Recession Hits Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs
The Obama administration has shown a willingness to establish federal funding for comprehensive sexuality education programs -- but the money may not arrive in time for many teen pregnancy prevention programs in states across the country, the Wall Street Journal reports. Describing a program in South Carolina, the Journal writes,
The nonprofit organization is one of hundreds of similar teen-pregnancy-prevention and sex-education programs across the country under recessionary pressure at the very moment their prospects of government funding appear to be the best in years.
Cuts in state funding may put the programs out of business before federal funding for comprehensive sex ed comes through.
Montana May Cut Contraceptive Coverage from CHIP
The
Montana state legislature is contemplating cutting family planning
coverage from the state's children's health insurance program, reports the Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
Billings Republican State Rep. Penny Morgan called the coverage
"contraceptives for children" even though CHIP provides coverage to
women of up to 19 years of age. "Part of is was fiscal, part of it was probably value-based, like most
things around here,” said Sen. Keith Bales, R-Otter, chairman of the
Senate Finance and Claims Committee and a key negotiator in the budget
compromise. Planned Parenthood's spokeswoman pointed out that paying for contraception is cheaper than paying for pregnancy.
Missouri House Approves Amendment to Protect Pharmacists Who Deny Medications
The
Missouri House has approved an amendment that would protect pharmacists
who deny medication, including Plan B and medication abortion, from
legal action, the Columbia Missourian reports. "The amendment, sponsored by Rep. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, states that a
pharmacy can't be sued for not carrying medication and that the state
cannot revoke a license if a pharmacy does not carry certain
medication. It specifically mentions Plan B, an emergency contraception
drug that can prevent pregnancy if taken within 72 hours of unprotected
sex, and RU-486, the drug used to induce an abortion."
Other News to Note
April 28: The Christian Post: The Morning After Pill and the End of Parenthood
April 27: Chicago Tribune: Sexting consequences
April 27: EmpoweHer: Sex Ed: Abstinence-only Versus Comprehensive — Which Is Most Effective?
April 28: LiveScience: Small Victory in Access to Contraception
April 28: Medical News Today: Editorials Commend FDA Decision To Expand Access To Plan B Emergency Contraception
April 28: St. Louis Beacon: Hormonal contraceptive link to HPV, cervical cancer examined
April 28: WaPo: Authentic Common Ground on Abortion
April 28: ReadMedia Press Release: Pro-Choice Clergy Hold Press Conference at Capitol on Wednesday
April 28: NARAL Pro-Choice America: Sebelius confirmed
April 28: LifeNews: Pro-Abortion Republican Senator Arlen Specter Switches Parties, Now a Democrat
April 28: LifeNews: Pennsylvania Pro-Life Advocates Win Free Speech Decision in Federal Court
April 28: Michigan Policy Network: Interview: Chris Gast of Michigan Right to Life
