Louisiana Denies Malpractice Insurance For "Elective" Abortions
by Robin Marty, RH Reality Check
June 23, 2010 - 2:58pm (Print)
Louisiana, not content to make sure insurance providers don't cover abortion and that all women have to have an ultrasound before the procedure (including rape victims), has now gone even further, and passed a bill stating doctors shall no longer be covered under malpractice insurance in cases of "elective" abortions.
The Senate gave final passage with a 31-2 vote to the bill by Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Marksville. It would prohibit health care providers from receiving coverage under state and private Medical Malpractice Acts when performing an abortion of "an uncomplicated, viable pregnancy'' that isn't required to save the life of the mother.
The proposal creates yet another scare tactic against doctors performing abortions, this time by trying to remove any safeguards for the doctors against potential lawsuits. It's also a second reminder that the state of Louisiana believes that rape victims should be pushed as far as possible towards carrying their attackers' babies if impregnated.
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There is a local doctor who signs contracts with all his patients that require disputes to be arbitrated and in consequence his rates are considerably less than those of others. Using a similiar technique in LA and removing the crushing burden of financing malpractice insurance may just bring costs for abortions down to where they're more easily affordable. I have a feeling the courts will toss this out, though. If they don't, I can see a future where bars, strip clubs, porno shops and hot-sheet motels, engaging in 'immoral' practices, can be forbidden to have liability insurance.
Boob jobs?
