California bucks national trend by passing reproductive health policies that are based on actual sci

[DonViejo]

California bucks national trend by passing reproductive health policies that are based on actual science!

California lawmakers let evidence guide their policies. This is a sadly novel thing to do in America right now

KATIE MCDONOUGH

Barely a day passes without some news of lawmakers somewhere in the country working to rollback reproductive rights, leaving millions of people across the country without meaningful access to basic medical care like contraception and abortion. But last year, California actually bucked the trend by passing a measure to expand access by allowing nurses, midwives and other medical professionals to perform early abortions.

As I noted at the time, the law significantly broadens the pool of available medical professionals able to perform the procedure, and, crucially, expands access in rural areas where providers can be scarce.

“We are trending in a different direction, and we’re very proud of it,” Toni Atkins, the state assemblywoman who wrote the bill, remarked at the time. “This is an issue of accessibility. California is a very large state, and more than half the counties don’t have an abortion provider.”

In addition to expanding access at a time of record restrictions, California is also trailblazing by basing its reproductive health laws on actual science and the needs of Californians.

more
http://www.salon.com/2014/03/07/california_bucks_national_trend_by_passing_reproductive_health_policies_that_are_based_on_actual_science/

[BrotherIvan]

1. California is leading the way in many things

I am proud of what my state is doing to get back on track. Where it seems like most of the midwest and south have to struggle under tea terrorists, we are enjoying a rebirth of sorts. Hopefully people will put two and two together before their states turn into slums, with no healthcare, education or infrastructure, poisoned water and no jobs above minimum wage. Doubtful, as breaking the spell of the pulpit will be very difficult, but perhaps there will be some sort of awakening. We didn't see much change at the federal level, but one can feel that good things are going on in CA.

And turning science and medical fact into something that benefits women? Who ever thought of it? You mean supporting women so they don't die in back-alley abortions IS pro-life? Damn hippies!

[LumosMaxima]

2. Great news.

It's good to see someone acknowledge that abortion is a necessary service and keep access framed as a medical issue instead of a moral one.

[WillyT]

3. HUGE K & R !!!

[etherealtruth]

4. " ... trailblazing by basing its reproductive health laws on ..."

"... actual science and the needs of Californians"

It is a very sad state affairs when it is considered trailblazing to base laws on science and the needs of the citizenry.