WASHINGTON, D.C. (02-23-12) – Americans United for Life President and CEO Dr. Charmaine Yoest announced the pre-release of AUL’s package of strategic, legislative initiatives designed to form the “frontlines of pro-life advances, continuing the momentum of 2011.” AUL serves the community of pro-life lawmakers through the annual release of Defending Life, a guidebook of model legislation, the 7th edition of which will be released in March.
For the first time, AUL is releasing “an advance look at AUL’s strategic initiatives because the time is right for building on a foundation of success,” said Dr. Yoest. “Last year we saw unprecedented levels of pro-life activity in state legislatures across the country. This is the next step forward. We are already seeing intense debate centering on defunding the abortion industry and protecting Americans’ conscience rights. AUL’s model legislation provides the tools to address these challenges effectively and pursue defending life in law.”
Dr. Yoest noted that during the 2011 state legislative session, at least 86 bills were introduced in 32 states that were based on AUL’s model language and on which AUL consulted and advised. “The passage of 28 pieces of pro-life legislation based on AUL’s models was a significant pro-life victory, and represents increasing strength in the pro-life movement,” said Dr. Yoest.
Specifically, this special pre-release highlights seven pieces of model legislation developed by AUL experts that address key legal and policy issues intended to impact life and legislative trends in 2012.
“Many of these initiatives simultaneously lay the groundwork necessary for the ultimate reversal of Roe v. Wade, while also eliminating taxpayer funding of abortion providers and protecting women and girls from the harms inherent in abortion, including the increasingly predatory practices of the scandal-ridden abortion industry,” said Dr. Yoest.
Key Components of the Strategic Pre-Release:
Eliminating Funding of Abortion and Abortion Providers
Includes the “Defunding the Abortion Industry and Advancing Women’s Health Act of 2012” and the “Abortion Mandate Opt-Out Act.”
Protecting Women and Girls from Harms of Abortion and a Predatory Abortion Industry
Includes the “Women’s Health Defense Act, ” the “Abortion-Inducing Drugs Safety Act, ” the “Parental Consent Act,” and the “Abortion Patients’ Enhanced Safety Act.”
Protecting the First Amendment Rights of Conscience for All Americans
Includes the “Health Care Freedom of Conscience Act” combating the First Amendment violations pending in requiring all to comply with the abortion mandate and the abortion-inducing drug mandate in pending Healthcare law.
For more on the legislation or to request a copy, click here.
