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Showing posts from August, 2019

Georgia Urges Federal Judge to Dismiss "Heartbeat Bill" Lawsuit

Don't Go Breakin' Georgia's Heart(Beat Bill) Georgia made a compelling argument when the state asked a federal judge not to block the heartbeat bill that's set to take effect Jan. 1.  Attorneys representing the state argued in court Monday that the bill "advances Georgia's unique and substantial constitutional interest in protecting unborn human lives, in addition to its interests in protecting maternal health, encouraging childbirth, and safe safeguarding the integrity of the medical profession." They went on to defend the law stating that it is indeed "constitutional and justified." What You Need to Know If the bill passes, pregnant women would be unable to obtain an abortion once a heartbeat can be detected (generally around 6 weeks). The law does contain exceptions. A woman would still be allowed to receive an abortion in the case of rape or incest if a police report was previously filed.  Exceptions would also be available for wo

Planned Parenthood Chooses Abortion Over Federal Funding

Planned Parenthood announced Monday that they will no longer receive Title X funds.  The Trump administration recently put new guidelines in place for organizations that receive Title X, a federal grant program that provides preventive health and family planning services. The first change took effect Monday, August 19. Participating providers were required to submit a plan explaining how their organizations intend to comply with the new rule that they are unable to refer abortion services to women. By September 18, they will need to certify that they are indeed following through with their plan, and it is then being implemented. Refuses to comply with what they consider a "gag rule."  The organization believes that it is important to give their patients all of their options. In their eyes, this includes where and how to receive an abortion. Pro-Life Victory Many people have stated their desire to defund Planned Parenthood. In 2016, President Trump state

Tennessee Lawmakers Push To Completely Ban Abortion

Tennessee lawmakers tried to pass a "fetal heartbeat" bill earlier this year. It was passed in the House of Representatives, but ultimately failed in the Senate. Heartbeat Bill Not Going Down Without a Fight The bill has since been amended, and it's now being evaluated in a special "study session." Over  20 medical and legal experts are gathering for two day meeting this Monday and Tuesday to provide testimony to support both sides of the issue. Lots of Interest Many people gathered to hear the testimony on Monday. The legislative room was crowed with over 300 people that traveled from near and far. Some even traveled hundreds of miles to hear the debates.  Redefine Fetal Viability Senator Mark Pody now seeks to refine the definition of fetal viability.   The concept is currently commonly defined as the ability an unborn child has to survive for a prolonged period of time outside of the mother's body. Most professionals agree that this occur

Don't Miss the Trump Administration's New Pro-Life Timeline

The Trump Administration is moving forward to enforce a new pro-life policy. Family planning clinics that refer abortion services to women will soon be unable to receive federal funds.  A new schedule was set into place on Friday, August 9. The guideline stipulates that clinics will have until August 19 to provide a plan that complies with the new policy. Next they will be required to certify that their organizations are complying with the new rule by September 18. The organizations will also be required to separate their finances, exam rooms, and office space from facilities that provide abortion services by March 4, 2020. Many family planning clinics are considering dropping out of the government's program. Maine Family Planning, a major provider who has been enrolled in the title X program for almost 50 years, expressed their intent to withdraw from the program rather than comply with the new policies. Even though they stand to loose over $2 million a year, th

Heartbeat Bill Signed in Kentucky

Babies everywhere are cheering!  Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed a heartbeat bill Thursday, August 8, 2019. The new law will ban abortions once unborn babies have detectable heartbeats (generally around 6 weeks of pregnancy). This law didn't come easy.  Federal judge, David J. Hale of the Western District of Kentucky, put a temporary block on this bill in March. He wanted to wait until there was a hearing to determine if the law was constitutional. Hale stated that delaying enforcement until the set the court date could "prevent irreparable harm."  The abortion rate in the state is projected to drop dramatically.  The lawsuit estimated that approximately 90 percent of abortions in Kentucky were performed after six weeks. Worried about women's health?  There are exceptions. The first includes mothers that are at serious risk, and the second is to prevent death. "The issue, frankly, isn't about faith. It's about science, medi