Reproductive Rights Updates: AK, WI, IL, GA, MI, AZ, & Fed

Here's some more of All The News You Can Use...to bang your head against your desk.

In Alaska, the state's Senate Minority Leader, John Coghill (R-North Pole) has intro'd mandatory ultrasound legislation. Wait. North Pole? That's cool, in a "don't write that every day" sort of way. But I digress! Sen. Coghill thinks this is a matter of "informed consent". He so graciously explains:

"I think if people understood a little bit more about what's going on in the womb, they might reconsider (an abortion)," he said.

"The choice is the female's, and I respect that as much as I can respect it," he said, "but I'm also trying to bring as much respect for what a pregnancy really is."

Because "a female" just doesn't know anything about "what a pregnancy really is", amirite?

***

In Wisconsin, there was, apparently, a "contentious" debate in the state senate yesterday when a public hearing was held regarding legislation that is supposed to ensure that a woman is definitely not being forced to have an abortion and also addresses women being able to obtain mifepristone via web.

Under current Wisconsin law, abortion providers must inform women seeking them of the risks, and then the woman must give voluntary written consent. Republican Rep. Michelle Litjens wants to add provisions. She told the Assembly Health committee of her alarm when she heard a Milwaukee radio station air a 911 call.

“There was a young girl about 13 or 14 who was being escorted into an abortion clinic a few months ago. She didn’t want to go inside and there were some people outside the clinic who were trying to help her so they called 911 and the police said there was nothing they could do. She was going inside with a guardian, and they could not help the girl and it’s frightening to hear. This bill requires the physician to inform the woman that she has the right to refuse an abortion, that her consent is not voluntary if someone is coercing her and that it’s unlawful for the physician to perform the procedure if it’s not voluntary,” Litjens says.

Litjens says her bill would require the physician to question the patient in private and have her sign a voluntary consent form without anyone else present.

Ok there are two issues with this. First one is brought up--and smacked down--by Rep Sandy Pasch (D-Whitefish Bay). Rep Pasch is also a nurse, btw:

"Let me tell you what the components of informed consent are, that there’s a voluntariness, that’s essential as part of it, that’s already in the informed consent process, that information is provided to the patient and the information needs to be the risks and benefits of the procedure that they’re requesting, the risks and benefits of alternative procedures and the risks and benefits of doing nothing which in this case would be allowing a pregnancy, so which part of that do you think needs to be strengthened?” Pasch asks.

Litjens: “I would like to strengthen it so that that woman is asked those questions or told that information in a room where she doesn’t feel pressured at all. I would like that young girl who was forced to enter an abortion clinic in Milwaukee to have the opportunity to say no."

Pasch: “If the physician doesn’t do it, there could be a felony charge. Who’s going to monitor that physician if they’re all alone in the room?”

Litjens: “ I would assume that the woman’s going to monitor the physician to make sure it’s done because that would give her the opportunity if she’s being coerced by a boyfriend, by a parent, by an abusive stepfather or something of that nature."

Which brings us to the next issue. I see Rep Litjens is all about calling a minor a woman in this aspect. She is all about the rights of a minor to not have to have an abortion if she does not want one. The right to choose "no, it's not what I want". However, in Wisconsin, minors cannot obtain an abortion without the consent of a parent.

So. Wisconsin: no abortion if you're under 18 without parental consent; no parental "interference" if a minor does not want an abortion. Not that I'm saying anyone should have to have an abortion if they do not want one. The point is no one should be forced into a choice they do not want to make by another person--including a parent stopping an abortion.

The other aspect is regarding the ability of a woman to be prescribed mifepristone (RU-486) via web by a doctor when one is not present in office to otherwise do so (a woman still has to come to clinic to access the consult). This is not currently available in Wisconsin but the WI "right to life" groups want to try and head it off before it can be available.

Nothing was decided on the legislation yesterday, except that more discussion is needed.

***

In Illinois, the state is jumping on the mandatory ultrasound bandwagon:

According to Illinois House bill 786, the Ultrasound Opportunity Act, women electing to have abortions will be subject to undergo an invasive sonogram, listen while a technician or the doctor verbally describes in detail what is shown in the sonogram and wait a 24-hour period before receiving the procedure.

The "Ultrasound Opportunity Act"? Really? I bet one of these days some state is going to call it the "Pre-Born Citizen Photo Op Act".

***
We have a theme for the next three states. SPOILER: It's not a fun theme.

In Georgia, Rep. Doug McKillip (R-Eprehensible) has intro'd legislation to ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Abortion after then would only be allowed if the person would die otherwise. The bill has not yet gone anywhere.

