95-10: A 17 part bit of legislation that will probably be dropped in August that will be the Democratic proposal on how to address abortion by
reducing abortions in America by 95% in 10 years!!!
This bill is being developed by the DFL (Democrats for Life). They have received the support of Reid, Pelosi, and Clinton in this move. Dean is being pressured to accept them and put their link up on the DNC website.
This is big
And while many might be upset by reading this Hill article, I think this might be a brilliant move. The bill is actually quite Progressive in many ways.
Once I read up on 95-10, I'm starting to think that the benefit of saying Dems are the ones that have come up with ideas is big. Because there's an obvious argument to make that Rethugs will never do anything about abortion... it's too valuable a wedge issue for them.
Here's how 95-10 breaks down. You can download a pdf
here.
The 95-10 Initiative
[EMPOWER WOMEN
- Add Federal Funding for Toll-Free Number/National Public Awareness Program for adoption services.
Conduct a National Study & Update Abortion Data. W/in 5 years of enactment, figure out WHY women get abortions. Info compiled is voluntary/confidential.
- Federal Funding for Abortion Counseling and Daycare on University Campuses. Money to help Universities support pregenant women.
- Provide Accurate Information to Patients wrt possible false warnings from Alpha-Fetoprotein tests on the health of fetuses that might lead a woman to have an abortion.
- Make adoption Tax Credits Permanent.
- Ban Pregnancy as a "Pre-Existing Condition" in the Health Care Industry. End discrimination of pregnant women in health care.
- Require Adoption Referral Info. Pregnancy and women's health centers required to give adoption info.
- Woman's Right to Know. Clinics must provide info on the adverse side effects of abortions. Patient can refuse to accept materials.
- Provide Ultrasound Equipment. Grants to non-profits to buy them.
- Increase Funding for Domestic Violene Programs
- Contraception Equity. Require insurance coverage of contracteption approved by FDA.
PROTECT OUR CHILDREN
- Fully Fund WIC Program!!
- Parental Notification. Can't transfer a minor across state lines to get an abortion w/out parental OK (do they take "parental notes?"... like "sick notes?") unless life of girl in danger. Requires states with parental notification to inform parents of state statutory rape laws.
- Grants to States to Help Fund Safe Haven Laws.
- Require Counseling in Maternity Group Homes. Adoption counseling in federally funded "Homes?" to teach parenting skills.
- Require SCHIP to cover pregnant women and newborns through first full year of life. Expand coverage through Medicaid.]
So whadya think? Good Policy? Good Strategy? A slippery slope?