Planned Parenthood Northern New England ® Action Center

UPDATE-Wednesday, June 1st

The Introduction of the Anti-Choice Smith Bill

What is the Smith Bill?
The Smith bill, or H.R. 3, was introduced in Congress by U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ), and represents an unprecedented attempt to take away comprehensive private health insurance coverage from American women by imposing new taxes on small businesses and individuals.

What is the impact of the Smith Bill on women’s health?
The Smith bill is dangerous to women’s heath because it will take away the private health insurance benefits women currently have.  The Smith bill would most likely cause insurers to stop covering abortion, forcing women who need abortions due to severe health conditions to either risk their health or risk bankruptcy.

To learn more on the Smith Bill click here!

TAKE ACTION and voice your opposition!

1) Contact your senator and tell him or her to vote “NO” on the Smith Bill and any cuts to funding towards women’s health!

Maine
Senator Olympia Snowe (207) 874-0883
Senator Susan Collins (207) 780-3575

New Hampshire
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (603) 647-7500
Senator Kelly Ayotte (603) 622-7979

Vermont
Senator Patrick Leahy  (802) 229-0569
Senator Bernie Sanders (802) 862-0697

2) Write a letter to the editor expressing your support for Planned Parenthood!

In the News:

Vermont
The health care reform bill has been signed into Vermont law!
On  Thursday, May 26, Governor Peter Shumlin addressed a crowd of more than 200 people gathered to witness the historic signing of a bill that will commence the building of a single-payer health care system in Vermont.  Planned Parenthood of Northern New England was there to voice our support as Vermont became the first state to initiate a health care system that covers all residents.

Maine
Boston Globe: 3 abortion bills face committee reviews in Maine
Augusta, Maine – Three bills that would add new restrictions on abortion in Maine face legislative committee reviews.

New Hampshire
Parental Notification bill heads to Governor’s desk
The Senate has handed over a bill to Gov. John Lynch that requires girls under 18 to notify their parents or a judge at least 48 hours before having an abortion. Republican Senator Fenton Groen said the bill “recognizes and protects parental rights and responsibilities,” but the reproductive rights and choices of women are undermined with the parental notification bill,  and their health put at risk.
Planned Parenthood of Northern New England senior policy adviser Jennifer Frizzell plans to meet with Gov. Lynch to discuss his plans for the bill, which he opposes and which may still contain legal flaws.