Tribune reports.

Ark. Gov. Vetoes 20-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Tuesday vetoed a bill (HB 1037) that would have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, although the Legislature could override his decision, the AP/New York Times reports.

Ind. Senate Approves New Restrictions on Clinics That Provide Medication Abortion
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
The Indiana Senate on Tuesday voted 33-16 to approve a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortion and require physicians to perform ultrasounds on women before prescribing them the drugs, the AP/U-T San Diego reports.

Wash. House Passes Measure To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The Washington House on Friday passed a measure (HB 1044) that would require health plans that cover maternity care to also cover abortion services, the Spokane Spokesman-Review reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
"Mandatory Ultrasound Removed From Indiana TRAP Law, but Will Probably Still Close Lafayette Clinic" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/25) and "Arizona Federal District Court Blocks Efforts To Defund Planned Parenthood" (Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 2/22).

Ark. House Advances 20-Week, 12-Week Abortion Bans
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Arkansas House on Thursday approved a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, as well as a separate measure (SB 134) that would ban most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, Reuters reports.

Mich. House Panel Approves New Version of Insurance Overhaul Without Abortion Restrictions
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Michigan House Insurance Committee on Thursday approved an insurance overhaul bill (SB 61, SB 62) that does not include an abortion-related provision that led Gov. Rick Snyder (R) to veto similar legislation in December, the AP/Oakland Press reports.

Ind. Senate Panel Advances Bill Restricting Medication Abortion Providers
Friday, February 22, 2013
The Indiana Senate Health Committee on Wednesday voted 7-5 to pass a bill (SB 371) that would tighten restrictions on clinics that provide medication abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 22, 2013
"Anything But Delicate: Alabama's Solution to Substance Abuse During Pregnancy" (Josie Sustaire, Law Students for Reproductive Justice's "Repo Repro, 2/20) and "Something To Celebrate: Philadelphia Board of Health Calls for Public Funding, Insurance Coverage for Reproductive Health Care" (Claire Cooper, RH Reality Check, 2/21).

Ala. House Passes Stricter Abortion Clinic Regulations
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Alabama House on Tuesday voted 73-23 to approve a measure (HB 57) that would increase regulations on abortion clinics, the Montgomery Advertiser reports.

Utah Senate Advances Bill To Collect Data on Abortion Patients
Thursday, February 21, 2013
The Utah Senate on Tuesday voted 21-2 to advance a bill (SB 60) that would require that the state collect data about women who obtain abortions, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

New York Times Editorial Praises N.Y. Gov. Cuomo's Reproductive-Rights Proposal
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
"New York State once led the nation in advancing women's rights," a New York Times editorial states, adding that now, "Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to re-establish that pre-eminence with an omnibus agenda on women's equality," including reproductive rights.

N.D. Senate Approves 20-Week Abortion Ban
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Monday voted 30-17 to approve a bill (SB 2368) that would ban abortion later in pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

N.D. Senate Approves Bill To Prohibit Embryo Destruction, Expand Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Monday voted 24-23 to pass a bill (SB 2303) that would prohibit the destruction of embryos and expand Medicaid coverage for abortions, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Reporting Requirement Removed From Alaska Bill on Medicaid Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
A revised version of a bill (SB 49) that would further restrict when Medicaid can cover abortions was introduced in the Alaska Senate on Friday, omitting a provision that would have required women to "promptly" report rape and incest to authorities in order to qualify for the coverage, the AP/Juneau Empire reports.

N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Preparing Legislation To Expand Abortion Access
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) pledge to enact legislation to ease abortion restrictions in the state runs counter to the trend in many Legislatures of curbing abortion rights, the New York Times reports.

New NARAL Leader Poised To Stop 'Playing Defense,' Reclaim Repro Rights Agenda
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
NARAL Pro-Choice America will stop "playing defense all the time" and work to create a more proactive abortion-rights movement, new NARAL President Ilyse Hogue said in an interview with the Huffington Post.

Wash. Gov. Urges Vote on Bill To Protect Abortion Coverage
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) on Monday urged the state Senate to vote on a measure (HB 1044) that would require most insurers to cover abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Senate Advances 20-Week Abortion Ban
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Arkansas Senate on Monday voted 25-7 to approve a bill (HB 1037) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, Reuters reports.

Ark. House Panel Rejects Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Arkansas House Public Health Committee on Thursday rejected an amended version of a bill (SB 134) that would have banned abortion after 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
"State Funding Cuts and Anti-Choice Policies Cited for Closure of Four Wisconsin Planned Parenthood Clinics" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/18), "North Dakota Attorney General Says Sex Ed Program Can Move Forward" (Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 2/18) and "State Legislatures Increasingly Provide Tax-Payer Funding of Non-Medical Crisis Pregnancy Centers" (Marty, RH Reality Check, 2/15).

