I have read with interest the articles and diaries about the church's turn at the crazy trough in Phoenix, writing bills to restrict access to abortion and incidentally punish women for having sex. (I would be remiss in failing to cite Mother Mags' article with the details.) I didn't expect this side effect, though. Might the U of A lose some accreditation over this? Would the Phoenix right wingers even mind?
HB 2384, which gained preliminary House approval earlier this week, would make it illegal to use public funds to train medical professionals to perform abortions.
But the language also forbids the use of any federal funds that pass through the state treasury or even through other levels of government - including tuition or fees paid to a state university of community college.
The university's medical program might run afoul of this, as they're required for accreditation to make training available -- not even mandatory, just available. Apparently ~200 residents in training could be affected if the university loses this accreditation. Naturally, Republicans spoke with their constituency about it:
Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Glendale, who crafted the legislation, said Tuesday that she spoke with lobbyists from various hospitals who said their clients could live with the restriction.
Emphasis mine. /cue rimshot!