WASHINGTON, D.C. (03-14-12) – With the help and consultation of Americans United for Life, the New Hampshire House continued to advance the pro-life cause by passing two pro-life bills today. Key was HB 1659, the Women’s Right to Know Act, which is based on AUL model legislation.

Dr. Charmaine Yoest, AUL Action’s President and CEO stated, “Informed consent is a bedrock of medical practice. But for too long, abortion providers have hidden certain information from women seeking abortion—information such as the risks abortion carries, and even the name of the physician who is going to perform the abortion.  Women in New Hampshire deserve to be given vital information before making an abortion decision so they can make a truly informed ‘choice.’”

HB 1659, sponsored by Rep. Jeanine Notter, will protect women seeking abortion by providing basic informed consent rights. At least 24 hours before the abortion, abortion providers must give women information on the physical and psychological risks of abortion as well as the probable gestational age and characteristics of her child. Women are also to be given state-prepared materials containing objective information about abortion and potential services available.

In addition to this bill, the New Hampshire House approved HB 1679, sponsored by Rep. Ross Terrio, which bans partial-birth abortion.

AUL Action calls on the New Hampshire Senate to pass these bills.