by Janet M. Grace Executive Director, Hawaii Right to Life www.hrtl.org

As you may know, our state legislature has been moving quickly on SB 218, a bill regarding emergency contraception (EC). This bill is deeply troubling, because EC drugs can cause early abortion as well as serious harm to patients. The bill offers no right of conscience clause for those who object to offering EC drugs, and if passed, a law of this kind sets a terrible precedent for government interference in healthcare, creating requirements for what medical professionals must do. The long-term consequence would be to force those of faith and conscience out of medicine, which is what abortion activists have been attempting to do for years.

The bill passed the Senate and seemed to have momentum going into the House. But thanks to the dedicated opposition efforts and prayers of pro-life advocates like you, we are extremely happy to report that this legislation appears unlikely to make it out of committee. There is, however, an effort by a dedicated few to attempt to have the bill waived out of committee and put to a floor vote, so we must remain vigilant.

Thank you for your prayers and for contacting our lawmakers, which has certainly made all the difference. We know abortion supporters will do whatever it takes to see SB 218 become law in Hawaii. We are asking that you continue to pray for the key legislators in the decision making process and to be ready with testimony should this bill resurface. (For a complete overview of SB 218, and for clear and factual talking points go to Hawaii Right to Life's legislation page. You may find helpful an article published in Hawai’i Free Press, which gives a comprehensive picture about this bill and its long-term effects on Hawaii. We also encourage you to contact Health Committee Chair Rep. Ryan Yamane to thank him for not hearing this bill.

We are extremely grateful for God's continued hand of grace and mercy over our islands as we continue building a culture of life for Hawaii and beyond. Please continue to pour out your prayers and support for the people of Japan.

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