In the "three years since the Supreme Court's conservative majority abruptly departed from precedent to uphold a federal ban on a particular method of abortion, ... foes of reproductive freedom are pressing new attacks on women's rights and health," a New York Times editorial states.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) "has signed a bill (HB 462) that would criminalize certain behavior by women that results in miscarriage," the editorial notes. It adds, "The measure exempts lawful abortions, and particularly worrisome language about 'reckless' acts has been removed." However, "the law still raises concern about zealous prosecutors using a woman's difficult choices to open an investigation," the editorial says.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, the Center for Reproductive Rights "succeeded last week in blocking a burdensome measure (SB 1878) designed to discourage abortions by requiring pre-procedure sonograms and exempting physicians from liability for failing to disclose fetal abnormalities," the editorial states. It notes that "the ruling turned on a technical flaw in the law, and its supporters are expected to try again."

In Nebraska, an "even more ominous assault on reproductive freedom is looming," the editorial continues. "A blatantly unconstitutional measure (LB 1103) moving through the state Legislature would ban abortions at 20 weeks' gestation -- before viability and earlier than constitutionally allowed," according to the editorial. It adds, "Indeed, the bill prohibits doctors from performing an abortion to avoid a serious risk that the woman may commit suicide."

The "obvious goal here is to present the Supreme Court with a new vehicle for further watering down Roe v. Wade," the editorial says. While that is "troubling enough, ... lately another tactic is being deployed to demonize abortion and abortion providers and further polarize the nation," the editorial states. It adds, "Citing the disproportionately high numbers of African-American women who undergo abortions, ... abortion foes are hurling baseless charges of genocide and racial discrimination."

The editorial concludes, "Even in this charged debate, phony accusations of genocide should be out of bounds, but political forces that oppose abortion are pursuing a focused, often successful campaign." It concludes, "Americans who support women's reproductive rights need to make their voices heard" (New York Times, 3/10).

Reprinted with kind permission from nationalpartnership. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

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