FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan. 25, 1996

Lowry stands firm on woman's right to choose

OLYMPIA--Gov. Mike Lowry today voiced serious concerns over inroads that threaten women's rights to choose safe, legal abortions in Washington.

"This emerging threat to a woman's constitutional right to privacy and choice is extremely dangerous," Lowry said today in a press conference. "We must be vigilant in our efforts to keep government out of such a personal decision."

Lowry was joined by members of Pro-Choice Washington organizations who echoed the governor's sentiments and outlined bills currently in the Legislature.

Lisa Stone, director of the Northwest Women's Law Center, and Roberta Riley, co-chair of the Women's Health Care Coalition, offered outlines of the following bills:

• HB 2265, parental notification on abortion.
• HB 2299, ban on state funding of abortion for women, except in cases of medical emergency, rape or incest. Funding is preserved for low-income women.
• HB 2442, parental consent for sexually transmitted disease testing or treatment and invasive medical procedures.
• HB 2475, requires determination of paternity to receive state funding for abortion.
• HB 2524, bans and/or restricts late-term abortions and D&X procedures.
• HB 2666, allows employers to decline to provide benefits that cover abortions.
• HB 2678, requires that abortions be performed in hospitals and requires data collection.
• HB 2679, allows employers to refuse to provide medical, disability or sick leave benefits covering abortion.
• HB 2759, limits public funding for abortions.
• SHB 2217, parental notification for chemical dependency/mental health treatment.
• SB 6365, school district personnel must notify parents before referring minors to a treatment program or provider, or a mental health professional.
• HB 2216, parents may deny their children sex and AIDS education.

Theresa Connor, director of governmental relations for Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Washington, spoke about two bills that provide insurance coverage for family planning.

"Washington must remain a state that supports a woman's right to choose," Lowry said.

For more information, contact the Governor's Communications Office at 360-753-6790.