Why Didn’t They Tell Us?

Those were the words of heart-rending testimony in support of HB 2564 in today’s House Health & Human Services Committee.  As a post-abortive woman shared her story, she emphasized the resounding question that women are left with after an abortion: “Why didn’t someone tell me?”  Whether it is present medical risks, future medical complications, or the fray of emotional consequences that accompany such a grave decision, women deserve to hear the truth.  “They label cigarette packages to warn you about lung cancer.  Why can’t they tell women about the effects of abortion?” she testified.

Another moving story came from an OBGYN who did a residency rotation at Planned Parenthood and has seen first-hand the appalling lack of informed consent by abortion providers.  This doctor nearly broke down in tears as she recounted the story of a woman crying on the exam table while the abortion provider attempted to perform the abortion.  Instead of recognizing that this woman was uncomfortable with her decision and needed more time to consider the alternatives, the abortion provider said, “If you won’t calm down, I won’t be able to do this.”

An attorney also testified about how difficult it has been for him to try to protect families harmed by abortion and to see the law enforced.  He discussed two cases of fraudulent parental consent where the abortion clinics thumbed their noses at our state parental consent laws.  HB 2564 would plug the holes in the existing law and would also stop the “emotional inducement” that so often is a major factor in the abortion decision.

“I don’t see how anyone could oppose this,” said Rep. Frank Antenori as he cast his vote in favor of the bill.

Yet outside, Reps. Ableser and Lopes shirked their responsibility to be in the committee so that they could stage a press conference in protest of this bill.  Rather than sit in committee and discuss the bills before them, Ableser and Lopes were more interested in drumming up media coverage for themselves.  These members were too busy even to bother to vote against the bill.  In fact, while there were some concerns raised by the medical community about specific language, surprisingly, not a single person testified opposing the merits of the bill. 

The bill passed by a 5-0 vote, with 4 members absent.  With the first hurdle out of the way, the Abortion Consent Act moves forward to the rest of the House with a full vote expected within a few weeks.  We’ll keep you updated.