State Legislatures Continue Efforts to Protect Women from Negative Effects of Abortion

Chicago, Illinois -- Americans United for Life (AUL) today released their 2008 State Legislative Session Report.  This year's Report confirms the trend in state legislatures of continuing, successful efforts to protect women from the increasingly well-documented negative consequences of abortion.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President and CEO of Americans United for Life, said: "While states continue to pass the kind of protective measures that a majority of Americans support, abortion supporters continue to ignore the tremendous evidence that abortion hurts women."

Denise Burke, AUL Vice President & Legal Director said: "We are seeing more and more legislation designed to protect women from the negative consequences of abortion.  Examples include comprehensive informed consent requirements, stronger parental involvement provisions, and requirements that women be offered the opportunity to view an ultrasound before abortion."

In 2008, 45 states considered nearly 450 measures related to abortion, a 12% increase from 2007 activity levels.  Among this year's pro-life victories were:

• An omnibus measure in Oklahoma, requiring a woman undergo an ultrasound prior to an abortion, regulating the provision of RU-486, prohibiting coerced abortions, and protecting the rights of conscience of healthcare providers who decline to participate in abortions.
• New laws in Ohio, South Carolina, and South Dakota requiring that abortion providers offer a woman the opportunity to view an ultrasound prior to an abortion.
• Legislatures in Colorado, Maryland, and Michigan continuing to limit the use of taxpayer funding for abortions and abortion counseling.
• Idaho lawmakers strengthening the state's informed consent law and prohibiting coerced abortions.
• Meaningful funding of alternatives to abortion in Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania.

The complete AUL 2008 State Legislative Session Report is available at
http://www.aul.org/2008_State_Sessions