Legislature(1993 - 1994)
01/27/1993 01:40 PM Senate HES
| Audio | Topic |
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
SENATE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
January 27, 1993
1:40 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Steve Rieger, Chairman
Senator Bert Sharp, Vice-Chairman
Senator Loren Leman
Senator Jim Duncan
Senator Judy Salo
Senator Johnny Ellis
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Mike Miller
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE BILL NO. 53
"An Act annulling changes made by certain regulations
adopted by the Department of Health and Social Services
relating to funding of abortion services under the general
relief medical program; and providing for an effective
date."
PREVIOUS SENATE COMMITTEE ACTION
SB 53 - No previous action to record.
WITNESS REGISTER
Jay Livey, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 110601
Juneau, ALaska 99811-0601
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Representative Terry Martin
State Capitol
Juneau, Alaska 99801-1182
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Ida Barnack
Alaskans for Life
P.O. Box 32186
Juneau, Alaska 99803-2186
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Ted Deats
Box 87
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Lonna Fagan
9622 Eagle Street
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Phillip Gray
4410 North Douglas Highway
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Robert Head
P.O. Box 21218
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Sid Heidersdorf
Box 020658
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Robin Stevens
P.O. Box 33637
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
John Lindback, President
Juneau Coalition for Pro-Choice
4467 Mountainside Drive
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Joan Heidersdorf
Box 020658
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Beverly Berdahl
P.O. Box 8303
Nikiski, Alaska 99635
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Ann Pence
P.O. Box 43
Kasilof, Alaska 99610
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Rebecca Perry
HC 2, Box 562
Kasilof, Alaska 99610
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on SB 53.
Ruth Ewig, Secretary
Citizens for Excellence in Education
2325 30th Avenue
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Judy Scully
Interior Christian Action Council
875 Haida Lane
Fairbanks, Alaska 99712
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Anne Harrison
3270 Rosie Creek Road
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Laurie Otto
2396 Waldron Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support SB 53.
Bonnie L. Jack
1063 West 20th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Myrna Maynard
2237 Forest Park Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99517
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Ileen Self, Chair
Coalition of Alaskans for Choice - Anchorage
5808 Miley Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Thomas Moffit, Executive Director
Alaskans Right to Life
Box 201586
Anchorage, Alaska 99520
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against abortions.
Harriet Papke
P.O. Box 2810
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Claudine Flowers
1014 Hillfair Court
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Ramon Flowers
1014 Hillfair Court
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Sandra Johns
P.O. Box 3736
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Mary Clare Foecke
P.O. Box 3736
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Eileen Mullen
P.O. Box 1394
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Margaret Heneghan
P.O. Box 3074
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Mary Lentfer
P.O. Box 2617
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Karen Hogan
P.O. Box 2228
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Kim Smith, Director
Katchimak Bay Family Planning Clinic
P.O. Box 3235
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Susan Kerns
P.O. Box 984
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Duane Christensen
P.O. Box 4123
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Lori Christensen
P.O. Box 4123
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Marie Luchaco
P.O. Box 3615
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Terri Bramel
P.O. Box 2963
Homer, Alaska 99603
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Paula Setterquist
552 Grubstake
Homer, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Bonnie Glover
HC 67, Box 34
Anchor Point, Alaska 99556
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Kathy Polk
P.O. Box 020196
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Kathy Dennis
P.O. Box 533
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
John Monagle
P.O. Box 210527
Auke Bay, Alaska 99821
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Sherrie Goll
The Alaska Women's Lobby
P.O. Box 22156
Juneau, Alaska 99802
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Martha Devereau
2182 South Tongass Highway
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Teresa Crevier
1123 Black Bear Road
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Elinore Jacobsen
2125 Second Avenue
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Heather Muench
Box 6811
Ketchikan, Alaska 9901
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Charles Gass
719 Grant Street
Ketchikan, Alaska 99901
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Virginia Phillips
404 Lake Street, # 2-D
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Mary Soltis
615 Degroff Street
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Alice Johnstone
Sitkans For Choice
213 Shotgun Alley
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Natasha Calvin
Sitka Coalition for Women's Rights
Box 2966
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Charles Horan
Sitkans for Life
Box 2003
Sitka, Alaska 99835
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Ernest Line, Member
Mat-Su Coalition For Choice
2645 Whispering Woods
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Katie Hurley
P.O. Box 970167
Wasilla, Alaska 99687
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Randall Burns, Executive Director
Alaska Affiliation of the American
Civil Liberties Union
1079 Potlatch Circle
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Donna Hurdle, Executive Director
Planned Parents of Alaska
406 West Fireweed
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Tom Swanner
240 Pettis Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Joanne Swanner
240 Pettis Road
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Pamela Beilfuss
11241 Dave Lane
Anchorage, Alaska 99515
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Lorraine Ferrell
4358 Rendezvous Circle
Anchorage, Alaska 99504
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Leila Wise
P.O. Box 244034
Anchorage, Alaska 99524
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Carol Nilson
309 Shannon Drive
Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Evelyn Frisk
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Kris Grose
President of Alaska Right to Life
of the Interior
1111 Eliz Street
Fairbanks, Alaska 99705
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified neutrally on SB 53.
Susan Flocke
315 "E" Street
Douglas, Alaska 99824
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Pat Denny
526 Seward Street
Juneau, Alaska 99801
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Aleshia Porter
1834 Stanford
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 53.
Deborah Luper
1217 Crescent Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Carl Sturman
135 North Leibrock Circle
Soldotna, Alaska 99611
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Carole Hoover
8922 Trio
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified against SB 53.
Elmer Lindstrom, Special Assistant
Department of Health and Social Services
P.O. Box 110601
Juneau, Alaska 99811-0601
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions on SB 53.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 93-2, SIDE A
Number 001
CHAIRMAN RIEGER called the Senate Health, Education, and
Social Services (HESS) Committee meeting to order at 1:40
p.m. He noted that there were several members from the
House in attendance.
