The fourth annual GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign kicks off National STD Awareness Month (April) with new initiatives on-air, online, and on the ground at college campuses and in more than 5,000 health centers across the nation.

GYT is an ongoing national campaign launched in 2009 as an extension of a longstanding public information partnership between MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation to address the high rates of STDs among those under 25.

It is supported by a broad range of organizations including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, which reinforce the on-air campaign with on-the-ground promotions conducted with health centers and community organizations across the nation.

“MTV has made a sustained commitment to challenging the stigma that prevents countless young people from getting tested for STDs and HIV,” said Jason Rzepka, Vice President of MTV Public Affairs. “We’re proud that GYT has helped drive notable increases in STD testing, but there’s no finish line in this race, and we will continue to do all we can to help our audience make responsible decisions about their sexual health.”

GYT is a youthful, empowering campaign aimed at reducing the spread of STDs among young people through information; open communication with partners, health care providers, and peers; and testing and treatment as needed. GYT offers a short-hand reference for young people to open up dialogue about STDs and, in particular, the importance of testing.

According to CDC, young people ages 15-24 represent nearly half of all new STDs occurring in the U.S., while representing just 25 percent of the population.  Rates of chlamydia, a preventable and treatable STD, are particularly high.  Chlamydia often has no symptoms, and when left undiagnosed and untreated can cause serious health consequences, including infertility in women.  As a result, CDC recommends annual screening for all sexually active women aged 25 and younger.

“We’re proud to be a part of GYT because of the positive difference it has made on the lives of so many young Americans,” said Gail Bolan, M.D., director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention. “The facts are clear – STDs are common, and the life-long impact of an untreated STD is real. But, these don’t have to be accepted parts of life. GYT provides the tools young people need to be proactive about their health.”

GYT public service messages air throughout the year on MTV channels with cross promotions with health centers and community organizations.

Extensive information resources – including a dedicated website (www.gytnow.org), which provides basic information about common STDs, talking tips and a zip code locator to find local testing locations – as well as mobile testing locator, GYTNOW (498669) – provide the audience with more information.  During April, the campaign scales up its presence by introducing new messaging and outreach.  Some elements of this year’s national GYT campaign include:

• “Team GYT” — Celebrities recognizable to the GYT audience help carry the GYT message as part of “Team GYT.”  Coming from an array of backgrounds, these celebrities are hand-picked to offer a sense of inspiration and personal empowerment. This year, the campaign is pleased to welcome Litefoot, a Native American rap artist, actor and entrepreneur.Litefoot, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, also operates the “Reach the Rez Tour,” an outreach program that promotes positive change among American Indian youth.Litefoot joins the ranks of the existing members of Team GYT including: The Jersey Shore’s Vinny, rap visionary Talib Kweli , celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton , America’s Best Dance Crew’s Jungle Boogie, professional street skateboarder Stevie Williams , head of Thehundreds.com Bobby Hundreds,Paper Twins’ artists Nica and Edgar A. English , aspiring fashion-conscious entrepreneur Allie Bashuk , surf-loving San Franpsycho, San Francisco designer/painter/artist Ube Urban, Levi Maestro of the online show “Maestro Knows,” Buff Monster, designer Han Cholo , and DJ A-Trak. Team GYT will continue to grow throughout the year as new faces are added to the campaign. All will carry the GYT brand out into various aspects of youth culture, encouraging their fans and followers to know their status.
• GYT “Party” — GYT has created a new online interactive video experience to encourage conversations about STDs and testing with partners, peers, and health care providers.  The video, a simulation of a party scene, includes five conversations among couples, peers and friends, about STDs and testing and is found at http://www.itsyoursexlife.com/gyt/talk/party. The GYT Party is filled with talking tips, an interactive quiz, key information for starting a conversation about STDs and testing and other bonus features.
• GYT Nation — GYT is also supported by an extensive on-the-ground outreach effort and is taking GYT to communities across the country. GYT promotional and informational materials, including T-shirts, posters, buttons, brochures, and stickers are being distributed to more than 5,000 health centers and organizations nationwide, including Planned Parenthood’s network of nearly 800 health centers and additional public and private clinics identified by CDC.GYT is also working with state and local health departments the National Coalition of STD Directors, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine and the National Assembly of School-Based Health Centers to provide young people with information about the campaign. And, the American College Health Association (ACHA) works with GYT to distribute materials through college health centers.

