Womens Reproductive Health – 2018 Update
by Claire Noonan, Los Altos-Mountain View AAUW
In 2018, a major obstacle to women’s reproductive health issues came when a second conservative supreme court justice was confirmed in October. Since self-determination of one’s reproductive health decisions is a high public policy priority for AAUW members, it is up to members to act to guarantee equality, individual rights, and social justice for all.
The election provided further hindrances. Alabama enacted a version of the “personhood clause” to its constitution. West Virginia dropped Medicaid funding to clinics that terminate pregnancies and assigned 3-10 years of jail for performing or receiving abortion services. However, the criminalization of reproductive health rights only happens if Roe v Wade is overturned.
On November 7 the Trump administration attacked Affordable Care Act insurers, citing that procedures (already implemented by ACA) are not adequately enforced. The procedures specify that any reproductive services must be displayed separate from other services on forms subsidized by tax payer dollars.
In addition, the administration proposed to let some employers deny contraceptive coverage in their plans for employees.
In June 2018, Iowa’s governor signed off on a measure that prohibits termination of a pregnancy when the heartbeat of the fetus is detected. The law is now in the courts.
In July 2018, SCOTUS decided against California’s FACT Act and for the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA), saying the CA law targeted the speaker rather than free speech. Prior to that decision medical clinics had signs saying other options are available and where. Unlicensed facilities had to have literature telling how to find licensed medical reproductive services.
On the positive side, a March 2018 study determined that, unlike the 34 states that only allow a physician to perform pregnancy termination, clinicians like mid-wives, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants can perform the services just as well.
70% of November voters don’t want to overturn Roe v Wade, and the House of Representatives has flipped, including more than 100 seats to women, mostly liberal or progressive on women’s health issues, who agree that fixing problems with ACA is a major focus.
Voting Information
The article below is the first of a series of articles on public policy issues that the state Public Policy Committee is sending to you. Each article will be on a different topic. The articles are for you to use in your newsletters to provide public policy information to your members.
The AAUW CA Public Policy Committee
Another Opportunity to Use Your Voice – VOTE
We are again approaching a major election on November 6, 2018. This is a critical opportunity to support candidates and ballot issues that impact women, girls and their families.
To ensure appropriate access by eligible voters, the website of the Secretary of State’s office (SOS.CA.Gov) outlines the rights and responsibilities of the voter. This site provides information on registration and pre-registration. You can register by mail or online. The SOS website, HighSchool.SOS.Ca.gov offers a civic engagement portal for teens.
The deadline to register to vote in the Nov 6 Election is Oct 22, 2018.
More information for all voters, including new voters, is available at 1-800 345-8683. Elections Division staff are available also at (916) 657-2166 or the website, SOS.ca.gov .
The best path forward to equity and progress for women, girls and their families is through the ballot box— register and vote!
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln
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