Latest news with #ReproductiveFreedomforAll
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Missouri Supreme Court Halts Abortion Access, Defying Will Of The Voters
The Missouri Supreme Court has halted abortion access in the state for now, upending a constitutional amendment that voters put in place last year and delivering a 'devastating' setback for patients in need of immediate abortion care, reproductive rights advocates say. The state's highest court ruled Tuesday that a district judge must vacate her two recent rulings issuing preliminary injunctions protecting abortion rights, which were reinstated by voters last November following a 2022 ban in the wake of the fall of Roe v. Wade. 'This latest attack by the Missouri Supreme Court is unconstitutional, unconscionable, and downright dirty politics,' Mini Timmaraju, the president of Reproductive Freedom for All, said in reacting to the ruling. 'It is devastating for people across the country to know that even if they organize, vote, and pass measures to protect their reproductive care, extreme GOP actors will still try to take away our constitutional rights.' The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling hinges on its conclusion that District Judge Jerri Zhang used the wrong standard to make her decisions. When she determined in December that the state's near-total abortion ban was unenforceable, then in February struck down licensing requirements and regulations for abortion clinics, calling them 'unnecessary' and 'discriminatory,' she concluded that abortion rights advocates were likely to prevail in their larger, ongoing battle with the state over abortion access. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled this week that Zhang should have first considered whether allowing abortions to continue would cause any harms. The decision gives Zhang the chance to revisit the cases and reissue her rulings. But for now, patients in need of abortions in Missouri will have to leave the state for care. 'This decision puts our state back under a de facto abortion ban and is devastating for Missourians and the providers they trust with their personal health care decisions,' Emily Wales and Margot Riphagen, the presidents of Planned Parenthood's Great Plains and Great Rivers branches, respectively, said in a joint statement. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey celebrated the ruling, calling it a 'win for women and children.' Bailey was able to challenge Zhang's rulings because of the state's newly passed Senate Bill 22, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center noted in a press release last week. The legislation allows the Missouri attorney general to appeal preliminary injunctions that block his office from enforcing an existing law. Tuesday's ruling is the latest development in Missouri's ongoing legal battle over abortion. In November, it became the first state where voters used a ballot measure to overturn an existing, sweeping abortion ban ― triggering legal challenges from the state's Republican-controlled government. And earlier this month, state Republicans passed a referendum to put abortion back on the ballot. The proposed amendment will likely appear before voters in November 2026, though it's possible Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe could call for a special election sooner. RFK Jr. Says He's Exploring A Crackdown On This Perfectly Safe Medication 2 Of Trump's Court Picks Argued Abortion Pill 'Starves The Baby To Death' In Womb Georgia Abortion Law Forces Brain-Dead Woman To Stay On Life Support For Months
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Judge strikes down abortion waiting period in Michigan
A Michigan judge on Tuesday overturned a law requiring a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be administered in the state. Judge Sima Patel ruled that the law conflicted with an amendment Michigan voters passed in 2022 enshrining abortion rights into the state's Constitution. The waiting period existed in Michigan for years, but Patel temporarily blocked it last year, arguing that it 'exacerbates the burdens that patients experience seeking abortion care,' according to The Associated Press. Michigan abortion providers sued last year to overturn the 24-hour waiting period for patients and to scrap the informed consent law, as well as a law that barred advanced practice clinicians from providing abortions. Patel, a Court of Claims judge, also reversed a part of the law that required abortion providers to give patients fetal development charts and information on alternatives to abortions, arguing that it also violates the Reproductive Freedom for All constitutional amendment. She also paused a section of the law that excluded nurses, nurse midwives and physician assistants from providing abortion care. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she was 'overjoyed' by the judge's decision to overturn the waiting period and informed consent requirements. 'For years, Michiganders have faced obstacles when seeking reproductive care. From a 24-hour waiting period before accessing abortion to a ban on advanced practice clinicians providing care, these rules have put politicians between a woman and her doctor,' Whitmer wrote in a post on social platform X. 'I'm overjoyed to say that the Michigan Court of Claims has seen these restrictive provisions for what they are: an unconstitutional overreach that infringes on our constitutional right to make our own reproductive health decisions,' she added. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups in the state admonished Patel for her ruling, arguing that it poses an 'immediate threat' to women's health across the state. 'Abortion is the only medical procedure of its kind in which the patient now is expected to go in blind,' Amber Roseboom, president of the Right to Life of Michigan, wrote in a statement. 'There is no question that women are at greater risk when they enter an abortion clinic in Michigan today than they were even a few years ago,' the group added. The risk of complications from an abortion remains extremely low. Research shows that about 2 percent of abortions involve some type of complication. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Judge strikes down abortion waiting period in Michigan
A Michigan judge on Tuesday overturned a law requiring a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be administered in the state. Judge Sima Patel ruled that the law conflicted with an amendment Michigan voters passed in 2022 enshrining abortion rights into the state's Constitution. The waiting period existed in Michigan for years, but Patel temporarily blocked it last year, arguing that it 'exacerbates the burdens that patients experience seeking abortion care,' according to The Associated Press. Michigan abortion providers sued last year to overturn the 24-hour waiting period for patients and to scrap the informed consent law, as well as a law that barred advanced practice clinicians from providing abortions. Patel, a Court of Claims judge, also reversed a part of the law that required abortion providers to give patients fetal development charts and information on alternatives to abortions, arguing that it also violates the Reproductive Freedom for All constitutional amendment. She also paused a section of the law that excluded nurses, nurse midwives and physician assistants from providing abortion care. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) said she was 'overjoyed' over the judge's decision to overturn the waiting period and informed consent requirements. 'For years, Michiganders have faced obstacles when seeking reproductive care. From a 24-hour waiting period before accessing abortion to a ban on advanced practice clinicians providing care, these rules have put politicians between a woman and her doctor,' Witmer wrote in a post on social platform X. 'I'm overjoyed to say that the Michigan Court of Claims has seen these restrictive provisions for what they are: an unconstitutional overreach that infringes on our constitutional right to make our own reproductive health decisions,' she added. Meanwhile, anti-abortion groups in the state admonished Patel for her ruling, arguing that it poses an 'immediate threat' to women's health across the state. 'Abortion is the only medical procedure of its kind in which the patient now is expected to go in blind,' Amber Roseboom, president of the Right to Life of Michigan, wrote in a statement. 'There is no question that women are at greater risk when they enter an abortion clinic in Michigan today than they were even a few years ago,' the group added. The risk of complications from an abortion remains extremely low. Research shows that about 2 percent of abortions involve some type of complication.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
10 things to know about today's ‘Hands Off' protest at Hawaiʻi's State Capitol
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Today, Saturday, April 5, is host to a nationwide protest called 'Hands Off'. It is taking place in all 50 states and aims to defend democracy, personal freedoms and climate justice. This movement is being organized by progressive groups like Third Act and Reproductive Freedom for All, with support from leaders like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders. Organizers indicated that the marches are a direct response to POTUS and his sidekick who are seen as undermining democratic values and personal freedoms. The protests are focused on opposing political and corporate efforts that limit rights. Those include healthcare, wages and safety. Activists are pushing back against policies that benefit the wealthy while stripping away protections for everyday people. More than 1,000 events are scheduled across the United States from rallies and marches to teach-ins and digital actions. The protests will span major cities from Washington, Honolulu and is including smaller towns and college campuses across the country. The rally is taking place at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol at 415 S. Beretania Street. The rally begins at 12 p.m. and goes to 2 p.m. Bring your signs and be ready to network. It's a mass mobilization with the expectation of millions participating. The message is resistance not local attorneys are cautioning to keep the march civil since POTUS does have the power to declare martial law nationwide and send National Guard troops into cities. You have the right to remain silent; simply say, 'I am exercising my right to remain silent and want a lawyer.'