“When it comes to STDs, many of those at risk don’t know it or assume they would know if they had one,” said Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director of the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Health Communication & Media Partnerships Program. “Through a combination of on-air, online, and on-the-ground messages, GYT is working to increase knowledge and remove the stigma of STD testing.”

During last year’s GYT campaign, Planned Parenthood health centers tested almost 125,000 men and women in April, and Planned Parenthood affiliates held 240 events with 1,250 youth volunteers, reaching 67,000 people.  Data collected from 10 Planned Parenthood affiliates show that STD testing has increased significantly since the launch of GYT in 2009.

Among the 10 affiliates, there was a 51 percent increase in patients getting tested in April 2011 as compared to the same time in 2008, prior to the launch of the campaign – suggesting that the campaign helped drive an increase in STD tests.

Nationally, Planned Parenthood reported significant increases in the populations most affected by STDs, including African Americans and people living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Data is not available for all 80 PPFA affiliates and more than 1000 clinics, colleges and universities, and other partners that also supported the campaign in 2011.

“At Planned Parenthood, we know that affordable testing and treatment, along with education, are the best ways to ensure that young people stay healthy and safe,” said PPFA President Cecile Richards.

“For almost a century, Planned Parenthood has been providing health care information and resources aimed at preventing STDs, and our doors are open to everyone. Getting tested is simply a basic part of staying healthy, and we’re thrilled that the GYT campaign is getting that message out to teens and young people.”

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It looks as if women’s rights are the hot button on the political landscape this year. There was fighting at the contraception mandate front, as well as over the efforts in Virginia and Ohio to force ultrasounds before an abortion, even in cases of rape or incest.

A measure in February attempted to cut off all financial aid to Planned Parenthood. Something that would seem to be more clear-cut than the previous legislations, The Violence Against Women Act, is up for renewal, and some provisions within the act are putting Republicans in an even greater quandary than they were before.

No politician wants to look like he or she is not against domestic violence. The title alone, as some Republican politicians are pointing out, can make the legislation politically risky to oppose, particularly in an election year. As Senator Roy Blunt put it, “Obviously, you want to be for the title. If Republicans can’t be for it, we need to have a very convincing alternative.”

There is no alternative as of yet, and so Republicans are forced to grapple with the current version. According to the New York Times, it would extend federal grants that are already in place to battered women’s shelters, as well as to local law enforcement. Same-sex couples are included in programs as well, as are transgender victims. So are immigrants without status, that have been victims of domestic violence, and more of them would be able to claim temporary visas. The act would also expand efforts to reach the Indian tribes in some rural areas.

According to Fox News, the measure would also give tribes the authority to prosecute persons who are not members of the tribe. The concern is that this move gives tribal courts too much authority over individuals who are not formally part of a tribe.

It is particularly the last provisions that make the legislation so hard to swallow for Republican politicians. They believe that the overall message is being diluted with these extra provisions. Furthermore, they see some groups as undeserving of this aid.

Republicans allege that the timing of the Act is part of a larger Democrat strategy to “rig legislation that the GOP can’t back,” according to the Huffington Post. This is particularly touchy in an election year in which Congress has a 9 percent approval rating.

Senate Democrats hope to bring up the bill before Easter break.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/gageskidmore/

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David Margulies, author of the book Crisis Management in the Internet Age, notes that Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation’s recent news headlines illustrate how important it is that every organization incorporates a devil’s advocate in their decision making process.

“In any institution, fully vetting proposals by debating the pros and cons leads to better decision making and helps avoid public relations pitfalls,” said David Margulies, author of the book Crisis Management in the Internet Age and president of the Margulies Communications Group. “A devil’s advocate tests an organization’s policies against how an average consumer, customer, donor, voter, regulator or the news media might react.”

The recent controversy surrounding the Komen Foundation illustrates a common problem; the foundation is supervised by a small, closely knit board of directors.  People with similar viewpoints and life experiences tend to reinforce each other’s beliefs or want to avoid disagreement and controversy.

A more diverse board of directors or the presence of a devil’s advocate from outside the foundation’s leadership could have easily identified the fallout from the decision not to grant further support to Planned Parenthood. ”In litigation it is common to stage a mock trial where a defense attorney argues the plaintiff’s side of the case to help find weaknesses in the defense,” said Margulies. “Many organizations neglect this process.”

