FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2014
JUNEAU – Today, Representative Geran Tarr and Senator Berta Gardner released the following comments in reaction to an Anchorage Superior Court judge temporarily suspending new state regulations which attempted to let government officials define whether an abortion is medically necessary.
“I’m not surprised the courts have stopped the new regulations,” said Tarr (D-Anchorage). “The court order affirms our position that the regulations are unconstitutional. It’s time for us to focus our efforts on preventing unintended pregnancies by increasing our family planning efforts. These are cost effective solutions that work for Alaska and help accomplish the shared goal of Alaska policymakers and the public to reduce the number of abortions in Alaska.”
“These regulations are simply an effort to come between a woman and her healthcare provider, forcing unnecessary disclosure of personal information to public officials,” said Gardner.
The regulations went into effect over the weekend but are suspended until the judge lifts the temporary restraining order.
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