The only order of business was SB 53 (ANNULLING ABORTION
FUNDING REGULATIONS), sponsored by the Senate HESS
Committee. Chairman Rieger explained the contents in the
committee member's packets.
SENATOR LEMAN informed the committee that he objects to the
introduction of SB 53.
Number 053
The first person to testify was JAY LIVEY, Deputy
Commissioner, Department of Health and Social Services. He
indicated that in the member's packets is a fiscal note and
a position paper in opposition to the legislation. Mr.
Livey indicated that there are people from the Division of
Medical Assistance who would be happy to answer any
questions.
Number 093
REPRESENTATIVE TERRY MARTIN referred to an audit report by
the Division of Legislative Audit of the Department of
Health and Social Services, and said he believed it was
important to find out what the department had been doing
regarding abortions. He indicated he had been told that the
report was perhaps misleading and that there hadn't been
almost 1,200 abortions each year. By Budget and Audit's
calculation, they have indicated that the abortion rate has
escalated over the last year. Representative Martin
indicated that in 1992, the live birth rate in Alaska was
approximately 9,900. He explained the state is paying for
over 1,100 abortions which he believes is way out of line.
Representative Martin discussed statistics in the audit
report. He indicated that it is his understanding that the
state pays a substantial amount of money for post syndrome
abortion people who are having psychological problems after
they realize what they have done. If the state is going to
pay for psychological problems after the fact, perhaps
psychological evaluations should be allowed before the fact.
He thanked the committee for listening to his testimony.
Number 190
IDA BARNACK, Alaskans for Life, explained her organization
is a nonsectarian organization with the primary goal of
promoting respect for human life. She urged support for the
administration's regulations limiting abortion funding to
therapeutic abortions only. She explained that it is her
organization's view that the regulations adopted by
Department of Health and Social Services covers every
possible reason for justifying abortion based on health
concerns. Ms. Barnack continued to give testimony in
opposition to SB 53, and urged support for the
administration's regulations.
TED DEATS, representing himself and his twenty-one month old
son, testified against SB 53. He discussed the various
stages of development and the birth of his son. On behalf
of his son, he urged that the state protect unborn children
under nine months of age.
Number 254
LONNA FAGAN, representing herself, testified against SB 53.
She said the regulations don't put a burden on women as
abortions will be paid for if there is a good reason. Ms.
Fagan said that people who are pro-abortion honestly want to
protect women and want to do the right thing for women, but
are deeply mislead. She said she believes in choice and a
women has the choice to choose when a life will begin and
birth control gives that choice. Ms. Fagan explained that
she is the mother of three daughters and is trying to get
them to understand that for every choice they make, they
will have consequences to deal with. There should be
education in high school relating birth control and what
abortion truly is. She continued to give testimony against
the legislation.
PHILLIP GRAY spoke in opposition to SB 53 and explained he
doesn't think public money should be used to fund abortions.
Mr. Gray said he believes that abortions are morally wrong
except in rare cases such as to protect the life the mother.
He said he supports Governor Hickel's termination of the
funding for abortions.
ROBERT HEAD was next to testify on SB 53. He asked that the
committee seriously evaluate the repeal of the regulations
and become closely acquainted with the actual procedure and
result of abortion. Mr. Head indicated that he strongly
opposes the passage of SB 53.
Number 343
SID HEIDERSDORF was next to testify on SB 53. He asked
Chairman Rieger if the Senate HESS Committee will be holding
additional hearings. CHAIRMAN RIEGER explained that the
Senate HESS Committee is the first committee of referral and
indicated that there are two other committees of referral
where public hearings will be held. Mr. Heidersdorf said
abortion is like no other subject and the issue cuts to the
heart of who we are and what we stand for. People have the
right to be heard on the subject. He noted that the Hickel
Administration held hearings in three locations and
teleconferenced to seventeen other locations, hearing almost
9,000 people. Mr. Heidersdorf discussed the question, "What
is abortion?" He informed the committee that his testimony
is in the form of a film which lasts seven minutes entitled
"Hard Truth." The film faces the issue of abortion head on
and is very graphic. There being no film equipment
available at the hearing, Senator Leman, later in the
meeting, offered to show any interested committee members
the film in his office.
ROBIN STEVENS testified against SB 53. He said he would
like to address the issue of rights and choice. Mr. Stevens
said he believes in choice before sex and rights for
everyone. Once a child is on the way, there should be a
right for the child to be protected. He indicated that he
has a nineteen month old boy. It is inappropriate for the
State of Alaska to pay for abortions, Mr. Stevens concluded.
Number 435
JOHN LINDBACK, President, Juneau Coalition for Pro-Choice,
introduced three board members to the committee. He
indicated his organization has been in existence for
approximately a year and includes more than 400 people. Mr.
Lindback explained that through the use of a mail out
survey, they have compiled a database of 3,200 pro-choice
women in Juneau. Mr. Lindback indicated that as a result of
the survey, three out of every four women in Juneau are pro-
choice. SB 53 would protect the constitutional right to
privacy for all women in Alaska by preserving a women's
right to choose regardless of her income level. Mr.
Lindback explained his organization believes Alaska's
constitution includes a very broad "right to privacy" clause
which protects a women's right to choose regardless of
whether she is rich or poor. He said the question really
is, particularly for low income women and teenagers under
the regulations, "Will they have access to safe abortion
services or, whether through desperation, will they seek
help in the back alleys?" The regulations will place an
undue burden on poor women, particularly in rural area and
Southeast Alaska, where abortion services are currently not
available. Trips to Anchorage and Seattle are prohibited
for the women and abortion services are not available close
to home. The regulations would make that situation worse.
He urged support for SB 53.
