Vermont has had no restrictions on abortion since 1972 = false. VT has had no state abortion statute since 72. Since then, VT hospitals have either severely restricted their provision of abortions or they have not provided them at all (as reported by alicia freese 7dvt 11/16). UVM reversed its ban on elective abortions 16 mos ago w/out public notice or input (widely reported 4mos later). Planned Parenthood is the exception, performing 94% of VT abortions. With H.57, they have effectively written our abortion law for us, outlawing all restrictions and rendering themselves immune from regulation. Roe, the controlling law since 73, protects a womans right to abortion until age of fetal viability. Casey, controlling since 92, upholds Roe and rules that states may regulate abortions at any stage of pregnancy provided such regulation is not unduly burdensome on the woman. That is a reasonable balance. H.57 is not. It codifies an absolute right to abortion up to the point of birth, for any reason or for no reason. It precludes the state from ensuring even the most basic health and financial safeguards for women. It is unprecedented and opens a disturbing door, widely.
Re: “Walters: Republicans Offer Flurry of Amendments to Vermont Abortion Bill”
Vermont has had no restrictions on abortion since 1972 = false. VT has had no state abortion statute since 72. Since then, VT hospitals have either severely restricted their provision of abortions or they have not provided them at all (as reported by alicia freese 7dvt 11/16). UVM reversed its ban on elective abortions 16 mos ago w/out public notice or input (widely reported 4mos later). Planned Parenthood is the exception, performing 94% of VT abortions. With H.57, they have effectively written our abortion law for us, outlawing all restrictions and rendering themselves immune from regulation. Roe, the controlling law since 73, protects a womans right to abortion until age of fetal viability. Casey, controlling since 92, upholds Roe and rules that states may regulate abortions at any stage of pregnancy provided such regulation is not unduly burdensome on the woman. That is a reasonable balance. H.57 is not. It codifies an absolute right to abortion up to the point of birth, for any reason or for no reason. It precludes the state from ensuring even the most basic health and financial safeguards for women. It is unprecedented and opens a disturbing door, widely.