Abortion-Rights Opponents Embrace Opportunity To Restrict Coverage in Exchanges
Friday, February 15, 2013
Abortion-rights opponents in several states are using a provision in the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) to prevent private health insurers from covering abortion in the state health insurance exchanges, NBC News reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 15, 2013
"From the Ground Up: Restoring Insurance Coverage for Abortion Care" (Sweeney/Baden, RH Reality Check, 2/13).

Okla. Panel Approves Changes to Parental Consent Law
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Oklahoma House Public Safety Committee on Tuesday voted 7-3 to approve two bills that would make it more difficult for a minor to obtain an abortion without parental consent, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Okla. Panel Approves Changes to Abortion Provider Reporting Requirements
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Oklahoma House Public Safety Committee on Tuesday passed a measure (HB 2015) that would add more than two dozen questions to an already lengthy questionnaire abortion providers must complete under a 2010 state law, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Gov. Beebe Signs Bill Prohibiting Coverage for Abortion in Health Exchange
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe (D) on Monday signed into law a bill (HB 1100) that prohibits insurers from offering abortion coverage in the state's health insurance exchange, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ky. Senate Approves Two Antiabortion Bills
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Kentucky Senate on Friday voted 31-4 to approve two bills that would require new steps before a woman could have an abortion, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

Colo. Abortion, 'Religious Freedom' Bills Die in Committee
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 3-2 to reject a bill (SB 56) that would have banned abortion based on the sex of the fetus, the Denver Post reports.

Alaska Senator Proposes Bill To Restrict Abortion Coverage
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Alaska Senate Majority Leader John Coghill (R) on Monday introduced a bill (SB 49) that would further restrict when abortion can be covered under the state's Medicaid program, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Jurisdictional Issues Preclude Settlement Over Wis. Medication Abortion Law
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin on Friday said it would end its federal lawsuit over a state medication abortion law (Act 217) and refile the suit in state court after jurisdictional issues impeded a settlement in the case, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
"North Dakota's War on Women: The State's Top 5 Attacks on Women's Health So Far This Year" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 2/8) and "Five Facts To Remember as Anti-Choice Activists Launch Attacks Against 'Webcam Abortions'" (Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 2/11).

State Efforts To Ban Telemedicine for Medication Abortion Care Gaining Steam
Monday, February 11, 2013
Telemedicine bans are abortion-rights opponents' latest tactic to restrict access to medication abortion, and the laws have been implemented in several states that do not even offer the service, Bloomberg reports.

Mich. GOP Leaders Reject Transvaginal Ultrasound Bill; Sponsor Considers Amendments
Monday, February 11, 2013
Michigan House Speaker Jase Bolger (R) and Gov. Rick Snyder (R) on Wednesday said they are not interested in passing legislation that would require a woman seeking an abortion to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound, TPMDC reports.

N.D. House Approves Two Antiabortion Bills
Monday, February 11, 2013
The North Dakota House on Friday approved two bills that would outlaw abortion in various instances, the Fargo-Moorhead Inforum reports.

N.D. Senate Approves Two Antiabortion Bills
Monday, February 11, 2013
The North Dakota Senate on Thursday approved two antiabortion measures while rejecting opponents' attempts to set aside money for lawsuits that might ensue if the bills become law, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 8, 2013
"It's Up to Us To Defend Abortion Rights" (Mary Lou Greenberg, RH Reality Check, 2/5) and "State Politicians May Force Me to Turn Away Patients" (Stephanie Dahl, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 2/6).

Ark. Lawmaker Amends 'Heartbeat' Bill To Allow Abdominal Ultrasound
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert (R) on Tuesday said he would amend a bill (SB 134) that would ban abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable so that physicians may use an abdominal, rather than a transvaginal, ultrasound to try to detect the heartbeat, the AP/Politico reports.

Mich. Bill Would Require Transvaginal Ultrasound in Many Cases
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill (HB 4187) that would require women to receive an ultrasound at least two hours before obtaining an abortion, Salon reports. State Rep. Joel Johnson (R) sponsored the bill, which has 22 co-sponsors.

Miss. Senate Panel Approves Bill To Limit Medication Abortion
Thursday, February 7, 2013
The Mississippi Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday approved a bill (SB 2795) that would tighten restrictions on medication abortion, the AP/Jackson Clarion-Ledger reports.

Ark. House Approves Abortion Restrictions
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Arkansas House on Monday approved two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Miami Herald reports.