JOAN HEIDERSDORF, representing herself, spoke in opposition
to SB 53. She explained that in SB 53, the payment of
elective abortions are being addressed. The only abortions
that would not be paid for are those that refer to sex
selection and failure of birth control. Ms. Heidersdorf
urged that the committee maintain Governor Hickel's
regulations.
Number 490
BEVERLY BERDAHL, testified via teleconference, against SB
53. She said she believes that family planning and
abortions have devalued children. Ms. Berdahl said as
taxpayers, we can't be a part of the murder. She indicated
that she has documented information where there are 6,000
cases relating to Planned Parenthood and when it was up to
the client to pay, it was one-third the cost as opposed to
what the taxpayers pay. She said Planned Parenthood is
soaking the taxpayer. SENATOR SALO asked what the source is
of Ms. Berdahl's statistics. Ms. Berdahl explained it is a
book by Robert H. Ruff, titled "Aborting Planned
Parenthood."
ANN PENCE, testifying from Soldotna, indicated she supports
state funding for abortions and SB 53. Women have the
right, including disadvantaged women, to choose abortion.
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to grant women the right
to receive an abortion should not apply only to women who
can afford it. Ms. Pence said that by ending state funding
for abortions, it is just the beginning of the erosion of
women's rights in general. She stated she is pro-choice.
REBECCA PERRY, of Kasilof, explained that Alaska is one of
twelve remaining states that still allows Medicaid funded
abortions. Out of the thirty-eight other states that refuse
to provide public funds, no exceptions for rape, incest,
physical or psychological reasons are made. She said she is
a member of a statewide pro-life group that feels that the
governor's regulations are totally spineless as far as
preventing public funds from being used. The regulations
will have little effect of preventing women from accessing
public funds. Ms. Perry said she urges the governor and the
legislature to reconsider the impact of those regulations
and make them tougher if they want to prevent public funds
from being used. She said whether she supports the bill or
not is of little consequence because she feels the
regulations will have little effect. Ms. Perry said she is
strongly pro-life and will not compromise and accept the
regulations.
RUTH EWIG, Secretary, Citizens for Excellence in Education,
testified from Fairbanks. She read a statement of
opposition to SB 53 on behalf of John Harbaugh, Director;
Jonathan Ewig, Assistant Director; and David Stack,
Treasurer. Ms. Ewig explained that ninety-seven to ninety-
eight percent of pre-born babies have been killed for
reasons of birth control. By changing our education system
to character development curriculum which is in use in
different parts of the country and which has reduced teen
pregnancies to zero in California you, as legislators, could
serve this state well by using our limited financial
resources most profitable and investing in true abstinence
education with the advantages emphasized leading to
responsible planning that does not butcher babies. Ms. Ewig
continued to give testimony against SB 53 and submitted a
copy of her statement for the committee file.
TAPE 93-2, SIDE B
Number 010
JUDY SCULLY, representing the Interior Christian Action
Council, testified in opposition of SB 53 and any other
legislation similar to it. She indicated her organization
believes it is morally wrong for the state to require all
citizens to share in the responsibility of killing babies.
Even when children aren't wanted by their own mothers, there
are couples who do want the children. Ms. Scully urged that
the committee members vote "no" on the bill and to move
further towards prevention of state funded abortions.
ANNE HARRISON, testifying from Fairbanks, spoke in favor of
SB 53 and the continued funding of abortion with state
funds. She explained that she has spent twenty-seven years
in the health care profession and was very deeply involved
in women's health care and public health issues. Ms.
Harrison said she has seen abortions and has worked very
closely with women having abortions. She said she believes
the post abortion syndrome is a product of people that are
trying to instill guilt and make women feel guilty for the
actions that they have chosen at an earlier time of their
life. She said she is not, for one moment, denying the
dignity of life and the specialness of babies, but there is
another perspective in which there are children born into
homes that are not willing and ready to accept them. She
urged continued funding for abortions.
Number 051
LAURIE OTTO, representing herself, concurred with John
Lindback's comments. She indicated that she has a friend
who had to deal with the aftermath of having an abortion.
She said she doesn't think that laws prohibiting abortion
will ever stop them from occurring. She indicated that she
is strongly pro-choice. Ms. Otto referred to SB 53 and
asked the committee to look at page 1, line 11, Section 2,
and said it annuls the regulations that were filed by the
lieutenant governor on January 20, 1993. That would mean
that if the bill passes and becomes law, new regulations
could be filed the day after the bill passed. They would
not be annulled and the process would have to begin again.
Ms. Otto said she thinks a better approach to the problem
would be to amend the statutes to require payment for
abortions. She referred to SB 55, Sections 2, 3, and 6, and
said it includes the language that could be added to SB 53
which would accomplish that result.
SENATOR LEMAN referred to back alley abortions and asked Ms.
Otto if she knows what the cost differential was or what it
might be between those that would be driven to such a
provider of service and those who would get it from a
standard health care provider if state funding for elective
abortions were withdrawn. MS. OTTO discussed a situation
where a girl who did not have access to funding attempted a
self health procedure and created a major injury to her
body. It was a free abortion, but it ended up creating
lifetime problems. Ms. Otto said she didn't have money and
abortions were illegal at that time.
BONNIE L. JACK, testifying from Anchorage, explained she is
pro-choice and is in favor of SB 53. She named several
committees she is a member of such as Coalition of Alaskans
for Choice Steering Committee, the Alaska Women's Political
Caucus Steering Committee, and the Republican Association of
Professional and Business Women. Ms. Jack urged passage of
the bill and asked that legislators not allow abortions to
go back to being unsafe for poor women. She said the voters
of Alaska spoke loud and clear in 1982 when they said yes to
state funded abortions. Ms. Jack discussed political polls
with regard to state funded abortions. By not funding
abortions, poor women will be punished and possibly killed
by unsafe illegal back alley butchers, Ms. Jack concluded.
