Rep. Johnston’s Informed Consent Abortion Bill Sails Through House

Rep. Kathy Skroch (R - District 26) speaks in favor of HB 1336 -- the Abortion Reversal Bill -- on January 28, 2019. (Photo via screenshot.)

Two weeks ago, we published an article in which I expressed the view that criticizing Rep. Dan Johnston’s (R – District 24) informed consent abortion bill was just stupid. HB 1336, also called the “Abortion Reversal Bill”, seeks to add two sections to North Dakota’s existing informed consent laws by mandating that women seeking termination of a pregnancy by an “abortion-inducing drug” be made aware that it’s possible to reverse its effects. Besides the typical opposition from those who support eliminating the unborn, even one self-proclaimed pro-life blogger wrote that the bill is a “bad idea”.

A week ago, the House Human Services Committee held a hearing on HB 1336. If there was any question in the minds of those in attendance of what this bill would mean for some women, the questions were answered when McKenzie McCoy stepped to the podium and expressed her regret for undergoing a medication-induced abortion years before:

“I really wish I would have had the knowledge that there could have been a possibility to reverse it and save my child.”

McCoy’s testimony left the room silent as she fought to regain her composure from the stirring comments. Ultimately, the committee gave it an 8-3-3 Do Pass recommendation.

Even with committee support, we were left to wonder what the outcome would be once the bill hit the House floor for debate. Those questions were answered today.

Rep. Rick Becker (R – District 7) — who also happens to be a Board Certified Physician — gave a compelling argument for the bill from his perspective as a doctor. But it was Human Services Committee member and bill carrier Kathy Skroch (R – District 26) — who also happens to be a nurse/CNA — that absolutely knocked it out of the park with her comments during the floor debate:

“I, as a woman — as every woman in this state — have the right to be fully informed before making a medical decision. To have access to all information related to any medical procedure. To know all of my options before making any medical decision. Then I’m able to make an informed choice. I also have the right to change my mind and choose an alternate choice, when I feel it is in my best interests. This bill provides women with a fully informed choice. And for many women, a second choice— a second chance.”

She spoke twice, and you can see her comments here. I highly recommend that you listen to them.

Rep. Mary Schneider (D – District 21) — who also sits on the Human Services Committee — rose in opposition to the bill twice, but it was to no avail. When the dust had settled, HB 1336 easily passed by a vote of 73-16.

The unfortunate aspect of the victory was that four Republicans sided with Rep. Schneider and other Democrats in opposition to the bill. I think they’re deserving of having their names listed. They were:

Rep. Thomas Beadle (R – District 27)
Rep. George Keiser (R – District 47)
Rep. Bob Martinson (R – District 35)
Rep. Denton Zubke (R – District 39)

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

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Results of the vote for House Bill 1336 — the Abortion Reversal Bill — on January 28, 2019. The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. (Photo via screenshot.)

 

Sources:

  1. https://theminutemanblog.com/2019/01/14/criticizing-rep-johnstons-abortion-bill-is-just-stupid/
  2. https://www.sayanythingblog.com/entry/so-called-abortion-reversal-bill-is-a-bad-idea/
  3. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Emotion-drives-testimony-on-2-ND-abortion-504679401.html
  4. http://video.legis.nd.gov/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20190128/-1/10062?startposition=20190128135235
  5. https://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/66-2019/bill-video/bv1336.html
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About T. Arthur Mason 883 Articles
T. Arthur Mason is a native North Dakotan who has spent nearly all of his life in the Peace Garden State. As the third of four children in Western North Dakota, Mason grew to appreciate family and the outdoors. Some of his fondest memories are annual deer hunts with family and friends. In his early teenage years, faith became a central part of T. Arthur Mason's life. He and the majority of his family attend church together on a weekly basis and find this a fulfilling aspect of their lives. Through the influence of his father, T. Arthur Mason became intrigued with politics. As a boy, he attended political events with his father and enjoyed the friendships that resulted as a byproduct of those political associations. As Mason grew older, he became convinced that the quote often attributed to Thomas Jefferson was true, "That government is best which governs least." Today, T. Arthur Mason enjoys time with his wife and children, an occasional hunt, and an increasingly active life on the political scene. This blog is the fulfillment of a dream to design a web site in the realm of politics and to advocate for the principles of Liberty and constitutionally limited government. On behalf of all those that contribute to The Minuteman, we hope you enjoy your time on the site and will share the message with others.