So-Called "Abortion Non-Discrimination Act" Threatens Women's Health

11/22/2004 12:25:00 PM

To: National Desk

Contact: Sylvia Ballinger, 202-973-4975, Erin Libit, 202-973-4883, both of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) decried the passage of the so-called "Abortion Non-Discrimination Act" (ANDA), today, citing its potential to gravely hinder a woman's right to choose. The legislation, originally proposed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and passed today as an amendment to the final version of the omnibus appropriations bill, would allow health care organizations to refuse to comply with existing federal, state or local laws pertaining to abortion.

"This amendment's name makes it sound like it protects women who are seeking abortions from discrimination. In fact, it discriminates against them," said PPFA President Gloria Feldt. "It allows any health care provider or institution, religious or otherwise, to refuse to provide a much-needed reproductive health care service. The bill is not about religious freedom - there is no federal law that requires health care providers to perform abortions in the first place."

ANDA was added to the appropriations bill by anti-choice Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL). The bill provides a sweeping exemption from existing laws relating to safe and legal abortion services. Health care entities, as defined by the law, include hospitals, provider-sponsored organizations, health maintenance organizations, health insurance plans or any other kind of health care facilities, organizations or plans.

"This amendment not only intrudes on private, personal medical decision making, but it also intrudes on state and local government rights," said Feldt. "The vast majority of Americans oppose allowing health care entities to deny services to women, even if those entities claim their refusal is based on religious or moral grounds, which ANDA does not even require. This sweeping federal refusal clause will allow the whims of a corporate entity to trump the conscience and very real medical needs of women nationwide."

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Planned Parenthood Federation of America is the nation's largest and most trusted voluntary reproductive health organization. We believe that everyone has the right to choose when or whether to have a child -- and that every child should be wanted and loved. Planned Parenthood affiliates operate nearly 850 health centers nationwide, providing medical services and sexuality education for millions of women, men, and teenagers each year.

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