Number 114
MYRNA MAYNARD, testifying from Anchorage, informed committee
members she is married with two children and has two
grandchildren. She explained she is anti-abortion but very
pro-choice. Ms. Maynard said Governor Hickel has made lots
of promises he couldn't keep and at the end of the year
decided he needed a peace offering and, unfortunately, chose
poor women to use as a fallout. She suggested that perhaps
Governor Hickel should concentrate on making contraceptives
available to all Alaskans and make sex education available
to teenagers. She urged that SB 53 be passed and that the
committee consider Ms. Otto's recommendations.
ILEEN SELF, Chairman, Coalition of Alaskans for Choice -
Anchorage, was next to testify in support of SB 53. She
said she would like to remind the committee of the extensive
public testimony that was taken on this issue last summer
and how many people testified widely against the
regulations. Abortion is a legal option and to single out
abortion services for exclusion when pre and post natal
care, childbirth, contraceptives and sterilization are all
choices that are supported through the expenditure of state
funds, is not fair. She said she shares the concerns of Ms.
Otto and others who have said that the bill does not go far
enough to protect women by simply repealing these specific
regulations that have been adopted. Ms. Self asked that it
be noted into the public record that she has observed
members of the public copying down names, addresses and
telephone numbers of people testifying at the hearing and
said she hopes that Mr. Moffit and others who have taken
down names have only the most honorable of intentions as to
how they will make uses of the names, addresses and
telephone numbers.
Number 158
THOMAS MOFFIT, Executive Director, Alaskans Right to Life,
said he agrees that the regulations are along the lines of a
sham. He said the Alaskans Right to Life Political Action
Committee discussed SB 53 and the regulations. He said the
regulations are null and void and are not worth the paper
they are printed as they provide for the continuing payment
of abortions which are in the physical or psychological
health interests of the women. He said everyone around the
state realizes what kind of a physician would perform any
medical procedure on anyone if he/she didn't believe that is
was in the physical or psychological interest of their
patients. He said the regulations are a waste of the
public's time.
HARRIET PAPKE, testifying from Homer, indicated that she has
had thirty-five years of experience in health care and is
against SB 53. She believes that women on Medicaid have
been lead to believe that abortions are a safe and an
effective means of birth control. She discussed her
experience of working with a twenty-four year old women who
had four legal abortions in the last five years. Ms. Papke
said just because abortions are legal, it doesn't make them
safe. She explained that we continue to lie to women about
the safety of abortion as a means of birth control and she
resents her tax dollars being used to perpetuate the lie.
CLAUDINE FLOWERS testified strongly against state funding
for abortions. She said she doesn't want her tax dollars to
pay for killing children or to saddle women with regret and
emotional pain that will stay with them for the rest of
their lives. Ms. Flowers said each baby has their own
bodily functions and they are prejudged. Ms. Flowers
discussed a situation she was involved in regarding her own
child and urged that SB 53 not be passed.
RAMON FLOWERS, testifying against SB 53, explained that he
was adopted and that when his biological mother found out
that she was pregnant with him, she was probably faced with
either aborting him or putting him up for adoption and she
chose life. Mr. Flowers asked the committee make it illegal
for abortions to be done and to try to open more adoption
facilities. He explained life is more important than death
and urged that the legislation not be passed.
Number 250
SANDRA JOHNS, testifying from Homer, explained she is in
support of SB 53 and wants state funded abortions to
continue. She said she believes to cut funding would be
unconstitutional.
MARY CLARE FOECKE testified in support of SB 53. She urged
that the state not continue to repress those of limited
means, not continue to violate a women's right to privacy
and to allow women to exercise their own human rights. To
be pro-choice is not to be anti life or anti children and
is, in fact, essential for the celebration of life that
women be given back the right to self determination, Ms.
Foecke concluded.
EILEEN MULLEN testified in support of SB 53. She indicated
she has two children. Ms. Mullen said there should be state
funding of abortions. All women in Alaska deserve a choice
as to what happens with their body. Ms. Mullen said it is
especially important that children are wanted and urged
passage of the bill.
MARGARET HENEGHAN, testifying from Homer, was in favor of SB
53. She said she doesn't believe in preventing women from
having an abortion. SB 53 will allow women of all economic
classes to make their personal choices to have or not to
have an abortion. By not allowing state funded abortions,
women of lower economic status will be forced to have
unwanted unplanned children or a back alley abortions. It
creates hardships on the women and potential strain on
Alaska's welfare system.
Number 279
MARY LENTFER, a thirty-five year Alaskan resident, explained
that she has been in the health field for many years and has
seen what is called "back room abortions." Ms. Lentfer said
she is in support of SB 53.
SENATOR LEMAN said the average cost that the state pays for
an abortion is approximately $440 and asked Ms. Lentfer is
she is aware of what the price is of the so called "back
alley abortionist." Ms. Lentfer indicated she isn't aware
of the cost.
KAREN HOGAN testified in support of SB 53. She said the
decision to have an abortion is a serious adult decision.
Individuals on public assistance should and must be given
the same respect as they are making this personal difficult
decision. Abortion is legal and funding should and must be
continued, she concluded.
KIM SMITH, Director, Katchimak Bay Family Planning Clinic,
said she is a mother of three and indicated she has had to
make the difficult choice of having an abortion. Ms. Smith
said the women she has spoken to who have chosen to
terminate their pregnancies have made that decision prior to
getting any kind of information as to where they can get
that abortion. They have already made their choices and
denying them access will not change their mind. She thanked
the committee for hearing her.
SUSAN KERNS, a ten-year resident of Alaska and a registered
voter, testified in support of SB 53. She said in a larger
scheme of things, the cost of abortions to state government
is negligible. The issue is not how many abortions or the
amount of money being spent on state funded abortions, but
it is denying poor women access to a legal medical
procedure. She said Alaska's Constitution has strong
protection to the right of privacy and the right of equal
access. The regulations condemn teens and poor women to
back alley abortions. It is a common statistic that when
abortions are denied, women die. There was a public
referendum on the issue in 1982, sixty percent of the voting
public voted to oppose limiting public funds spent on
abortion. She thanked the committee for the opportunity to
testify.