A complete discussion of the issue would have provided an opportunity to evaluate the likely response from Planned Parenthood supporters, the Foundation’s own donor base and whether the justification for the decision would withstand close scrutiny.

Sometimes the process of utilizing a devil’s advocate leads a decision not to move forward with a controversial initiative.  Other times, it makes sure that the organization has fully evaluated the likely fallout and has developed a communications plan that addresses controversial issues immediately, instead of dealing with negative coverage as it occurs.

Without a communications strategy, organizations often mishandle their public response, and risk having controversies dragged out over an extended period of time.

Image Courtesy of   aceshot1 / Shutterstock.com

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“Now that the lead National Cancer Institute researcher on the abortion/cancer link has reversed herself and warned of abortion as a significant risk factor for breast cancer,” says Lolita Hanks, nurse practitioner and president of American Right To Life, “the pro-life pressure on Planned Parenthood and Susan G. Komen is increasing.”

“Louise A. Brinton was largely responsible for getting the government-funded NCI to deny the abortion-breast cancer link,” said Darrell Birkey, research director for ARTL, “and she has now reversed herself and co-authored a study which includes ‘induced abortion’ as a significant breast cancer risk factor.”

Brinton and her co-authors wrote in the peer-reviewed Cancer Epidemiology journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, “Specifically, older age, family history of breast cancer, earlier menarche age, induced abortion, and oral contraceptive use were associated with an increased risk for breast cancer.”

Endocrinologist Joel Brind, Ph.D. of Baruch College in New York City, dissented at the NCI’s conference that rejected the abortion link to breast cancer, a conference organized by Brinton. Professor Brind says, “The 2003 conference of the National Cancer Institute which denied abortion as a risk factor for breast cancer refused to allow attending scientists to present the opposing position of the scientific research establishing the link, showing that abortion was declassified as a cancer risk for political and not scientific reasons.”

“Following that political correctness,” says Hanks, “Komen is claiming they have halted funding to Planned Parenthood because a Republican chairman of a House sub-committee has inquired into their financial practices. We suspect the real reason is the growing evidence that abortion significantly increases the incidence of breast cancer.”

“The NCI’s own statistics show that breast cancer has increased, and only in women who were of child-bearing age when abortion was legalized in 1973,” said Brind, “so much so that nationally, cancer would have steadily declined, except it has held steady at the expense of women getting breast cancer.”

And Prof. Brind suggests that Komen now correct a factual error on their website which claims that, “the breast is mature after puberty.” Actually, “third trimester pregnancy hormones begin the final maturation process and the differentiation of mammary gland cells,” said Brind, a recognized expert in the field. “Abortion prevents this, leaving the woman with more undifferentiated cells vulnerable to carcinogens, increasing her risk of breast cancer.”

An ARTL state chapter, Colorado Right To Life, has protested Komen’s Race for the Cure for a decade, and met with Komen officials in Denver. As transcribed from a recording of the meeting, Komen’s public relations representative, Dana Brandorff was asked by CRTL’s Leslie Hanks, “Why aren’t women being told that abortion is the most preventable risk factor?” to which Brandorff answered, “We tend to focus on the cure… we’re focusing our energies on that, rather than the preventative.”

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Many regard the Supreme Court decision Roe vs. Wade as a significant step forward in women’s reproductive rights. The decision, handed down in 1971, affirmatively answered the question of whether women had the right to terminate their pregnancies through abortions.

However, as the case celebrates its 39^th anniversary, there are concerns that the progress made in granting women full control of their bodies will soon be for naught.

“Despite the fact that the majority of Americans believe that women have the right to make deeply personal decisions about their health care, the attacks on abortion have been unrelenting,” said Lillian Tamayo, the CEO of Planned Parenthood.

Tamayo firmly contends that this progress must not see hindrance, an opinion that she made known outside the Federal Building in Broward, Fl. on January 22 at 3 p.m.  Tamayo was one of an estimated 100 attendees at a Pro-Choice Rally held at the courthouse to not only recognize the impact of Roe v. Wade on women’s rights, but to encourage those present to not allow their leaders to take those rights away.

