Dear Ambassador:
We knew 2023 was going to be a tough legislative session for reproductive rights. And it was.
As the final hours of this year’s session wind down, now is the time to remind our communities that abortion is STILL legal, safe, and available in Utah up to 18 weeks. Despite the worst that some members of the Utah legislature could do, Planned Parenthood’s doors are still open—and we will keep them open to provide compassionate, non-judgmental health care and information no matter what.
Here’s what happened during the final days of the session.
H.B. 467 - Abortion Changes
Rep, Karianne Lisonbee
On Thursday afternoon, the Senate passed H.B. 467 after Senate Democrats tried and failed to make positive changes to the bill. Their amendments, however, illuminated the harmful and cruel impacts of this legislation, which would end abortion access at Utah clinics by May 3.
- Senator Escamilla wanted to ensure that hospitals—the only health care facilities HB 467 will allow to provide abortions—can’t turn away patients seeking this care.
- Senator Riebe wanted to allow children under 16 years to receive an abortion without reporting their rape or incest to law enforcement.
- Senator Plumb wanted to add threats to mental health to the abortion exceptions allowed by Utah’s trigger ban.
But to each of these commonsense amendments, the Republican majority loudly said no. Please reach out and thank each of these powerful Senators for speaking up!
You can also read this KSL article for an excellent recap of the Senate floor debate and coverage of our press conference on HB 467 that took place the day before.
After a quick vote by the House on Friday morning to concur with minor Senate changes, H.B. 467 was transferred to Gov. Spencer Cox, where it currently awaits his consideration.
CALL TO ACTION: Contact Gov. Cox and urge him to VETO HB 467 because the majority of Utahns do not support additional abortion restrictions. Tell Gov. Cox to Veto HB 467! (We are supporting the ACLU's veto campaign to add collective power).
Now for some good news.
After several years, lawmakers finally passed postpartum Medicaid expansion and increased the availability of family planning resources. Championed by Rep. Rosemary Lesser, a retired Obstetrician Gynecologist from Ogden, these policies were added to SB 133, which narrowly passed the House on Wednesday morning. These two policies will provide long-term, reliable health coverage to thousands of Utah families in the near future.
Other powerful pro-active bills that passed this year include HB 415, which extends doula coverage and birth center access to state employees, and HB 477 that funds all-day kindergarten statewide.
Finally, because we know this Legislative Session was traumatic for many who care about protecting reproductive rights, we are holding a community event later this month to address what lies ahead. See the event details below.
The Future of Abortion Access in Utah
Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Location: Sorenson Unity Center Black Box Theater
1383 S 900 W SLC, UT 84104
Join us for a panel of experts & community conversation about what we know, what we're still doing, and how we can work together for the future of abortion access in Utah.
See the graphics at the bottom of this email.
Spanish translation will be available.
Masks encouraged.
We hope to see you there.
As always, Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah is committed to protecting access to abortion care and ensuring the people of Utah can get the essential health care they need.
A full legislative recap will be available next week.
This fight is far from over.
In this together,
PPAC Public Affairs Team
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