"WOMEN HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW"
On Friday, March 26, 1999, the R.I. Senate passed the Women's Right to Know bill (31-16).
This bill requires abortion providers to give women seeking abortion complete and accurate
information about the baby's development, the risks of abortion and the alternatives. The
bill also requires a 24-hour waiting period.
Rhode Island has the shameful distinction of having
had the fifth highest rate of abortion in the country in 1995. With 6,000 abortions
performed annually in Rhode Island, now is the time for our legislature to pass the
"Women's Right to Know" Bill.
Abortion is the most difficult and irreversible decision a woman can make. Doesn't
she deserve all the information? This law is in effect in 13 states. It has
been upheld in Planned Parenthood vs. Casey.
This bill needs a hearing and a vote in the House Health, Education, and Welfare
Committee. Please call the Speaker's office it the State House 222-2466 and ask that
this bill be given consideration. Also, call your local state representatives and
ask them
to support this bill.
This bill is pro-woman and pro life.
For more information call the Rhode Island
State Right to Life office (521-1860).
Q&A: WOMEN'S RIGHT TO KNOW
What is "Women's Right to Know"?
This is consumer legislation. It is an enhanced
informed consent. It will protect women in crisis pregnancies by providing for a 24 hour
waiting period after she is provided with the information necessary to make an informed
decision about abortion.
Why is Right to Know Necessary?
The decision to abort "is an important, a
stressful one, and it is desirable and imperative that it be made with full knowledge of
its nature and consequences." Planned Parenthood v Danforth, 42 8 U.S. 5 2, 67 (1976)
To "reduce the risk that a woman may elect an abortion, only to discover later with
devastating consequences, that her decision was not fully informed." Planned
Parenthood v Casey, 112 S Ct 2791, 2823 (1992)
What Information Would She Receive?
Information about the medical risks, the baby's
development, and alternatives to abortion.
Who Will Support This Legislation?
Anyone who is pro-woman. Anyone who claims to be
pro-choice will want to give women complete and accurate information.
What are the Specific Requirements of
Woman's Right to Know?
1. A 24 hour waiting period
2. That woman be given the
following information by the attending or referring physician:
*name of the physician who is to perform the
abortion
*possible physical and psychological effects of abortion
*medical risks associated with the abortion procedure to be used
*probable gestational age of the unborn child
*medical risks associated with carrying the child to term
3. That woman be given the
following information by the physician or his agent:
*availability of medical assistance benefits
*liability of the father for child support
*right to review information prepared by the state that describes fetal development and
the availability of pregnancy services
What Are The Penalties for Violation of This
Act?
1. Criminal penalty - any person
who intentionally, knowingly, recklessly violates this Chapter is guilty of a felony.
2. Civil penalty - any intentional
violation of this chapter shall
a) provide a basis for a civil malpractice action
b) provide a basis for recovery for the woman under the Wrongful Death Act
c) provide a basis for professional disciplinary action
Is Women's Right to Know Constitutional?
Yes. Pennsylvania's Right to Know was upheld in
Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Since then Federal courts have upheld women's right to know
laws in other states; including, Ohio, Mississippi, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska,
Michigan, Utah, South Carolina, Louisiana, Wisconsin and Kansas.
27 Marcy Street, Cranston, RI 02905- (401)521-1860
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