Statement on Sexual Assault Awareness Resolution

ANCHORAGE — This week, the House Rules Committee passed SCR 2, proclaiming April as Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a resolution aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault and child abuse. Representative David Eastman (R-Wasilla) attached an amendment to the resolution outlining abortion as “the ultimate form of child abuse.” In an interview with the AP, Rep. Eastman made the following despicable comment, “…we have folks who want to carry their baby past the point of being able to have an abortion in this state so that they can have a free trip to Seattle.”

In response, Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii issued this statement from Alyson Currey, Alaska Regional Field Organizer and Legislative Liaison:

“What has been illustrated here in Alaska, is exactly why politicians should not be involved in private medical decisions. This amendment is an insult to women and children and only serves one purpose: to shame women who choose abortion. Sexual assault survivors deserve compassionate, comprehensive health care, not judgment and stigma from politicians. Comments like these show a complete lack of understanding and respect for women and children and sexual assault and abuse survivors. Women deserve better leadership from our elected officials.”