According to AP News, the room where the public hearing was taking place was packed to the maximum while a long line of people waiting to access the hearing made its way down the hallway.
Dozens of people attended the hearing to testify, while dozens more submitted written testimony with supporters for and against provisions addressing abortion and gender-affirming care.
March 26, 2023
Democratic House Speaker Dan Rayfield testified, “Someone I know and love, someone you know and love, may need an abortion or gender-affirming care someday.” “People should have the right to make their own decisions on their own health care with medical professionals, without fear of them.”
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With the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year by the Supreme Court, more states are making the move to outlaw abortion. The bill puts forth a series of measures, which includes protecting patients and providers from civil and criminal liability, allowing civil action against a public body that has interfered with a person’s reproductive health rights, and putting limitations on medical licensing boards regarding the granting of a license.
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An area of the bill getting a lot of attention involves minors. The legislation allows doctors to provide “to any person without regard to the age” reproductive health care information and services. Abortion would be included. In most cases, the doctors would not be required to disclose anything they have provided to the minor’s parents.
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On one side, Senator Kate Lieber, one of the bill’s sponsors, said, “LGBTQ youth, in particular, have a very high rate of suicide.” “It is really important to listen to the children who are telling us what they’re feeling and how they are being in this world.”
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Representative Emily McIntire testified in the opposing corner, “One of the most beautiful relationships in the universe is a parent to a child.” “This bill goes to the very core of a family unit.”
Gender-affirming care is also part of the proposed legislation requiring private insurance companies to cover the care when deemed medically necessary.
Further discussions by lawmakers about the bill and any proposed amendments will continue next week during a House Committee session on Behavioral Health and Health Care.
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