DUANE CHRISTENSEN, testifying from Homer, was against SB 53.
He said the wording in the present regulation really has
little if any restrictive quality. He said why the
legislature and others are fighting so diligently to remove
the restrictions is beyond him. Mr. Christensen said Center
for Disease Control figures show that ninety-eight percent
of the abortions performed are for convenience. He said
this means that women are actively making their choices and
that is that they choose to get themselves pregnant. Mr.
Christensen said he is against SB 53.
LORIE CHRISTENSEN said she is against SB 53. Pregnancy is
preventable from abstinence, contraceptives, sterilization.
A child doesn't destroy your life and if your not ready for
the responsibility, there is adoption. Ms. Christensen said
abortion is killing a human and the state shouldn't fund
them. She urged that the legislature put their energy into
making adoption easier and teaching abstinence. Women have
the right to choose before conception, she concluded.
Number 390
MARIE LUCHACO testified against SB 53 and any other bills
that refer to the funding or legalization of abortions. She
indicated concern about passing a bill through the
legislature without exposing it to the light for all public
opinion to be heard as deceitful and deceptive. Ms. Luchaco
discussed the Planned Parenthood Program. She asked that
the legislators work for all people and not just a selected
few and their selfish motives.
TERRI BRAMEL, of Homer, testified in support of SB 53. She
said she believes poor women have the same constitutional
rights as others and she hopes the legislature will protect
them.
PAULA SETTERQUIST testified in favor of SB 53. She said she
is the mother of one child. She said she believes that poor
women in the state will have back alley abortions. Ms.
Setterquist offered to some of the people listening that
Alaska doesn't have a state income tax.
BONNIE GLOVER, testifying from Homer, said she is against SB
53.
Number 422
KATHY POLK, testifying in Juneau, explained she is a full
blooded Tlingit Indian born and raised in Juneau. She said
she can do anything with her body that she wants, but she
does not have the right to kill her children or the right to
have an abortion. She told the committee that approximately
5,000 children are killed a day through abortion. The
decision of abortion lies in the hands of the law makers of
the state. Ms. Polk said she is against SB 53 and any
similar legislation. She said she is sick and tired of
hearing the poor women. Ms. Polk said she had thirteen
brothers and sisters of which she was the oldest. Her
father was a cab driver and though there wasn't much food on
the table, they ate and there was love in the family. She
asked the committee to have compassion for the babies. She
discussed the development phases of a child and urged that
SB 53 not be passed.
SENATOR ELLIS referred to Ms. Polk's comment on being sick
and tired of the poor women and asked her to comment
further. Ms. Polk explained she comes from a poor family
and was a high school drop out. Because of persistence and
determination, she was able to overcome it. Ms. Polk said
she believes that every single women has the potential to be
whatever she wants to be and doesn't have to be poor. She
questioned why women do not use available birth control.
Ms. Polk said if they get pregnant through rape or incest,
why are we not going after them. She discussed some
research she had done in relation to abortion and the amount
of money that the state has paid out.
TAPE 93-3, SIDE A
Number 052
KATHY DENNIS was next to speak on SB 53. She explained she
was the eighth child in a low income family and her natural
father drowned in a fishing accident. It would have been
easy for her mother to be talked into an abortion. She said
there was close family among her native people that wanted a
baby and so she was adopted. Ms. Dennis said she is a
Tlingit Indian and a single parent of a daughter who is
twenty-one and a eight year old son. She discussed a
situation where her daughter got pregnant and the first
thing that she was asked is if she wanted an abortion. Ms.
Polk said she now has a two year old grandson.
JOHN MONAGLE testified against SB 53. He indicated he
concurs with Ms. Polk's and Ms. Dennis' testimony. Mr.
Monagle said he, as a taxpayer, would like to see the state
get out of the business of killing infants.
SHERRIE GOLL explained she is testifying on behalf of
herself, The Alaska Women's Lobby, and for the vast majority
of Alaskans who support choice and the protection of their
constitutional rights. She said she supports SB 53 and
would like to see the regulations annulled. Ms. Goll
explained she agrees with Ms. Otto's comments on amending
the bill. The regulations infringe on women's rights and
discriminates against Alaskans based upon how much money
they make. She said if the body doesn't address the
regulations, the state will be involved in a law suit as
people are not going to stand for the discrimination. Ms.
Goll continued to give testimony in favor of the passage of
SB 53.
MARTHA DEVEREAU testified from Ketchikan against SB 53. She
indicated she doesn't support abortion for any reason and
would like to see the proposed regulations changed to
reflect her view. She discussed the development of a baby,
the abortion procedure, and the associated psychological
disturbances. Ms. Devereau discussed statistics in relation
to abortion.
TERESA CREVIER, testifying from Ketchikan, was in opposition
of SB 53. She said she would strongly support regulations
that truly restricted state funding of non-therapeutic
abortions. She discussed her views regarding President
Clinton's action on lifting a ban on federally funded fetal
tissue research. Ms. Crevier explained that ninety-one
percent of abortions are preformed in the first trimester.
She asked the committee to please consider the opening of
this "Pandora's Box" by continuing the support of state
funded abortions in any form.
ELINORE JACOBSEN, testifying from Ketchikan, urged support
for SB 53. She said she supports the right of every women
to safe and comprehensive health care. The decisions
concerning reproductive health care is personal and the
right to make informed decisions should be available to all
women. She said choice and self determination is the
foundation of all civil rights. Ms. Jacobsen continued to
discuss her views in support of SB 53.
Number 356
HEATHER MUENCH testified in support of SB 53. She said the
state currently provides health care for low income women
and it is not the state's place to make a so called "world
judgement" on abortion for these low income women. Ms.
