Press Release 01.29.08 Support Access to Birth Control
January 28, 2008
Planned Parenthood Calls on South Dakota Legislature to Support Access to Birth Control
In a surprise move, the South Dakota legislature delayed the hearing of SB164, a bill that would ensure that South Dakota women have access to birth control needed to prevent unintended pregnancies and reduce the need for abortion. The week and a half delay was announced just minutes before the scheduled hearing for the bill.
“SB164 would ensure women would have every opportunity to prevent unintended pregnancy by making birth control as accessible as possible and limiting government intrusion into personal, private health matters,” said Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS).
The bill has garnered bi-partisan support. “Birth control isn’t controversial – it’s a proven way to prevent unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion,” Stoesz said.
“The people of South Dakota have told us that they want practical solutions, that the government shouldn’t intrude in personal, private decisions. Only by focusing on preventing unintended pregnancy will the need for abortion in South Dakota be reduced,” said Stoesz.
Polling released in November shows that 75% of South Dakotans surveyed support an approach that gets to the root of the problem – working together to take practical and meaningful steps to prevent unintended pregnancy thereby reducing the need for abortion.
The legislature has not given a reason for rescheduling the hearing. The bill is now scheduled to be heard on February 4th.
Trackback: http://www.plannedparenthoodadvocate.org/trackback/265/07RtsBjX/