Wyo. Senate Rejects Pre-Abortion Requirements
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
The Wyoming Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday voted 4-1 to reject a bill (SF 88) that would have required doctors and women to complete several steps, including a waiting period, before an abortion could be performed, the Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
"Which State Will Ban Abortion First?" (Elissa Berger, American Civil Liberties Union's "Blog of Rights," 2/2) and "New York City Public Schools Handed Out 'Morning-After Pill' To Thousands More Than Reported" (Sara Gates, Huffington Post blogs, 2/4).

More States Moving To Restrict Abortion Coverage
Friday, February 1, 2013
Federal fights over abortion coverage leading up to passage of the Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148) have raised state lawmakers' consciousness about their ability to restrict health insurers from covering the procedure, Politico reports.

Ark. House Committee Passes Antiabortion Bills
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Arkansas House Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee on Thursday advanced two bills restricting abortion coverage and banning abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Ark. Senate Passes Bill Requiring Transvaginal Ultrasound
Friday, February 1, 2013
The Arkansas Senate on Thursday approved a bill (SB 134) that would prohibit abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable via a transvaginal ultrasound, which could be as early as five weeks, Reuters reports.

Wash. Lawmakers Renew Efforts To Ensure Abortion Coverage
Friday, February 1, 2013
Democratic lawmakers in Washington state are renewing efforts to pass legislation (HB 1044) requiring insurers to cover abortion care, the AP/Seattle Times reports.

Featured Blogs
Friday, February 1, 2013
"Oregon is the Only State Left That Hasn't Imposed Any Restrictions on Abortion" (Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress," 1/31) and "The Worst State for Women?" (Amanda Marcotte, American Prospect, 1/30).

Antiabortion-Rights State Lawmakers Hope To Continue Momentum of Last Two Years
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Emboldened by new Republican majorities in three states and GOP control of both legislative chambers in 26 states, abortion-rights opponents are working to build on the momentum of the last two years, when 135 state abortion restrictions were enacted, Bloomberg reports.

Top N.Y. Senate Republican Challenges Reproductive Health Act
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Opposition from New York Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos could complicate Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) efforts to pass the Reproductive Health Act (S 438), North Country Public Radio reports.

Questions Raised About University's Decision To Freeze Grant for Sex Education Research
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
North Dakota State University is drawing scrutiny over its decision to freeze a federal grant awarded to two professors for research on a sex education program run by Planned Parenthood, Mother Jones reports.

Wyo. House Panel Rejects Fetal Heartbeat Bill
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Wyoming House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee on Monday voted 5-3 to reject a bill (HB 97) that would have prohibited abortion once there is a detectable fetal heartbeat, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Ark. Lawmaker Proposes Bill Banning Abortion Early in Pregnancy
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Arkansas Sen. Jason Rapert (R) this week introduced legislation (SB 134) that would prohibit abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detectable, which could be as early as six weeks of pregnancy, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Va. Senate Panel Kills Last Attempt To Reverse Ultrasound Law; AG Cuccinelli Backed Measure
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
The Virginia Senate Committee on Education and Health on Monday rejected the last remaining bill (SB 1332) that would have reversed a state law (HB 462) requiring women to obtain an ultrasound before an abortion, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Texas Gov. Perry Calls for More Abortion Restrictions
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
At a rally at the Texas Capitol on Saturday, Gov. Rick Perry (R) vowed to promote legislation to further restrict abortion during the current legislative session, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wash. Lawmakers Revise Parental Notification Bill After Concerns About Penalties
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Republican lawmakers in Washington state on Monday altered a bill (SB 5156) that would have imposed penalties on physicians who performed abortions and redefined the procedure, the AP/Salem Statesman Journal reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
"Where Abortion Bans Lead" (Juliet Lapidos, New York Times ' "Taking Note," 1/28) and "The Alabama Supreme Court Decision: Will it Make Delivering Appropriate Health Care to Pregnant Women More Difficult?" (Sarah Roberts, ANSIRH Blog, 1/25).

Only Miss. Abortion Clinic Receives Notice of Violations, Awaits Hearing on Closure
Monday, January 28, 2013
The Mississippi Health Department on Friday notified the state's only abortion clinic that it intends to revoke its operating license because it has not complied with a 2012 state law, the AP/Huffington Post reports.

Iowa House Republicans Discuss Measure To End Medicaid Funding for Abortion in all Cases
Monday, January 28, 2013
Iowa House Republicans are holding preliminary talks to re-introduce a proposal that would prohibit Medicaid coverage of abortion in all circumstances, the AP/Mason City Globe Gazette reports.

New Mexico Bill Could Criminalize Abortion After Sexual Assault as 'Tampering With Evidence'
Friday, January 25, 2013
A New Mexico bill (HB 206) introduced on Wednesday could result in prosecutions of women for "tampering with evidence" if they obtain an abortion for a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest, USA Today reports.

Calif. Bill Would Allow Non-Physician Medical Professionals To Offer Early Abortions
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A California bill (AB 154) introduced on Tuesday seeks to expand abortion access by allowing qualified medical professionals, including certain nurses and midwives, to provide non-surgical early abortions, the Sacramento Bee's "Capitol Alert" reports.

N.D. Lawmakers Propose Ban on Abortions Based on Sex of Fetus, Genetic Defects
Thursday, January 24, 2013
A dozen North Dakota Republican lawmakers are co-sponsoring legislation (HB 1305) that would ban abortions based on the sex of the fetus or genetic defects, such as Down syndrome, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Opinion Piece Reflects on 40th Anniversary of Roe Decision
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
"Over the past 40 years, state legislatures across the country have managed to place a slew of impediments, inconveniences and indignities between women and their right to choose," Washington Post columnist Katrina vanden Heuvel writes, marking this week's anniversary of the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.

Interview Reflects on 40th Anniversary of Roe Decision
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Terry Gross interviewed Carolyn Jones, a journalist who wrote in the Texas Observer about her experience obtaining an abortion in Texas two weeks after the state's ultrasound law took effect, NPR's "Fresh Air" reports.

ACLU Drops Challenge to Kan. Abortion Coverage Law
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
The American Civil Liberties Union on Friday dropped its legal challenge to a Kansas law restricting abortion coverage in private health plans, the AP/New York Times reports.

Poll Shows Strong Support for Roe v. Wade as Both Sides Embrace New Tactics
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Forty years after the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision that barred laws outlawing abortion, 70% of U.S. residents believe it should stand, although many favor abortion restrictions under certain circumstances, according to a Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll released on Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Neb. Bill Would Require Abortion Providers' Websites To Link to Ultrasound Videos
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
A Nebraska lawmaker on Thursday introduced legislation (LB 300) that would require abortion providers' websites to include a link to a state website showing ultrasound videos of fetuses, the Omaha World-Herald reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
"Inaugurating Roe: Remove Restrictions on Abortion Coverage," (Laura Murphy, Huffington Post blogs, 1/21) and "Mississippi May Be First State With Zero Abortion Providers," (Jessica Pieklo, Care2, 1/18).

Abortion Clinics Struggle To Adapt Under Wave of State Regulations
Friday, January 18, 2013
Abortion clinics are struggling to adapt to an onslaught of new state regulations aiming to reduce access to the procedure, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

Va. Republicans Block Effort To Repeal Ultrasound Law
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Virginia Senate Committee on Education and Health on Thursday rejected two measures that would have repealed a state law (HB 462) requiring women to obtain an ultrasound before an abortion, the Washington Post reports.

Va. Senators Reject Abortion-Related Legislation
Friday, January 18, 2013
The Virginia Senate Committee on Education and Health on Thursday rejected two bills, proposed by state Sen. Mark Herring (D), that would have reinstated exemptions from a state requirement for abortion clinics to meet the same building standards as new hospitals, the Washington Post reports.

Va. Bill Would End Abortion Coverage for Low-Income Women When Fetus is Unlikely To Survive
Friday, January 18, 2013
A Virginia senator has proposed a bill (SB 826) that would end state funding for abortions for low-income women when the fetus has severe anomalies, the American Independent reports.

Okla. Lawmaker Files 'Personhood' Bill Replicating Failed Measure From Last Year
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Oklahoma Rep. Mike Reynolds (R) has filed a bill (HB 1029) for the upcoming legislative session that would redefine when life begins, potentially reigniting last year's debate over a nearly identical measure, the Tulsa World reports.

Mont. Antiabortion Groups Push New Restrictions After Last Year's Ballot Victory
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Bolstered by last year's approval of a parental notification ballot measure (LR 120), antiabortion-rights groups in Montana are pushing a bill (HB 104) that would criminalize the killing of a fetus, the AP/Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports.

Va. Lawmakers Reportedly Consider 'Grand Bargain' on Abortion Legislation
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Virginia legislative leaders have met behind closed doors to discuss a "grand bargain" on abortion-related legislation, an anonymous Democratic aide told the Huffington Post.

Wyo. Abortion Bills Fixate on Fetal Heartbeat, Pre-Abortion Requirements
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Two proposed measures before the Wyoming Legislature emphasize the fetus' heartbeat in attempting to restrict abortion, the Casper Star-Tribune reports.

Featured Blogs
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
"Virginia Legislators Move to Offense To Win Back Reproductive Rights" (Robin Marty, RH Reality Check, 1/13)