Planned Parenthood Advocate

Senator introduces bill to cover abortion for Peace Corps volunteers

On Thursday Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a bill that will expand healthcare coverage for Peace Corps volunteers to include access to abortion. The Peace Corps Equity Act will ensure that abortion in the cases of rape, incest, and life endangerment will be covered.

Of all Peace Corps volunteers, 62 percent are women. Many work in countries where quality health care is not readily available. Unfortunately, hundreds of cases of rape and sexual assault have been perpetrated against volunteers over the last decade.

For many years, Congress has barred the Peace Corps from providing abortion coverage to its volunteers without exception. A similar ban for military servicewomen existed until 2012, when President Obama signed a bill broadened their coverage to include abortion in cases of rape or incest. The Peace Corps Equity Act would expand upon that policy, allowing Peace Corps volunteers the access to healthcare most women under federal government health plans already have.

We applaud the efforts of Sen. Lautenberg in speaking out for Peace Corps volunteers as civil servants.

 

- by Shieva, Web Correspondent, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund

Share Your Story

North Dakota’s constitutional amendment that puts Personhood on the ballot in 2014 goes far beyond just banning abortion--it could ban some forms of birth control and IVF. Help us fight back by sharing your story with us today.

We need to help educate the public in North Dakota  about everything this amendment could affect.

And we need your help in doing so.

Would this have affected you if already enacted?

Will it potentially affect you?

Do you know someone it might affect?

Help us fight back by sharing your story with us today.

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If you have a story you are willing to share to help educate the public please email it to advocacy@ppmns.org.

Personal stories are the best way to show the public what is really in jeopardy with this amendment.

Please take the time to share your story and help us fight this amendment.

ND Governor Dalrymple Signs Virtual Abortion Ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/26/13

 

Governor Dalrymple Signs Virtual Abortion Ban;

North Dakota Braces for Litigation as “Personhood” Heads to 2014 Ballot

Fargo, ND – Today, Governor Dalrymple signed a near total abortion ban into law, effectively making North Dakota one of the most hostile states in the country towards women’s health. Governor Dalrymple secured North Dakota’s place in history as the state with the most extreme ban on abortion by signing one bill that will ban safe and legal abortion as early as 6 weeks — before a woman may even know she is pregnant. There are no exceptions if a woman has been the victim of rape, if her health is threatened, or if she will lose the pregnancy due to fetal anomalies. This comes on the heels of last week’s actions by the North Dakota Legislature which launched the state into a bitter, 20-month battle over “personhood” leading up to the 2014 election. Planned Parenthood will work in partnership with a broad coalition of doctors, patients, teachers, lawyers and others to educate our fellow North Dakotans about the far-reaching consequences and impact of “personhood.”

 

The following is a statement by Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota President and CEO, Sarah Stoesz.

“With his signature, today Governor Dalrymple severely compromised the health and well-being of all North Dakota women and their families.”

 

“This sweeping package of bills will not stand up to constitutional scrutiny. But as a result of North Dakota’s leaders’ disregard for women’s health, the state will endure months and years of drawn-out litigation costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. What a reckless and appalling waste of resources.”

 

“One thing became clear during the last few weeks: North Dakotans do not want to see politicians interfering with the personal medical decisions of women. Hundreds of grassroots activists spoke loudly and clearly as these bills moved through the legislature. Planned Parenthood was proud to play a role in amplifying the voices of North Dakotans who bravely stood in opposition to this abortion ban.”

 

“What’s left of the legislature’s all-out assault on women’s health is what will no doubt be a grueling, months-long battle over “personhood” leading up to the 2014 election. “Personhood” measures are so extreme even the most conservative states, like Mississippi, have rejected them. North Dakotans know that decisions about pregnancy and abortion are deeply personal and very complex. The grassroots uprising we saw in Bismarck and Fargo was just a taste of what’s to come as voters in the state learn about the dangers of this constitutional amendment. In 2014, North Dakotans will have the opportunity to stand up to these politicians and say ‘enough is enough.’”

 

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Feb. 20 is Pro-Choice Lobby Day and You're Invited!

On February 20, Minnesotans will join in solidarity at the state capitol for Pro-Choice Lobby Day. Supporters will rally together and meet with legislators to ensure that women’s healthcare remains a priority for a healthy Minnesota.

And this year’s lobby day could not be more critical, as the 2013 legislature will design the implementation of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchange – the online marketplace where consumers can shop for health insurance. The Minnesota Insurance Marketplace Act was introduced in early January and must be completely hammered out and signed by Governor Mark Dayton by the end of March.

February 20 marks the day where Minnesotans join the discussion. Under the healthcare exchange, thousands of people who are currently without health insurance will be able to shop around for a plan that’s best for them. It is imperative that supporters of women’s health ensure that every aspect of their healthcare is included in the exchange, from well woman visits and cancer screenings to contraception coverage and abortion care.

Pro-Choice Lobby Day will feature a Lobby 101 exercise, where you’ll get a quick training from an experienced Lobby Coach on what it’s like to visit with your representatives. After which, you’ll be invited to attend brief educational breakout sessions designed to inform you on a specific issue, give you a new perspective, and help develop the skills to talk about women’s reproductive rights with the people around you.

But remember, you do not need to be an experienced lobbyist, great public speaker or healthcare professional to attend this event or to have your voice heard. Pro-Choice Lobby Day is all about sharing your thoughts with your legislator and learning how the legislative process works.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required, so do so here.

- by Austin, Public Affairs Intern, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota

 

South Dakota Planned Parenthood to be highlighted on Rachel Maddow Show

The Rachel Maddow Show recently visited Planned Parenthood in South Dakota to highlight and discuss abortion access issues forty years after abortion was legalized by the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe vs. Wade.
 
Planned Parenthood is the sole abortion provider in South Dakota. Committed physicians from the Minnesota travel to South Dakota regularly to ensure that South Dakota women have access to their full legal range of reproductive options.  If it weren’t for these dedicated doctors, women in South Dakota would have to travel outside the state to get access to a safe, legal procedure.
 
The show is currently slated to air tonight at 8PM central. Make sure to tune in to see Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota’s President and CEO, Sarah Stoesz, discuss the important work that Planned Parenthood is doing in South Dakota to ensure that women have access to basic reproductive health care they need, whether it’s cancer-screenings, annual exams, birth control, or abortion.
 
If you miss the show, be sure to check back— when a video is available we’ll be sure to share it here!

-Karina, Web Editor, Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund