SR-106-033-02 (3)
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JAN 1 2 19I1
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Santa Monica, California
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COSW:MK:dvm
City Council Meeting 1/12/88
TO: Mayor and city council
FROM: Commission on the Status of Women
SUBJECT: Request for Authorization to Lobby For or
Against Any Legislation That Restricts
Women's Access to Reproductive Health Services.
Introduction
During the past several years, there have been numerous
legislative proposals at the local, state and national level with
the purpose of limiting a woman's access to reproductive health
care services. Since this type of legislation can be introduced
at any time, the commission on the status of Women requests
approval from the city Council to lobby for or against any
legislation that restricts a woman's access to reproductive
health services.
Background
The decision to bear a child is one of the most personal a woman
can make. When the government enters into the decision-making
process, the personal decision becomes political and the
potential impact on a woman's life is significant. The SMCOSW
has continued to focus on the topic of reproductive rights,
including abortion, family planning services, reproductive issues
concerning minors, sterilization and maternal and child health.
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JAN 1 2 198&
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within the past few months, AB 2274 (Frazee) passed both houses
of the California legislature and was signed by the Governor.
This bill, despite opposition from health care providers, the
I egal communi ty , women's groups and local communities (Santa
Monica City Council action - September, 1987), requires parental
consent for minors to obtain abortion services.
On July 14, 1987, when the SMCOSW came to the city Council and
asked permission to oppose AB 2274, the SMCOSW received
authorization to lobby not only against that particular bill but
against any state legislation which would limit a minor's access
to abortion services.
The Commission is now requesting an
expansion of this authority to enable them to lobby for or
against
any
legislation
restricting
women's
access
to
reproductive health services. since this type of legislation can
be introduced at any time, it becomes increasingly difficult for
the SMCOSW to return to the city Council on each and every bill.
Not only does this require discussion at the Council meetings,
but often the SMCOSW is precluded from taking a stand on these
crucial matters because of the limited time frame.
Knowing the SMCOSW has your support in questions of reproductive
rights, the SMCOSW would like to request approval from the City
council to lobby for or against any legislation that restricts a
woman's access to reproductive rights.
Recommendations
It is recommended that the City Council:
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Allow the SMCOSW to lobby for or against legislation
that restricts a woman's access to reproductive health
services, including abortion, family planning services,
reproductive issues concerning minors, sterilization
and maternal and child health.
Prepared By: Melodye Kleinman, Staff Liaison
(cswrpt)
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