General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsTennessee Bill May Expose Identities Of Women Seeking Abortions
Source: Think Progress
Tennessee lawmakers will consider a controversial measure on Wednesday that could intimidate women seeking abortions by requiring that the names of doctors who perform the procedures be published online. The legislation, known as the Life Defense Act of 2012 or House Bill 3808, would restrict access to the procedure in two ways:
<snip>
But the measure goes beyond existing reporting requirements and could undermine womens right to privacy by allowing opponents to identify harass and intimidate patients who undergo the procedure.
The states Department of Health already reports information on the age, race, education, and number of children of women who receive abortions, and aggregates the data by region, making it impossible for others to figure out who underwent an abortion procedure. This bill, however, would require the department to release patient data broken down by county and could reveal the identities of some women who receive abortions, particularly in small, rural communities. I think in some small communities that woman would be identified, State Rep. Gary Odom (D) warned when a subcommittee advanced the measure earlier this month. I think that by publicizing this, it would have serious consequences. We know what has happened to physicians who perform abortions that there has been violence. There could be violence against the women. This is a dangerous piece of legislation. I think this is full of meanness.
Abortion providers could also be at risk, as abortion foes would now have a comprehensive list of the names of the doctors who perform the procedure. In an environment where doctors are victims of violence and weve had physicians who provide abortion care murdered in the past few years I think this is an attempt to intimidate and allow for providers to be terrorized, said Jeff Teague, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/03/19/446875/tennessee-bill-may-expose-identities-of-women-seeking-abortions/
(emphasis mine)
get the red out
(13,466 posts)For wome to think of what the wonderful religious people of her community might do to her and/or her family if she seeks to exercise her right to choose.
We're moving closer to public witch burnings every day and the Christo-Taliban rides on.....
Kalidurga
(14,177 posts)the stoning of teh gays on Wednsdays. Really weird how Republicans want to interfer in relationships that are unlikely to result in an unplanned pregnancy.
get the red out
(13,466 posts)ProfessionalLeftist
(4,982 posts)Lint Head
(15,064 posts)It's going to be a long hot summer.
felix_numinous
(5,198 posts)without a fight.
mackattack
(344 posts)I mean seriously, no way this should stand
HockeyMom
(14,337 posts)I worked with both children and adults with disabilities. NOBODY had a right to see their IEP's or Medical Records unless they had a right to know; as in staff that worked face to face with them.
Publishing medical records to the general public, who have no need or right to know, is outright illegal under HIPPA. This also includes your EMPLOYER who has no right to know if you are using contraceptives, for WHATEVER reason. Doctor patient privilege, and HIPPA regulations.
These stupid, and ILLEGAL, laws will, and SHOULD, go straight to the courts.
MichiganVote
(21,086 posts)MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)Let the games begin!
superpatriotman
(6,249 posts)A little stigma goes a long way.
How about posting their names and faces all over?
MrScorpio
(73,631 posts)catbyte
(34,386 posts)I'm so angry this is the only smilie that will do.
Diane
Anishinaabe in MI & mom to Leo, Sophie, Taz & Nigel, members of Dogs Against Romney, Cat Division
"We ride inside--HISS!
Downwinder
(12,869 posts)cry baby
(6,682 posts)for Wednesday - committee meets at 11:00 am. This issue is 10th on the agenda for that day, which means it might get rolled.
The room that this committee meeting will take place is HHR16.
It's quite a drive for me so I think I'm gonna save the trip for when it comes to the floor, but I posted this info just in case anyone else is reading this from Tn and would like to go.
littlemissmartypants
(22,656 posts)This is sooooo wrong on so many levels on infinite dimensions. I am sick of them and every single idea they ever had.
Love, Peace and the Righteous Fight. Lmsp