End of Session Update:

In our last update we reported that HB216 had passed the House of Representatives in a party-line vote of 48-21 and was sent to the Sentate Health and Welfare Committee.  Fortunately this is as far as the bad bill got and with the session finally at an end HB216 will not see the light of day. The decision of the committee to table HB216 was in no small part due to the numerous letters you sent in opposition to the legislation.

The 2009 Legislative Session will be remembered for many things, however it speaks to the hard work and dedication of our supporters that we can say for the first time in many many years, no legislation was past to further limit women's access to reproductive health care in Idaho.

While a celebration is in order, we are ever aware that we are likely to see similar legislation make a return next legislative session and must continue to let our voices be heard. Please take a minute to send a letter to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to acknowlege their role in stopping HB216 and make it known we will not tolerate future attacks on patients' rights or women's health care.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am contacting you today to express my appreciation regarding the committee's decision to table HB 216 for the 2009 Legislative Session. This piece of legislation, sponsored by extremists, would have allowed pharmacists to impose their personal beleifs on the rights of patients and overrule the medical decisions made by their trusted physician. It is likely this issue will come before you again in the 2010 session and I will remain steadfast in my opposition. It is my hope that you will continue to support access to health care in Idaho.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
May 11, 2009