For Marylanders who think the War on Women is this out-of-state sort of thing, and no Maryland legislator would try to pass laws restricting a woman's reproductive rights, they may want to think again.
During the past State of Maryland legislative session, the following bills were propsed that would restrict womens' right to health care should they have passed. Fortunately they didn't, but that doesn't mean these legislators (all men) won't stop trying in the future.
House Bill 967 - Pregnancy Outcomes - Confidential Statistical Reporting Requirements
Bill sponsors: Steven DeBoy, John Donoghue, Donald Elliott, Wade Kach, John Wood
Senate Bill 427 - Pregnancy Outcomes - Confidential Statistical Reporting Requirements
Bill sponsor: Bryan Simonaire
These bills would require abortion providers report information about each abortion to the state.
According to Planned Parenthood Maryland: these measures would create significant concerns about confidentiality for women seeking abortion services, and their providers.
Senate Bill 583 - Health - Medical Procedures - Ultrasound Options
Sponsor: Bryan Simonaire
This bill requires physicians to offer to show an ultrasound, if performed, to a woman prior to an abortion.
According to Planned Parenthood Maryland: clinical protocols should not be legislated, particularly when the intent is to intimidate women.
Senate Bill 590 - Maryland Health Benefit Exchange - Abortion Coverage – Prohibition
Bill sponsors: James DeGrange, Roy Dyson, Barry Glassman, Douglas Peters, Norman Stone
Prohibits insurers from providing abortion coverage on the State Health Benefit Exchange.
Accoding to Planned Parenthood Maryland: this measure wouldcreate barriers to women seeking the full range of reproductive health services and would prohibit individuals or employers from using their own funds to purchase abortion coverage.
Fortunately, none of this legislation passed, but it wasn't for lack of trying.
So when voting, keep in mind the following Maryland legislators wanted our state to join in on the War on Women.
House of Representatives:
Steven DeBoy (D), District 12A (Baltimore/Howard Counties)
John Donoghue (D) Distict 2C (Washington County)
Donald Elliott (R), District 4B (Carroll/Frederick Counties)
Wade Kach (R), District 5B (Baltimore County)
John Wood (R), District 29A (St. Mary's/Charles Counties)
State Senate:
James DeGrange (R), Anne Arundel County
Roy Dyson (D), Calvert, Charles, St. Mary's Counties
Barry Glassman (R), Harford County
Douglas Peters (D), Prince George's County
Bryan Simonaire (R), Anne Arundel Co.
Norman Stone (D), Baltimore County
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