Muench said low income women are not any less sexually
responsible than women who can pay for their abortion. An
abortion is a legal health care procedure and the state is
obligated to pay for low income abortions. Ms. Muench urged
support for SB 53.
CHARLES GASS, a twenty-nine year resident of Ketchikan,
spoke in opposition to SB 53. He said he believes the bill
is unnecessary. Mr. Gass said if state money has to be
spent, it should be spent in the direction of education
aimed at preventing unwanted pregnancies. He urged that the
committee view the seven minute video "Hard Truth."
Number 388
VIRGINIA PHILLIPS explained she is a sixty-eight year old
part Tlingit woman. She said she had an abortion and did
suffer post traumatic syndrome. Currently, she is serving
on the Alaska Women's Commission and is the Alaska State
Chapter Chair of the National Republican Coalition for Life.
She said since 1985 she has been the National Right to Life
spokes person for the American Indian and Alaska Native.
Ms. Phillips said she opposes SB 53 and money that belongs
to all Alaskans should not be used to fund elective
procedures for a small elect group of women. The "poor
women" argument only makes sense if the state would also
fund any elective surgery, including cosmetic surgery, for
all Alaskans. Ms. Phillips continued to give reasons she
doesn't support SB 53.
MARY SOLTIS testified against SB 53 for the reason that in
kindergarten she learned it was wrong to kill people.
ALICE JOHNSTONE, representing herself and Sitkans For
Choice, testified in strong support of SB 53. As long as
there are no contraceptives that are 100 percent effective,
unplanned and unwanted pregnancies will occur. Poor women
should not be denied the access to abortions that are
available to other women. Ms. Johnstone respectfully
requested that the committee amend SB 53 to strengthen it
and pass it out of committee with a "do pass"
recommendation.
Number 435
SENATOR RIEGER asked Ms. Clothilde Bahovec to testify from
Sitka. He was informed that she had to leave.
MS. NATASHA CALVIN, representing the Sitka Coalition for
Women's Rights, was next to testify in support of SB 53.
She noted that Ms. Bahovec was going to testify on behalf of
the League of Women Voters in favor of SB 53. She thanked
the HESS Committee for sponsoring the bill. She said the
Governor's Office has admitted that there is no financial
justification for stopping payment for abortions. Ms.
Calvin said it is clearly the religious agenda of the
Catholic Church. The HESS Committee should be researching
ways to provide universal medical coverage for all Alaskans
and a good place to start is to continue funding all health
services for the disadvantaged, especially abortions for
poor women who cannot afford to pay for them.
CHARLES HORAN, Sitkans For Life, said that the issue is an
important issue and allowing further testimony should be
considered. He urged that the committee members watch the
video "Hard Truth." Mr. Horan said his organization doesn't
oppose women's reproductive rights, a women's right to
privacy, and does not oppose equal treatment for all women
regardless of their economic situation. Mr. Horan said
Sitkans For Life are opposed to forcing citizens of the
state to pay for having a human life destroyed. He asked
the committee to consider whether the state has an
obligation to pay for the destruction of human life or if
the state should be guarding the rights of the weakest and
most helpless individuals in our society - the unborn child.
He continued to give testimony against SB 53.
Number 474
ERNEST LINE, Mat-Su Coalition For Choice, concurred with the
testimony of John Lindback. He said the funding of abortion
services would be much less expensive than affording natal
costs and the costs of maintaining unwanted children until
the age of eighteen. Mr. Line said the personal and/or
religious biases of the present administration or any other
administration should not be imposed on the people of the
state. He urged passage of SB 53.
KATIE HURLEY testified in support of SB 53. She said she
concurs with the testimony of John Lindback, Ernest Line,
Natasha Calvin, Sherrie Goll, Laurie Otto and the others who
were supportive of the passage of the bill. She thanked the
committee for hearing her.
Number 506
RANDALL BURNS, Executive Director, Alaska Affiliation of the
American Civil Liberties Union, testified from Anchorage in
support of SB 53. He said his organization is opposed to
the regulation changes that the Hickel Administration has
proposed which would deny any Alaska women on public
assistance the right to terminate their pregnancy. He said
they are opposed as it would be unconstitutional. In the
recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of Planned
Parenthood versus Casey, the court recognized "The ability
of women to participate equally in the economic and social
lives of the nation has been facilitated by their ability to
control their reproductive lives." Mr. Burns explained his
organization plans to bring suit against the state to halt
implementation of the regulations. Action on SB 53 by the
legislature could also avoid significant litigation by the
state. He urged support of SB 53.
DONNA HURDLE, Executive Director, Planned Parents of Alaska,
testified in support of SB 53. She said Alaska has a long
tradition of respecting the right to privacy and women's
decisions about their reproductive health. There is also
the long tradition of nondiscrimination with respect to that
right. She urged the committee to support SB 53. Ms.
Hurdle explained her organizations three clinics serve many
Medicaid eligible women. Some of them have unplanned
pregnancies which if continued, would create severe
hardships for them and their family. Many of them simply
cannot afford the cost of an abortion. She discussed
statistics and survey results relating to the number of
people who support state funding of abortions for poor
women. Ms. Hurdle commended the committee for introducing
SB 53 and urged that it be passed.
TOM SWANNER, testifying from Anchorage, spoke against SB 53.
He said a women's reproductive rights has to do with
ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus. Once she is
pregnant, we are talking about a human that is alive and
ought to be protected. Mr. Swanner discussed situations
relating to delivering a baby and finding a baby in a
dumpster while a police officer.
TAPE 93-3, SIDE B
Number 001
Mr. Swanner urged the committee not to pass SB 53 and to
vote "no" on abortions of any kind.
