"While anti-abortion forces claim to be targeting a specific late-term procedure, the bans in Nebraska and other states purposely contain deceptively broad language, no clear definition of the procedure and no reference to trimester. These laws, with their vague wording and threats of prison, are designed to scare doctors away from performing any abortion," Ireland said. When Wisconsin's abortion procedures ban went into effect, every clinic in the state stopped providing abortion services out of fear of prosecution.
"Anti-abortion extremists are using abortion procedures bans as an underhanded
strategy to
stop abortion and to waste valuable abortion rights resources in courts
and on referenda
campaigns," Ireland said. During the recent elections, NOW was
instrumental in defeating
a proposed abortion ban in Maine. Voters have rejected such bans
in every state where they have been on the ballot.
"Most people support abortion rights and will not be fooled by this stealth strategy of religious, political extremists. We call on the justices to strike down the Nebraska law, just as most of the lower courts have struck down similar bans," Ireland said. The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that abortion is a protected right prior to viability and that a woman's life and health must be protected after viability.
"NOW will continue to stand up for women's rights in the courts, at the polls and at the clinics. We will not rest until abortion is safe, legal and accessible to every woman," Ireland said.
###
Ireland is available for comment. To schedule an interview, please contact the Media Relations Office at 202-628-8669, ext.114.