Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report Highlights Women's Health Policy Issues Related To 2006 Elections

The following highlights recent election-related news on women's health issues.

• Oregon: Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative that would require physicians to notify by certified mail a parent or guardian at least 48 hours before performing an abortion on a minor ages 15 to 17 on Thursday submitted 115,845 signatures to the Secretary of State's office, the AP/OregonLive.com reports (Silverman, AP/OregonLive.com, 7/6). Under the proposed notification initiative, which is sponsored by Oregon Right to Life, minors would be exempt from the measure if their life or health is at risk, and physicians who refuse to comply with the notification requirement would face civil penalties (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 2/13). The initiative also would allow for judicial bypass in cases of potential abuse. ORTL needed to collect 75,630 valid signatures by July 7 to put the initiative on the November ballot (Johnson, KATU2 News, 7/6). The Secretary of State's office has 30 days to verify the signatures (AP/OregonLive.com, 7/6).
  


• Tennessee: Rep. Harold Ford (D), who is running for U.S. Senate, on Wednesday, during an interview with the Chattanooga Times Free Press, said he is "pro-life" but supports upholding the "law of the land," the Free Press reports. During the interview, Ford said that he opposes so-called "partial-birth" abortion and litmus tests for choosing judicial nominees but said he supports parental notification before a minor undergoes an abortion. In addition, Ford said he supports programs aimed at preventing unintended pregnancies. Ford during the interview also said he supports the "95-10 Initiative." The program would provide funding for "pregnancy prevention education" and offer services -- including counseling, adoption tax credits and day care -- to pregnant women, according to the Ford campaign (Davis, Chattanooga Times Free Press, 7/6).

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