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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Women’s Health Protection Act of 2013: The Sweeping Impact of S. 1696


By Thomas M. Messner
Charlotte Lozier Institute



On Monday, the Lozier Institute released a special report highlighting the sweeping legislation proposed by Senator Richard Blumenthal in S.1696, his far-reaching abortion expansion bill.

In this new report, Lozier’s Legal Policy Fellow Thomas M. Messner examines S.1696, the “Women’s Health Protection Act of 2013,” which was introduced by Senator Blumenthal last year. Mr. Messner’s detailed analysis found that:

·         S. 1696 would wipe out 20-week laws. These laws are designed to advance women's health and protect unborn children from pain.
·         The bill would protect the practice of discrimination abortions based on sex and disability.
·         The bill would make it harder if not practically impossible for states to stop off-label uses of abortion drugs.
·         The bill would make it harder if not practically impossible for states to stop the practice of telemedicine abortions and require that a physician be physically present.
·         Depending on how it is interpreted, the bill would wipe out state ultrasound information requirements and waiting periods.
·         Depending on how courts interpreted the bill, the bill could trump state and federal conscience laws that protect pro-life doctors and hospitals.

The proposed legislation, which currently has 35 co-sponsors, was the subject of a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing this morning.

Lozier's Special Report can be read here in its entirety.

Charlotte Lozier Institute is the Education and Research Arm of the Susan B. Anthony List.


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