JOANNE SWANNER, Tom Swanner's wife, also testified against
SB 53. She said in twenty years 100,000 Alaskan babies have
died violent deaths at the hands of abortionists. The idea
that there are safe abortions is a lie. A back alley and a
front alley abortion are exactly the same things. She
explained that abortion is the most dangerous medical
procedure of our time. Ms. Swanner discussed the emotional
trauma following an abortion. The reason Planned Parenthood
is supporting SB 53 is because one of their basic goals is
to eliminate the poor and minority and abortion has proven
to be a method of achieving this goal. Ms. Swanner
indicated we need to stop the funding of abortions in Alaska
and make all killing of babies illegal. She asked that the
committee not pass SB 53.
PAMELA BEILFUSS, testifying against SB 53, said she was
under the impression that during the last election the
state's representatives were going to Juneau with a firm
commitment to cut state spending and to bring the budget
under control. She said she was very upset to find that the
legislators want to reinstate state funding which the
governor is trying to limit. Ms. Beilfuss said she feels
that women who believe that they cannot afford an abortion
need to find private funds for their use or review their
options more closely before the child is conceived. She
discussed the financial difficulties of living in bush
areas.
LORRAINE FERRELL, a mother of two children, explained she is
pro-life. She said she believes that abortion is morally
wrong and it robs a human life. Ms. Ferrell discussed
statistics relating to the state funding of abortions. She
urged that the committee not support SB 53.
LEILA WISE, testifying from Anchorage, said she supports
public funding of abortions for poor women. She said public
funding is an investment in women's lives, in their future
and their family's future. She explained that one out of
four children in the United States lives in poverty. By
allowing women to make their own choices, regardless of
income, can we help in the vicious cycle of poverty to make
sure that all children are treated with dignity, respect and
love. Ms. Wise said she shares Laurie Otto's concern and
encouraged that the committee amend the bill to specifically
continue public funding of abortions for poor women and to
ensure equity.
Number 120
The next person to testify was CAROL NILSON. She requested
the committee to oppose state funding of abortions. She
said as a Christian, she takes her ethical principles from
the Bible. Ms. Nilson read quotes from the Bible. She
urged opposition to SB 53 and similar legislation.
EVELYN FRISK gave testimony in support of SB 53. She said
she believes all reproductive choices should be viewed as
health issues and they are and should be available to all
women in the state. It is time to stop using regulations on
legislation to discriminate and it is time to recognize
women's full personhood rights and values as equal to that
of men.
KRIS GROSE, President of Alaska Right to Life of the
Interior, said her organization remains neutral on SB 53
because they believe the regulations provided nothing to
begin with. She referred to literature before her and said
it states that before Rowe v. Waid, ninety percent of
abortions were performed by licensed physicians. Women
aren't forced into abortion, they choose abortion. She
explained the literature also states that ninety-one percent
of women undergoing abortions do suffer post traumatic
syndrome. The problem with gathering statistical
information is there is no clearinghouse for it. Ms. Grose
continued to discuss her views regarding abortion.
Number 180
SUSAN FLOCKE testified against SB 53. She referred to
people testifying on women's choices and rights, and said
the child has a right to life. She informed committee
members that she worked in an orphanage in Romania and there
were some children that wouldn't have been there if they
hadn't been born during Ceaucescu's time when abortion was
forbidden. Ms. Flocke asked, "Where does the protection for
the children end? Do we have to wait for their first scream
or should they be protected from the point of conception."
Ms. Flocke said a right to abortion in future years lessens
the chances for the children to have a right to life.
SENATOR ELLIS referred to Ms. Flocke's experience in Romania
with the orphanages and asked if she would favor a social
policy in the U.S. to compel women to have children or to
outlaw abortion which was the Ceaucescu policy. Ms. Flocke
said to outlaw abortion doesn't compel women to have
children because there are alternative and preventive ways.
Senator Ellis discussed the Romanian and communist Chinese
policies regarding abortion and said things can get out of
hand when the government has that kind of power over
individuals lives. Ms. Flocke said it should never be a
government issue. She discussed some situations in Romania
of women who lived through the Ceaucescu regime.
PAT DENNY testified in opposition to SB 53. She said the
regulations are not strong enough. She urged the committee
members to review the video. Ms. Denny discussed her
experience of how she testified twenty years ago before the
legislature in the State of Washington regarding the
abortion issue. She noted she has been a social worker for
over forty years.
Number 288
ALESHIA PORTER, testifying in Juneau, informed the committee
she is twenty-three years old. She said she is in the age
and economic bracket that will be most affected by the
legislation. She said she has seen friends and colleagues
who required abortions when necessary. When her friends
couldn't afford abortions, they were fortunate enough to
have friends who leant fiscal support. Many of the women
were in the lower economic brackets and could not support a
child in any form had they continued their pregnancies. Ms.
Porter said her concern is for her friends, herself and the
women without the necessary means to afford an abortion who
must shoulder the overwhelming burden of an unwanted child.
SENATOR LEMAN asked Ms. Porter when an abortion is
necessary. Ms. Porter said in one case an abortion was
necessary when a birth control method was used and failed.
She explained her friend was in no economic position or in
an emotional position to support the children. Senator
Leman said the decision wasn't based on the life/health of
the mother, incest or rape. Ms. Porter said in some cases
it was a health choice, but it was also an economic choice.
Senator Leman and Ms. Porter continued to discuss the
abortion issue.
SENATOR SALO asked Ms. Porter if she believes that there are
advocates for abortion trying to convince people to choose
an abortion. Ms. Porter said she has never seen someone
actively counsel for abortions.
Number 419
DEBORAH LUPER testified against SB 53. She said she hopes
that the committee will hold additional public hearings
because abortion is a divisive issue and the residents of
Alaska deserve time to make their comments. Ms. Luper urged
that the committee watch the video "Hard Truth." She said
that the medical funds that are in the General Medical
Relief Assistance Program are to further the health and well
being of the baby and the mother. Ms. Luper continued to
discuss hardships during her childhood. She indicated that
she had gotten pregnant and chose not to have an abortion.
