Planned Parenthood Advocate

ND Governor Dalrymple Signs Virtual Abortion Ban

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3/26/13

 

Governor Dalrymple Signs Virtual Abortion Ban;

North Dakota Braces for Litigation as “Personhood” Heads to 2014 Ballot

Fargo, ND – Today, Governor Dalrymple signed a near total abortion ban into law, effectively making North Dakota one of the most hostile states in the country towards women’s health. Governor Dalrymple secured North Dakota’s place in history as the state with the most extreme ban on abortion by signing one bill that will ban safe and legal abortion as early as 6 weeks — before a woman may even know she is pregnant. There are no exceptions if a woman has been the victim of rape, if her health is threatened, or if she will lose the pregnancy due to fetal anomalies. This comes on the heels of last week’s actions by the North Dakota Legislature which launched the state into a bitter, 20-month battle over “personhood” leading up to the 2014 election. Planned Parenthood will work in partnership with a broad coalition of doctors, patients, teachers, lawyers and others to educate our fellow North Dakotans about the far-reaching consequences and impact of “personhood.”

 

The following is a statement by Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota President and CEO, Sarah Stoesz.

“With his signature, today Governor Dalrymple severely compromised the health and well-being of all North Dakota women and their families.”

 

“This sweeping package of bills will not stand up to constitutional scrutiny. But as a result of North Dakota’s leaders’ disregard for women’s health, the state will endure months and years of drawn-out litigation costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. What a reckless and appalling waste of resources.”

 

“One thing became clear during the last few weeks: North Dakotans do not want to see politicians interfering with the personal medical decisions of women. Hundreds of grassroots activists spoke loudly and clearly as these bills moved through the legislature. Planned Parenthood was proud to play a role in amplifying the voices of North Dakotans who bravely stood in opposition to this abortion ban.”

 

“What’s left of the legislature’s all-out assault on women’s health is what will no doubt be a grueling, months-long battle over “personhood” leading up to the 2014 election. “Personhood” measures are so extreme even the most conservative states, like Mississippi, have rejected them. North Dakotans know that decisions about pregnancy and abortion are deeply personal and very complex. The grassroots uprising we saw in Bismarck and Fargo was just a taste of what’s to come as voters in the state learn about the dangers of this constitutional amendment. In 2014, North Dakotans will have the opportunity to stand up to these politicians and say ‘enough is enough.’”

 

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Planned Parenthood: Obama Reelection, Minnesota Triumphs Are ‘Resounding Victory For Women, By Women’

President Obama’s reelection – and the state-level successes in Minnesota – are a historic victory for women’s health, according to the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund (PPMNSAF).

“This is a resounding victory for women – and by women. More than ever before, women’s health was a decisive issue in this election. Minnesotans voted to ensure that women will have access to affordable health care and be able to make their own medical decisions,” said Sarah Stoesz, President of the PPMNSAF.

SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT A MAJOR VICTORY FOR WOMEN

Women Will Have Access to Birth Control Without Co-Pays Starting in August, Saving Up To $600 a Year

St. Paul, MN — Today, in a major victory for women, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act. The following is a statement from Sarah Stoesz, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (PPMNS).

“Because of today’s ruling, millions of women will have access to birth control without a co-pay starting in August 2012 – protecting their health, saving them money, and giving them control over whether and when to start families. For women, birth control isn’t a political or social issue – it’s basic health care and an economic concern.”

“Planned Parenthood knows firsthand how important this law – and this decision – is for women and families, because we see the need for affordable health care every day. Women who come into our health centers often struggle to decide whether to pay for birth control or pay for textbooks, groceries, or gas for the car.”

Planned Parenthood Congratulates North Dakotans Against Measure Three on Election Night Victory

Over the past several weeks, health care providers, former judges, prosecutors, doctors, lawyers, child advocates, victim advocates, religious leaders and social workers from all across the state joined together to help North Dakotans Against Measure Three raise awareness about the so called "Religious Liberty Restoration Amendment." Tonight, voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure.

Statement from Sarah Stoesz, President of the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund

“Planned Parenthood has been working in North Dakota for many years, and the health and well being of North Dakota’s families is so important to us. Our deepest congratulations go to North Dakotans Against Measure Three for this victory.

“Tonight, North Dakotans – with a strong and clear NO vote – affirmed that religious liberty is securely protected in the US Constitution. Measure Three was divisive, unnecessary and could have had dangerous consequences. Tonight’s vote protects state laws against child abuse or neglect, laws against domestic violence, laws that affect access to health care, including birth control, and laws that ensure equal opportunity in the workplace.”

“We applaud North Dakotans Against Measure Three for working tirelessly to educate voters about the dangerous consequences this amendment could have had for women and families in the state.”

 

Michele Bachmann – Far Outside the Mainstream – Endorses Mitt Romney

Today Mitt Romney accepted the endorsement of Michele Bachmann – a member of Congress with views far outside of the mainstream when it comes to basic protections for women’s health.

“Minnesotans know firsthand that Michele Bachmann’s views on women’s health are extreme,” said Sarah Stoesz, President of the Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund. “With his enthusiastic acceptance of Bachmann’s endorsement, where Mitt Romney stands has never been clearer. He’s not a friend to women’s health.”