Hawaii Lawmakers Vote to Always Keep Abortion Legal

This is great news. Hawaii became the first state in the country to legalize abortion in 1970 and lawmakers have voted to protect that right even if Roe v. Wade is overturned:

Lawmakers said there is so much more opposition to abortion nationally since Hawaii's landmark abortion law was approved in 1970 that they want to make sure there are protections in place.

Hawaii lawmakers are worried about South Dakota's governor signing into law a bill to ban almost all abortions. There are 10 other states looking into laws to limit abortions.

With the addition of two new conservative members of the U.S. Supreme Court, some fear abortion rights could be overturned.

After heated debate, state senators passed a bill they said will protect Hawaii's abortion law against legal challenges.

"It is important to keep a woman's right to an abortion, safe, legal and accessible," Democratic Sen. Roz Baker said.

Republican Governor Linda Lingle is expected to sign the bill within the next few weeks.

It's important to note that Hawaii is one of the most pro-choice states in the country (NARAL gives it a B+). There are no major abortion restrictions -- such as waiting periods, mandated parental involvement or limitations on publicly funded abortions -- often found in other states, and every single county in the state has an abortion provider, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

Governor Lingle signed legislation in 2003 allowing pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception to women without a prescription. Hawaii also provides eligible low-income women with state funds for abortion and requires health insurance plans to cover prescription contraception.

What a concept. Hawaii has measures in place to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Must be the fresh air, dolphins and beautiful sunsets.

If you live in Hawaii, urge Governor Lingle to sign the bill!
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