| State gag rule passes PA House |
|
13 May 2002
In May 2002, the Pennsylvania House passed an amendment to the 2003
budget that would prohibit family planning clinics from receiving state
funds if they discuss abortion or provide referrals to women seeking
abortion services. This is in conflict with federal law which requires
federally funding family planning clinics to discuss the option of
abortion and provide abortion referrals. If passed, this measure will
have a severe impact on low-income women who receive free or low-cost
family planning care from these clinics. This amendment passed by the Pennsylvania House mirrors an action taken by President Bush on his first day in office. In January 2001, Bush reinstated the global gag rule (also called the Mexico City Policy), which prohibits international family planning providers that receive U.S. funds from using funds from any source to provide abortion services, counseling or referrals, or to advocate for changes in their countries' abortion laws. This policy has had a detrimental effect on access to much needed family planning services for women in poorer countries. The global gag rule has been in place less than two years, and we are already seeing an attempt to pass a gag rule at the state level. Often, reactionary policies are tested on women overseas before they are brought home to the U.S. In both cases a gag rule will result in reduced access to family planning services for low-income women. |
