Political Updates
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NARAL P.O. Box 279 |
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Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Laszloffy (R-Laurel)
There were several drafting and logistical problems with this bill. It only gathered data from a very small set of victims: sexual assault victims who become pregnant and choose to have an abortion. As a result, it would not assist in gathering comprehensive data around the incidence of rape and incest. It could in fact lead to misleading data if only one group of victims was being strictly monitored under reporting requirements.
The bill also unnecessarily targeted abortion providers, rather than all mandatory reporters. Montana NARAL did not testify because while we support data collection around sexual assault, we recognized this bill was intended to put clinics under a microscope. We talked to the committee members about the necessary changes needed to make the bill effective. The committee tabled the bill.
This bill was tabled in committee and never came to a floor vote.
Why NARAL Pro-Choice Montana was against HB 729: Gregg Trude of Montana Right to Life asked Rep. Laszloffy to bring this bill forward claiming that clinics are not required to report incest and rape. It was revealed that this is not true. Anti-choice groups clearly wanted to put abortion clinics under a microscope with these unnecessary regulations.
If we really want to understand the scope of the problems of incest and sexual assault, we need to ensure that all mandatory reporters are sending data to Child Protective Services and DPHHS. This would include any healthcare professional, clergy, or people in the criminal justice system under current law.
Talking Points:
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