. Ask, 'Am I being detained or am I free to go?' If you are not detained, then you can leave. Write a legal support hotline on your arm in permanent marker. Pack essentials like water, snacks, phone with passcode, external battery, mask, emergency contacts and cash. Avoid weapons, illegal items or anything you don't want police to see or confiscate. Stay with your group, remain peaceful and avoid engaging with agitators or counter-protesters. You have the right to film police but must not interfere. If arrested, don't resist. Only provide your name and birthdate; then, wait for a lawyer. Disable Face ID and fingerprint unlock and use a strong passcode. Use encrypted apps like Signal for messaging. During tense moments, consider airplane mode and back up or live stream important footage. Familiarize yourself with local legal hotlines and mutual aid networks by searching 'Honolulu Mutual Aid'. National organizations like National Lawyers Guild (NLG) and ACLU provide legal support and know-your-rights guides. Plan ahead for transportation or accessibility needs. Even peaceful protests can lead to police in riot gear, surveillance and unexpected aggression. Stay calm. Your body language and tone are important. Don't argue or run; keep your hands visible. Filming is legal but prioritize your safety while doing so. Attend the march with a trusted companion and have a plan in case you're separated. Share your locations, set meet-up spots if the crowd shifts and check in with each other before and after the event. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Blink rapidly and rinse with water or saline. If possible, wear glasses instead of contacts. Bring a bandana or cloth to cover your face if necessary. Wear neutral colors without logos or slogans and cover any identifying tattoos or features to protect your identity in photos and footage. Avoid flashy items or jewelry, and dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes or alter your appearance if needed. While posting raises awareness, it can also reveal identities or locations. Blur faces in protest photos, avoid sharing your location in real-time and use private stories or encrypted channels for sharing sensitive content to maintain privacy. This information came from the NLG. You can click to read more. You can click to read more about the nationwide protests, including information on the protest in Honolulu. The following information was provided to by Salmah Y. Rizvi who is the Executive Director for ACLU of Hawai'i (ACLU-HI). Unfortunately, due to current staffing limitations, ACLU-HI is unable to serve as 'Legal Observers' at this march. However, ACLU-HI empowers citizens to serve as legal observers and their Board Director provides training to become a Legal Observe. Click to find out more. There is even training specifically for the Hands-Off marches. Click to learn more. Under the First Amendment, your free speech and protest rights are strongest in what are known as 'traditional public forums,' such as streets, sidewalks and parks. Counterprotesters also have free speech rights. Police must treat protesters and counterprotesters equally. Police are permitted to keep antagonistic groups separated but should allow them to be within sight and sound of one another. When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. If you are stopped by police while protesting, stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don't argue, resist or obstruct the police, even if you believe they are violating your rights. Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else's activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions. Ask the police officer if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away. If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don't say anything or sign anything without a lawyer. You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you're calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen. You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court. Police may 'pat down' your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest. Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations. When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers' badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for. Get contact information for witnesses. Take photographs of any injuries. Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint. Shutting down a protest through a dispersal order must be law enforcement's last resort. Police may not break up a gathering unless there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, interference with traffic or other immediate threat to public safety. If officers issue a dispersal order, they must provide a reasonable opportunity to comply, including sufficient time and a clear, unobstructed exit path. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Individuals must receive clear and detailed notice of a dispersal order, including how much time they have to disperse, the consequences of failing to disperse and what clear exit route they can follow, before they may be arrested or charged with any crime. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘I cannot believe he did that': Nicolle Wallace reacts to GOP Senator calling fired worker a clown
Basil Smikle, Democratic Strategist and Columbia University Professor, Everett Kelly, President, American Federation of Government Employees and Mini Timmaraju, President of Reproductive Freedom for All join Nicolle Wallace on Deadline White House with reaction to the mass layoffs at Health and Human Services and the cruelty of Republicans when it comes to these firings with a new video showing Republican Senator from Indiana Jim Banks calling one fired worker a clown.
