Quick News Roundup: 01/13/11
Domestic News: A pharmacist in Idaho is under fire by Planned Parenthood for refusing to fill a prescription for methergine. The drug is used to prevent bleeding after childbirth or after an abortion. Planned Parenthood contacted the pharmacist about the prescription, who asked if it was for woman who had an abortion. When the person from Planned Parenthood refused to respond, the pharmacist said they would not fill it if the prescription had anything to do with an abortion. Pro-life Maryland legislators are looking to limit late term abortions. Maryland has some of the least stringent laws on abortion in the United States. In 1992, voters approved a measure to legalize later term abortions when the mother’s life is in jeopardy or for fetal deformity. If you haven’t heard yet, the abortion statistics came out for New York City and they’re chilling. 41% of babies are aborted in New York City. The abortion rate is significantly higher than the national average.
International News: In China, the abortion rate has been on the rise, particularly among younger women. Statistics only include abortions performed in major cities, but based on those statistics the number of abortions performed rose 1.6 million between 2008 and 2007. Experts estimate that the total number may be closer to 13 million annually. In the United Kingdom, women are suing to be allowed to take abortion pills at home. Current law requires the pills to be taken at a clinic prior to returning home; some countries allow women to take the second abortion pill at home.
Discussion Topic: Open thread. Discuss the news, pro-life politics, or other recent items of note.
Based solely on the information contained in the KTVB article– which admittedly isn't much–I actually find myself agreeing with Planned Parenthood. The pharmacist is probably right to assume that it was abortion-related, since nobody gives birth at Planned Parenthood. But if the baby is already dead, what is the point of refusing to fill the prescription?