Other persons who turned out at the Rally included additional members of Planned Parenthood, representatives from the Pro-Choice Coalition of Broward County, as well as a group of medical students from Nova. Each of these individuals spent equal amounts of time waving their signs on the sides of the street, to appreciative honks and waves from drivers, as well as listening to individuals make their opinions known about the tenuous state of women’s reproductive rights.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a senator from Florida and Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, also appeared at this rally, along with Patrick Murphy and Lois Frankel – two people who are aiming to join Mrs. Schultz in the Congressional halls. Frankel and Murphy are both aiming for the seat occupied by Rep. Allen West. Frankel expressed particular disgust at his obstinate attitude:

“He is uncompromising and bombastic at a time where we need to roll up our sleeves and work together,” Frankel said. Frankel chose to attend this rally to continue her fight for women’s rights. She thought it was important for women to have the tools necessary to make key life decisions concerning their pregnancies.

She was quick to point out that West has used his time in Congress to regress the rights of women. “He voted for the Ryan bill, a proposal that would have limited a woman’s access to maternity care. He has also voted to defund Planned Parenthood and has chastised women who support Planned Parenthood’s values,” she said.

Murphy also expressed revulsion at West’s actions and attitude, mentioning that voters deem his style of leadership unacceptable. “Voters want an individual who will move the country forward, as well as someone who is qualified enough to understand the issues of the day,” he said. Murphy expressed confidence that he could be that person; jobs are what voters are thinking about, and should he win, that issue will be top priority.

“The first action I would take should I be elected is to promote the President’s American Jobs Act,” he said. Wasserman Schultz also took the time to reference the President when it was time for her to address the audience; she noted his bravery in standing up to anti-choice groups by protecting the birth control coverage benefit portion of the Affordable Care Act.

“Having a president that will stand up for women and their rights is crucial,” she noted. As she continued speaking to the audience, she pointed out that legal abortion actually helps in keeping women safe, stating that in 1965, 20 percent of all reported maternal deaths were due to illegal abortions.

Moreover, she encouraged abortion detractors to find common ground with abortion supporters, rather than undermine their efforts. “Instead of working against us by voting to defund Title X Family Planning programs for women who need them most, work with us to make abortion safe, legal and rare,” she said.

Wasserman Schultz remarked on how the Republicans in the House of Representatives have addressed bills that aim to defund Planned Parenthood and redefine rape to where it only included “forcible” actions. “This is what we are up against,” she said, and used this point to emphasize the importance of speaking out to make sure that women are able to retain their reproductive rights.

The DNC Chairwoman’s speech brought cheers from the audience upon its completion. Lauren Bello, part of the Broward Youth Council, found Wasserman Schultz’s words “inspiring”. “It is a good eye opener for young people to vote on these issues, which are far more important than people give them credit for,” she said.

Estee Rosenberg Paviled, a realtor and artist, hoped that the DNC Chairwoman’s message would resonate with members of Congress and make them cease their assault on women’s rights. “I think it is terrible how they are trying to turn the clocks back on a woman’s right to choose. We need to keep government out of our bedrooms,” she said.

As a new Congressional session progresses, each of the attendees at the rally made it clear that they were going to keep a close eye on how members of Congress vote on women’s rights. “Women are going to be watching them closely and taking names,” said Tamayo.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.flickr.com/photos/us-mission/

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The new potential law in Kansas would allow state health department free access to patient medical records. Opponents of the law are suggesting that the proposed legislation could endanger the privacy of women who’ve terminated pregnancies. Proponents of the new law said such concerns are unfounded because state law contains protections against information about patients from becoming public.

The new legislation was scheduled to take effect last week. However, a judge blocked the law from being implemented until a lawsuit involving two of the state’s three abortion providers is resolved. Another new state law, also blocked by the judge, requires providers to obtain a special annual license. One regulation says “all records shall be available at the facility for inspection” by the secretary of health and environment or his staff.

Abortion-rights advocates said giving such access allows health department officials to review highly personal information. They also state that they do not trust Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration because he is a strong opponent of abortion. “It’s totally unnecessary,” said Bonnie Scott Jones, an attorney for the New York-based Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing two doctors in the federal lawsuit. “It’s totally unjustified and an invasion of patient privacy.”

The new licensing law states that the information in medical records must be kept confidential. Another law would make it a misdemeanor for health department employees to disclose such data publicly. Abortion opponents note that other states have similar provisions in their regulations for abortion providers.

