Viewpoints: Don’t Let Theatrics Of Nomination Process Distract From Threat To Roe
A selection of opinions on health care developments from around the state.
Los Angeles Times:
What Brett Kavanaugh Could Mean For The Future Of Abortion, Marriage Equality And Much More
After a buildup worthy of a master of reality TV, President Trump has nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Anthony M. Kennedy’s retirement. This continues a run of almost 50 consecutive years when the court has had a majority of Republican appointees. Many commentators will rush to cast this nomination solely in terms of what it means for the rights to abortion and to marriage equality for same-sex couples. Although those issues are important, Kavanaugh likely will have the deciding vote on many other issues that have a profound impact on people’s daily lives. He should be assessed on what he would bring to the court on all these issues. (David A. Super, 7/9)
Sacramento Bee:
Trump Abortion War Gags Doctors, Stacks Supreme Court
Not content to merely stack the judiciary according to social conservatives’ Mad Men-era playbook, President Donald Trump last month announced a new rule that would make it significantly harder to avoid unwanted pregnancies for poor Californians. It is, to be blunt, a gag rule that would yank federal subsidies for contraceptives and other care from providers who even discuss abortion with patients. (7/9)
Sacramento Bee:
Californians Want To Reduce Abortions, No Matter What Happens At Supreme Court
Despite the fear-mongering of the abortion industry and its supporters, abortion will remain legal in California regardless of changes on the U.S. Supreme Court. Twenty percent of all U.S. abortions occur in California, ending more than 500 human lives each day at more than 140 locations, dominated by Planned Parenthood. In 1967 California legalized abortion, even paid for with our state tax dollars. (Wynnette Sills, 7/11)
The Mercury News:
Separating Children From Parents Harms Development
If a child experiences an adverse event the young brain can recover and is remarkably resilient in large part due to the social-emotional buffering provided by a strong, loving parent relationship. But when you fracture that relationship by separating a parent and their child, the resiliency of the young brain erodes and if pro-longed, permanently changes the brain architecture. (Jaime Peterson, 7/10)
Los Angeles Times:
The U.S. Bullied The World To Stop A Pro-Breastfeeding Resolution? That's The American Way
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce last week denounced the Trump administration for imposing tariffs that may result in retaliation and an economy-wide trade war. But they haven’t said much about its recent use of trade threats on behalf of multinational corporations. According to a New York Times report, the administration tried to deep-six a resolution at the World Health Assembly to encourage breastfeeding. It warned smaller nations such as Ecuador that it would face trade sanctions and withdrawal of military aid if it introduced the pro-breastfeeding resolution. Countries succumbed one by one to U.S. intimidation until Russia intervened to stop the bullying, and the resolution finally passed. Even then, U.S. negotiators pulled language that would have urged the World Health Organization to support countries seeking to improve infant nutrition. (David Dayen, 7/9)
Sacramento Bee:
Hate Crimes Are Up, Even In California. Don’t Let Trump Drag Us Back To Prop. 187 Days
Californians see ourselves as tolerant and inclusive. Still, how about that woman with the brick who yelled “go back to your country” as she brutally beat a 92-year-old Latino grandfather in Los Angeles on the Fourth of July? Or the white supremacist who showed up in violent footage from Charlottesville, Va. – and on a list of contractors with government security clearances at the Redondo Beach facility of Northrup Grumman? (7/12)
Sacramento Bee:
Legislature Must Not Slight Seniors In Mental Health Money
An important measure to expand access to mental health care services in California is going through the Legislature, but it would make it more difficult for counties to serve older adults. Senate Bill 1004, which was approved by the Assembly Health Committee on June 19, would amend Proposition 63, passed by voters in 2004 to provide funding for county mental health services with a 1 percent tax on annual incomes of more than $1 million. (Cheryl Brown, 7/6)
Orange County Register:
‘Mental Disorder’ Now A Get-Out-Of-Jail-Free Card
Currently, defendants undergoing diversion — which can occur pre-trial or after a guilty plea — still have their charges publicly displayed. Now, due to this law, the public is not protected as a whole new class of mentally ill criminals will enjoy a life where no one will learn about their sordid past. (Todd Spitzer, 7/7)
Los Angeles Times:
Food Stamps Can Make The Difference For Struggling O.C. Families, Many Of Them Working
Unfortunately for too many Orange County children and their families, food insecurity is standing in the way of a better life. That is why Orange County United Way urges the House and Orange County’s congressional delegation to place their focus on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. (Susan Parks, 7/5)