Bush Ignores Women's Health

News and Opinion for Democrats Against Bush -- Part I a

Bush Ignores Women's Health, Denies Their Rights

"The Supreme Court has already said that a law like this would have 'tragic health consequences'."

Christian Science Monitor

from the October 23, 2003 edition -

The impact, and limits, of abortion bill

Passed by the Senate, a 'partial-birth' ban may satisfy conservatives - yet still be struck down.

By Linda Feldmann | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

The complete article may be found on the newspaper website-- http://www.csmonitor.com/2003/1023/p01s02-usju.html

Quotes--

WASHINGTON - For the first time since Roe v. Wade legalized abortion nationwide in 1973, the president of the United States is on the verge of signing legislation outlawing a type of abortion.

The chances that the law banning so-called "partial birth abortions," passed by the Senate on Tuesday, will go into effect anytime soon are slim to none. Three years ago, the Supreme Court pronounced a nearly identical Nebraska law unconstitutional. Three heavy-hitters in the abortion-rights movement are poised with legal action to prevent enactment of the new legislation.

But the symbolism of the moment is large. President Bush is expected to sign the bill with fanfare, perhaps in the Rose Garden, a bow to his religious conservative supporters who feel they haven't gotten much during his three years in office. ...

Abortion-rights advocates believe the broad language of the Nebraska law - and the bill Congress just passed - would ban more than just certain rare, late-term abortions, and instead would have a chilling effect on doctors and pregnant women in crisis pregnancies. Doctors who violate the ban could face up to two years in prison. ...

"The Supreme Court has already said that a law like this would have 'tragic health consequences,'" said Nancy Northup, president of the Center [for Reproductive Rights], in a statement. "We will do everything in our power to prevent this dangerous ban from taking effect."

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