They argue that access to medical records is necessary if the department is to provide proper oversight. Mary Kay Culp, executive director of the group Kansans for Life, said abortion-rights supporters are raising patient privacy as an issue, as they have in the past, because “it’s the only tool they have” in trying to prevent scrutiny of abortion providers.

“When the only tool someone has is a hammer, everything looks like a nail,” she said. “If health and law enforcement inspectors aren’t allowed access to abortion records, how exactly is legal abortion any different from illegal abortion?”

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The NBC “Parks and Recreation” star Amy Poehler has proudly endorsed Planned Parenthood on Monday. Amy Poehler wrote a fundraising email for the non-profit organization is featured on the Planned Parenthood homepage. Poehler is defending the woman’s health care center from Republican attacks. Four states have passed legislation to de-fund the organization.

“You know who is awesome? Cecile Richards. She’s the president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America,” Poehler says. “Every single doctor and nurse and receptionist and volunteer who shows up at a Planned Parenthood health center to make sure that every person who walks through their door gets the care they need,” Amy wrote in her email.

“Think about your friends, or your sister, or your daughter, son, niece, or nephew. Think about every person out there who has nowhere else to go, nobody else to count on, nobody but Planned Parenthood,” writes Poehler to supporters of the organization. “It’s up to us to make sure Planned Parenthood is strong enough to protect their rights and their health. Especially because we are having a moment right now when people are trying to come up with new ways to make the lives of all the folks who rely on Planned Parenthood pretty difficult.”She concludes her letter by asking readers to join her in “saying that Planned Parenthood is awesome.”

Meanwhile, red states across the country are viciously attacking Planned Parenthood, falsely claiming that the non-profit somehow profits off of providing abortions. In Indiana, a judge sided with Planned Parenthood last week and ordered an injunction preventing the law that would have block Planned Parenthood from accepting Medicaid in the state from taking effect. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services already denounced the defunding law in a letter issued earlier this month because the proposed change violates federal Medicaid rules by denying Medicaid patients the freedom to choose a qualified provider. Judge Tanya Walton Pratt stated that the federal government’s statement was a factor in her decision.

“Denying the injunction could pit the federal government against the State of Indiana in a high-stakes political impasse,” she told the court. “And if dogma trumps pragmatism and neither side budges, Indiana’s most vulnerable citizens could end up paying the price as the collateral damage of a partisan battle. With this backdrop in mind, along with the reasons discussed above, the Court believes the most prudent course of action is to enjoin the defunding provision while the judicial process runs its course.”

As a result of the injunction, PPIN will immediately resume serving its Medicaid patients, many of whom had been using it as their primary health provider.  “This decision will have immediate, positive consequences for our patients and our organization,” Planned Parenthood of Indiana President and CEO Betty Cockrum said in a statement. “This ruling allows us to resume providing Pap tests, breast exams, STD testing and treatment and birth control to both existing and new Medicaid patients.”

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/rubenstein_/

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Texas governor Rick Perry signed a controversial abortion measure into law last week.  The new law will require women seeking abortions to get a sonogram before they are allowed to get the medical procedure.  Perry prioritized the legislation, putting in a fast track to speed through the legislative chambers ahead of other bills.  Texas is one in a string of states that have passed legislation to severely limit abortions this legislative season.

Texas women seeking abortions will also have to wait 24 hours after the sonogram before they have an abortion.  However, women who live more than 100 miles from an abortion provider are only required to wait 2 hours.  Women can decline to see the sonogram or hear the heartbeat under the new law.  Medical providers must describe the image to the woman, explaining the size of the embryo, and the development of limbs and organs.  In certain cases, the woman does not have to hear a description of the embryo, like in cases of severe fetal abnormalities or in cases or incest.

“Governor Perry was pleased to sign this important legislation, which bolsters our efforts to protect life by ensuring Texans are fully informed when considering such an important decision,” said Katherine Cesinger, a spokeswoman for the governor.

Opponents of the legislation maintain that the law interferes in the doctor-patient relationship.  Adding a government requirement for such a personal and private decision can only traumatize women even more.  Choice advocates also believe that most women do not make the decision to get an abortion rashly.  Requiring women to wait and receive a sonogram so that they can be “fully informed” is insulting.

In March, Democratic State Representative Carol Alvarado lamented the proposed legislation during a debate on the House floor.  To do a sonogram that early in pregnancy requires a trans-vaginal probe.  “This is government intrusion at its best,” she said while holding up a probe.

