Does anyone know if there are 'gag rules' already in place in the US?

STATEWATCH

Minnesota House Panel Approves Bill Restricting Family Planning Funds from Groups Performing, Advocating Abortion, Ventura Threatens Veto

The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee Thursday approved an amendment to a larger health spending bill that would bar not-for-profit organizations that provide or advocate abortions from receiving state family planning funds, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports (O'Connor, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 3/30). Under the legislation, which won approval from the committee 9-4 after an "acrimonious" three-hour debate, Minnesota city and county health departments would receive "almost all" of the state's $9.4 million in family planning grants (Brunswick, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 3/30). Republican leaders said that the legislation would allow government officials to "keep better tabs" on the funding. "This provides good accountability for taxpayer dollars," Rep. Tim Wilkin (R) said, adding, "It helps the taxpayers maintain better oversight." However, abortion-rights supporters called the provision an "attack ... meant to punish groups" such as Planned Parenthood, which provide abortions in addition to other counseling and medical services. "What this does is eliminate (from the grant program) those groups that have a proven record of success throughout the state," Rep. Thomas Huntley (DFL) said, calling the bill a "warning to doctors, clergy, nurses or counselors" not to advocate abortion "if they hope to get public funding." Still, Jackie Schweitz, executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, said that the state "should be able to set rules on the grants it sends out," adding, "The people are paid by the government to sing. They have to sing the government's song" (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 3/30).

Veto 'Almost Certain'

However, according to the Star Tribune, the measure "faces an almost-certain veto," with Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura (I) vowing last week to reject any "abortion opposition-related" legislation. State Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said, "This is a loss of a lot of flexibility at the local level. It seems to be an overly restrictive approach by choosing where those services could be delivered" (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 3/30). Patricia Conley, the state Department of Health's policy and communications director, said, "The governor supports flexibility. He's a strong believer in local decision-making and local assessment of need and picking the wisest provider services." She added that Malcolm "would never accept [the] language" in the amendment (St. Paul Pioneer Press, 3/30).

Committee Approves Informed Consent Bill

Meanwhile, Tuesday, the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee, on an 11-5 vote, approved an "informed consent" bill (HF 262) that would require women seeking abortions to receive educational materials and wait 24 hours before undergoing the procedure. State Rep. Lynda Boudreau (R), the bill's sponsor, said that the measure "wouldn't restrict a woman's access to abortion, but would allow her to receive enough information to make a more complete decision," adding, "It's government's role to help people in a crisis situation." However, opponents of the legislation argued that the bill would "impose an undue burden" on women and "might force them to delay" abortions. The bill "personifies Big Daddy government. It puts government between a woman and her doctor," Rep. Betty Folliard (DFL) said, calling the legislation the "women are stupid" bill (Brunswick, Minneapolis Star Tribune, 3/28). Opponents also "raised concerns" about a provision that would require abortion providers to "identify themselves" before performing the procedure, which they said would "set up" doctors for harassment. "I'm not sure what more we could do for our opponents besides paint targets on the backs of our providers," Paula Rock, a women's health care nurse practitioner, said.

More 'Choose Life' Plates

Meanwhile, the state House Transportation Policy Committee approved by voice vote a bill (HF 2193), sponsored by state Rep. Ray Vandeveer (R), that would allow the state to issue "Choose Life" license plates and place a $25 "special fee" from the sale of each plate in a "special account." The state Department of Human Services would allocate the funds to counties to help women "through unplanned pregnancies that lead to adoption" (Minneapolis Star Tribune, 3/28). Under the bill, the state would transfer donations only to groups that do not provide or advocate abortions. Ventura has also vowed to veto this measure (O'Connor, St. Paul Pioneer Press, 3/28). (Back to Contents)

-- Debra (Thisis@it.com), April 02, 2001

Answers

how's about no-taxes for 20 year's for family's that=ADOPT un wanted babies. huh mr. bush huh??

-- al-d (dogs@zianet.com), April 02, 2001.

googly=woogly+scooby!boo? Huh Mr. Bush, huh=?= You know what I mean?

-- Sal T (cats@kria.neb), April 02, 2001.