Blunt Science (“Science, Schmience!”)
December 9th, 2007 3:32 pm by Kelly GarbatoThought I’d pass along these emails from Planned parenthood as a follow-up to this post…
Not much else to say, other than “Matt Blunt is a patriarchal douchebag.” But you already knew that.
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Victoria, Planned Parenthood
Date: Dec 6, 2007 3:35 PM
Subject: Tell Gov. Blunt – Stop the Sham Task Force
Governor Blunt: Disband your Task Force.
On Monday 12/3, Governor Blunt’s stealth Abortion Ban Task Force flatly refused to consider prevention as a way to reduce abortion, saying, “This Task Force is not commissioned to deal with that issue. This is not the place for that specific dialogue.” After 4 disgraceful meetings, it’s clear this is so-called Task Force has no interest in helping women and should be disbanded.
Tell Governor Blunt to disband his sham Task Force!
All the Task Force members were secretly appointed and share Governor Blunt’s view that politicians, not women and doctors, should make private reproductive health care decisions. Last week, we introduced you to Task Force co-chair, John McCastle. This week, we introduce you to two other members, co-chair, Cindy Province and Barbara Quigley.
Both Province and Quigley are involved with the Center for Bioethics and Culture Missouri a leading opponent of stem cell research. Though Province said of the Task Force, “We’re trying to. . . make decisions about what the state can do to help women who find themselves in the situation of an unplanned pregnancy,” the Task Force refuses to “study” the impact of birth control and sex education on preventing unintended pregnancies.
As part of the ‘truthful, honest’ research sought by the Task Force, the co-chairs invited David Reardon, of the Elliot Institute, to present testimony. The Institute, has proposed a ballot initiative that would make abortion illegal in Missouri, except in extremely narrow cases.
Governor Blunt seems to believe that restricting access will reduce the need for safe abortion care. We all know it’s quite the opposite. Tell him he’s wrong.
Help disband this sham Task Force now!
Sincerely,
Victoria, Sheila, Holly, Michelle, Pam and Lillian; PPKM Public Affairs Team
Send a letter to the following decision maker(s):
Governor Matt Blunt (if you live in Missouri)
Below is the sample letter:
Subject: Disband your Task Force
Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],
As one of the majority of Missourians who support a common sense approach to reducing the need for abortion, I was disappointed by the secret formation of a Task Force to study abortion.
After 4 meetings, it’s clear your Task Force is beginning it’s “research” with a pre-determined conclusion. It appears the true objective of your Task Force is to ban abortion in the state of Missouri.
I urge you to disband this Task Force and begin focusing on preventing unintended pregnancy by promoting comprehensive sex education and access to contraception.
Sincerely,
What’s At Stake:
Ballot Initiative Language (.pdf)
Columbia Tribune blog
Springfield News-Leader
Campaign Expiration Date: February 4, 2008
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Dylan, Planned Parenthood
Date: Dec 2, 2007 7:02 AM
Subject: A “black-eye” for Planned Parenthood?
As we have mentioned, Governor Blunt recently convened an Abortion Ban Task Force. His Task Force – comprised of 14 staunchly anti-choice hardliners and 0 scientists – is supposed to study the detrimental effects that abortion has on women. A similar task force in South Dakota resulted in an abortion ban law that the people of the state had to revoke at the ballot box.
Tell your friends about this dangerous Task Force!
John McCastle, the Task Force leader, not only works in the anti-choice movement, but also opposes Planned Parenthood. In urging support for a sex mis-education and clinic closing bill earlier this year, McCastle said, “We are so close to passing this one, a huge victory for LIFE and a black eye for Planned Parenthood! Who is with me????” And, in defending why the Abortion Ban Task Force has excluded any differing opinions, he said: “If the governor wants information on how to reduce abortions in Missouri, he certainly wouldn’t go to Planned Parenthood.”
As President/CEO of Alliance for Life Missouri – an organization that was “created to provide education and support to pro-life organizations throughout the Mid-West” – McCastle proposed that the Task Force tackle the question of whether a woman who has an abortion is more likely to commit a crime… And though he has posed this as an open question, he has already formulated his answer.
Help us spread the word about John McCastle and his sham task force – tell your friends!
And, at the same the Task Force has been convening to propose anti-abortion language to the Governor, the Elliot Institute – an anti-abortion organization based in Illinois – has submitted proposed ballot initiative language to the Secretary of State’s office that would change Missouri law to make all abortions illegal unless the doctor certifies it is needed to prevent imminent death or severe medical risks. Missouri cannot become the next South Dakota [link to story]. We will not let these anti-choice politicians and activists make this choice for Missouri women and families. Tell your friends about this sham Task Force and what they stand for.
Thank you for your continued support of choice.
Sincerely,
Planned Parenthood
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Tagged: kansas missouri ks mo phill kline matt blunt governor blunt naral abortion pro-choice Task Force on the Impact of Abortion on Women godbags misogyny feminism planned parenthood John McCastle Cindy Province Barbara Quigley contraception birth control Center for Bioethics and Culture Missouri ballot initiative David Reardon the Elliot Institute Alliance for Life Missouri douchebags rape incest health exceptions the patriarchy action alerts