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Although lawmakers promised to focus on the economy and creating jobs, instead states are now focusing on abortion.  Wisconsin and Tennessee are the latest in a string of states trying to cut funding for Planned Parenthood because the organization provides abortions.

In Wisconsin, the Joint Finance Committee voted last week to block state family planning grants from any group that provides abortions, or abortion referrals.  Despite the well documented fact that those funds cannot legally be used to pay for abortions, Wisconsin lawmakers are wasting valuable tax payer dollars to prevent something that is already prohibited. This proposed legislation would cut nearly a million dollars a year from nine Planned Parenthood clinics across Wisconsin.  The committee also voted to exclude men from the state run family planning program, Badger Care, and to lower the income eligibility for the program.

“What they’re trying to do makes our family planning program so dramatically different from what it was that the federal government could say, “This isn’t what we agreed on,’ and the program ends,” said a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. BadgerCare currently serves 60,000 patients in Wisconsin, many of whom have very limited access to low-cost preventative care and family planning services.

Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend) said he would make deeper cuts to Planned Parenthood if he could, because he believes the organization promotes abortion, despite statistics that say abortions account for less than 3 percent of its services.  “There’s a very ugly side to this organization, and I regret that they’re going to take such a tiny cut in this budget,” Grothman said.

Lawmakers in Tennessee are also attempting to pass a bill that would pull Title X funding from “third party providers or private organizations or entities,” which means Planned Parenthood.  Again, even though no Title X funding pays for abortion and the funding will be pulled from essential and useful services such as family planning, cancer screenings, and STD testing.

Planned Parenthood believes that the likely legislation in Tennessee  would impact three clinics and a total of 9,000 patients. The organization is busy working on a contingency plan that would keep its doors open. “One thing that’s sure is none of our clinics will close. It’s gonna be difficult, but we’re committed to providing service to the women in need,” said Jeff Teague, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.

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The Republican Party, both nationally and at the state level, has been busy attacking abortion rights instead of working on the whole economy thing they promised.  Now in the state of South Dakota, women will face the longest waiting period in the country before they can legally obtain an abortion.

The legislation, signed into law on Tuesday by Governor Dennis Daugaard, will require women to wait three days before getting an abortion and will have to undergo “counseling” at centers that discourage abortions.  Before Dauggard’s signature was even dry, abortion rights groups stated that they will file a lawsuit challenging the measure.  Opponents of the law maintain that it would create hardship for women who live in rural South Dakota, hundreds of miles from the state’s only abortion clinic in Sioux Falls.

Daugaard, who gave no interviews after signing the bill, said in a written statement that he had conferred with state attorneys who will defend the law in court and a sponsor who has pledged to raise private money to finance the state’s court fight. Officials have said estimated the cost of defending the law at $1.7 million to $4.5 million.  “I think everyone agrees with the goal of reducing abortion by encouraging consideration of other alternatives,” the Republican governor said the statement. “I hope that women who are considering an abortion will use this three-day period to make good choices.”

About half the states now have at least a 24-hour waiting period but South Dakota is the first to have a three-day waiting period and requiring counseling.  The law will certainly make it harder for some women to get abortions, said Kathi Di Nicola, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, which run the clinic in Sioux Falls.  Women could have to drive the hundreds of miles to the clinic in order to schedule an abortion, visit a crisis pregnancy center, and then get an abortion, she said.  “It would most certainly be a barrier to women who have to travel. South Dakota is a rural state,” Di Nicola said. “Many women who are seeking abortion care already have to take time off work, arrange for child care.”

Supporters of the new law say the Planned Parenthood clinic gives women little information or counseling before they have abortions done by doctors flown in from out of state.  They maintain that the bill will help ensure that women are not being coerced into abortions by boyfriends or relatives.

“Women need to just be reminded of the fact there is a natural, legal relationship between them and their child,” said Rep. Roger Hunt, R-Brandon, main sponsor of the law.

The law, which takes effect July 1, says an abortion can only be scheduled by a doctor who has personally met with a woman and determined she is voluntarily seeking an abortion. The procedure can’t be done until at least 72 hours after that first consultation.  Before getting an abortion, a woman also will have to consult with a pregnancy help center to get information about services available to help her give birth and keep a child. The state will publish a list of pregnancy help centers, all of which seek to persuade women to give birth.

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