Every medical person she spoke to advocated abortion and
nobody ever supported her decision to have her child. Ms.
Luper said there are over a million people who apply for
babies, a vast majority never get the chance to adopt a
child. When they do, they have to leave the country. She
explained if the adopted parents are white, they are not
allowed to adopt black babies or allowed to adopt Alaska
native babies without the expressed consent of that racial
group. Ms. Luper said oil revenues belong to the people of
the state and it is wrong to force our citizens to pay for
an act that they believe is morally wrong. She said she
feels that if the pro-abortion faction wants women to have
access to abortion, they need to fund it themselves and not
ask the people of Alaska to do it.
Number 519
CARL STURMAN, testifying from Soldotna, was in opposition to
SB 53. He discussed watching a video entitled "Silent
Scream." Mr. Sturman said abortion has to do with a human
life and that life should be protected at all costs.
CAROLE HOOVER, testifying from Juneau, spoke against SB 53.
She said she doesn't believe that anywhere in the
constitution does it say that women have the right to stop
life.
TAPE 93-4, SIDE A
Number 001
Ms. Hoover discussed a situation where she had a child later
in life and when she recognized that she was pro-life. She
said she worries that the figures for minority native
children are higher than the average. She noted she has a
grandchild that is a minority. Ms. Hoover urged that
children be educated.
Number 092
CHAIRMAN RIEGER indicated that written testimony he receives
will be entered into the committee file as a part record.
SENATOR LEMAN said that it would be inappropriate to move SB
53 as he believes that there were a number of issues raised
and there is testimony that the committee hasn't had an
opportunity to read. He said it would also be appropriate
for the committee to review information off of the video
tape. Senator Leman said he recognizes that of those people
present at the meeting, he probably represents a minority
viewpoint. Nevertheless, it is important that the committee
members receive full information and cast an informed vote.
Senator Leman said if there is a motion to discharge the
bill from committee, he will object for the above mentioned
reasons. He said a lot of people testified and the
preponderance of testimony does not necessarily support the
regulations as written, but the testimony opposes the bill
which would annul the regulations. More needs to be done to
enhance the lives of citizens. There are ways to care more
about them and to provide for them. Providing state funding
for abortions is not the way to do it. Senator Leman said
he is concerned with what he sees as the potential for a
cultural genocide. He believes that Alaska natives are a
targeted group. Both Vice President Gore and President
Clinton have expressed interest in reducing and making
abortion rare. Paying for them with public funds doesn't
help us achieve that goal.
Senator Leman said he believes some better approaches would
be to work toward measures that accomplishes what should be
accomplished such as passing "parental notice" legislation
and information to help make informed decisions. It would
be better for the committee to be doing things that are
positive and constructive than to be taking the present
approach.
Number 173
SENATOR SALO stated that she is appreciative of the
testimony given. She said that what she was impressed with
at the present meeting is that there was some focus on the
things that both sides of the issue have in common rather
than just the differences. She said there was discussion
about education and birth control information and she urged
that those people who testified be involved when the
committees and school districts are developing those health
and education programs. She said they should be there when
information about birth control is made available. She
noted sometimes that has met with problems.
Senator Salo indicated she doesn't believe that Alaskan
Natives are victimized by the availability of abortions,
whether they are publicly or privately funded. The Alaska
Native population as well as others are victimized by
poverty. She said of course they show up on statistics
relating to funded abortions in a greater rate because of
that poverty. An issue Senator Salo said wasn't talked
about in great detail was the right of privacy in regards to
the regulations. Currently, if you were a victim of rape or
incest, whether you were poor or rich you could very quietly
terminate that pregnancy. She said under the proposed
regulations, she assumes a women would have to prove that
the crime had occurred to somebody. That is twice
victimizing the victim of a sexual crime. Senator Salo
stated she is supportive of SB 53 because she is supportive
of equal access and the right of privacy.
Number 217
SENATOR SHARP said he feels that the bill had an extensive
HESS hearing and it is assigned to two other committees
where more testimony can be taken. He said he believes that
there will be considerable input in the future. Senator
Sharp said the committee should consider giving other
legislators a chance to make a decision on the matter. He
asked the chairman what his intentions are as far as a
motion to pass the bill out of committee.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER asked what the pleasure of the committee
was.
SENATOR SHARP made a motion to move the bill out of the
Senate HESS Committee with individual recommendations.
SENATOR LEMAN objected. He said he does see a
representative from the Department of Health and Social
Services who may be able to answer Senator Salo's question
relating to what the procedure would be for a victim of rape
and incest.
Number 260
ELMER LINDSTROM, Special Assistant, said he would hesitate
to give a definitive answer on the question although it
would be his reading that Senator Salo is right that a
therapeutic abortion would be allowed to be paid for with
state funds. There would have to be a determination of the
basis of why it would be therapeutic. Mr. Lindstrom said it
would be a matter between the individual and, in all
likelihood, the physician. That is subject to the
confidentiality that exists between a physician and a
patient.
Senator Leman said Mr. Lindstrom's response doesn't trouble
him because he doesn't believe that it is any different from
any other process in a patient - medical provider
relationship. If the claim of rape or incest is made, there
may be others involved in the reporting. It would have to
be reported to the law enforcement agencies which he
believes would be totally appropriate. He said he doesn't
think the victim would be twice victimized.
CHAIRMAN RIEGER formally closed the public hearing. There
being no further discussion, a roll call was taken on
Senator Sharp's motion to move the bill out of the Senate
HESS Committee. Senator Leman voted "no," and Senators
Rieger, Sharp, Duncan, Ellis and Salo voted "yes." Chairman
Rieger noted that Senator Miller's absence was excused. So
the motion passed with a vote of five to one, one excused.
Number 295
Chairman Rieger adjourned the Senate HESS Committee meeting
at 5:07 p.m.
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