Anti-Choice Policy-Makers Make Gains at the Local Level
Recent anti-choice efforts throughout Indiana have resulted in several local regulations that seriously infringe on a woman’s access to safe and legal abortion care. Two counties have passed regulations that require doctors who provide abortions to establish “admitting privileges,” or formal relationships, with their local hospitals; another county is currently considering a similar ordinance. Neither of these counties currently has abortion providers. A spokesman for Indiana Right to Life confirmed that these ordinances were part of a new anti-choice strategy. Increasingly, these pernicious efforts to restrict rights and access are happening at the local level, reinforcing the urgent need for pro-choice advocates to also use the local level to push forward our own agendas. The Urban Initiative for Reproductive Health is working with local elected officials and public health leaders who are committed to progressive action to ensure and increase access to health care and protect reproductive rights. For examples of local pro-choice efforts, check out the materials from our 2008 National Summit, which featured innovative local strategies to improve reproductive health and reduce barriers to accessing critical health care.
By Emily Alexander