In Michigan, Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-Idiculous) has intro'd legislation to ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Abortion would only be allowed if the person would die otherwise. This bill has a name: "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act". It also says that any doctor who does an abortion after the 20th week would face felony charges and up to 15 years in prison.

In Arizona, Rep. Kimberly Yee (R-Epugnant) has intro'd legislation to ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation. Abortion would only be allowed if the person would die otherwise. This bill also includes mandatory ultrasound 24 hours beforehand, posting signs in clinics saying that no one can force anyone else to have an abortion, and:

[It] would require the health department to provide a web site that provides a range of information, including alternatives to abortion, medical risks and descriptions of fetuses.

The descriptions would include "pictures or drawings representing the development of unborn children at two-week gestational increments and any relevant information on the possibility of the unborn child's survival."

Because none of that information is available anywhere else!

Anyway, every one of these 20-week gestation bans is based on the idea of "fetal pain", which has been debunked. But who cares about science, amirite?!

***

Just a quick note about federal legislation news with regards to the manufactured controversy over the Affordable Care Act covering birth control. MoJo helpfully points out (emphasis mine):

[T]he central mandate—that most employers have to cover preventative care for women—has been law for over a decade. This point has been completely lost in the current controversy, as Republican presidential candidates and social conservatives claim that Obama has launched a war on religious liberty and the Catholic Church.

Obama's additions to the current law now require business with less than 15 employees have to follow it and no co-pays for anyone.

Eureka!

Well, this happened in the world: Ten-year-old fifth-grader Clara Lazen discovered a new molecule.

[Lazen's] class assignment was to build a molecule using one of those modeling kits with the colorful balls and plastic connectors. Many kids would probably throw together a little H2O and call it a day — but not Clara. She randomly pieced together a combination of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon atoms to create a molecule her chemistry teacher, Kenneth Boehr, had never seen before.

"I just saw that these go together more," Clara told the Fox News local affiliate in Kansas City. "Like they fit more together. And they look better. And all the holes have to be filled in for it to be stable."

Astonished, Boehr emailed his friend Robert Zoellner, a computational chemist at Humbolt State, to confirm whether it was legit. "Ken sent me a picture of the molecule on my cell phone and usually I can tell right away if it's real," Zoellner says.

This time, he couldn't.

To check whether Lazen had just discovered a new molecule, he ran the molecule's formula through an Chemical Abstracts, an online database of chemistry research dating back to 1904. He found one match: nitrogylcerin

But (and it's a big "but"), Lazen's molecule, dubbed tetranitratoxycarbon, had a different structural arrangement, which meant they could now tell the world they had just discovered a new molecule. Similar in composition to nitroglycerin, an explosive, Zoellner says tetranitratoxycarbon may have the potential to store energy, combust or do a little of both. At the very least, it's a molecule chemists can attempt to synthesize and toy with to see if there are any possible technological applications.

Neat!

[H/T to @pourmecoffee.]

Photos of the Day

President Barack Obama pumps the Extreme Marshmallow Cannon invented by Joey Hudy, 14, from Phoenix, Arizona, while touring student science fair projects on exhibit in the State Dining Room at the White House February 7, 2012 in Washington, DC. Obama hosted the second White House Science Fair celebrating the student winners of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country. [Getty Images]

President Barack Obama reacts after watching a marshmallow launched from the Extreme Marshmallow Cannon. [AP Photo]

President Barack Obama reacts after watching a marshmallow launched from the Extreme Marshmallow Cannon. [Reuters Pictures]

Love.

The Morals and the Ethics of it

[Content Note: medical procedure descriptions]

Last Wednesday, Newt Gingrich engaged in some ridiculous hyperbole in order to woo anti-science fundamentalists in today's Florida primary. Which is not particularly news, true. The topic Gingrich was speaking on was Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) and he said that ESCR is “the use of science to desensitize society over the killing of babies” (unsurprisingly this is contrary to what he's said in the past, as WaPo points out). Gingrich wants a commission to investigate IVF clinics in regards to embryos, storage, and disposal--to overall "investigate their ethics". Gingrich's is an opinion shared by not a few people--and thus why he trotted it out to try and garner votes. Also, rather ironically, that same week, news broke that there are signs of promise in using embryonic stem cells in the treatment of blindness.

For all the talk about ESCR and other embryonic research, it seems not many know just what can occur or what can be studied or what real outcomes have the potential to be. Well, here is one concrete example, of which Gingrich would no doubt--now, for conservative votes-- regard as wanton "baby killing".

At the start of this month (January), I became a participant in a research study regarding mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disease; I started the process of being an egg donor*.

For further explanation (from my paperwork from the study):

In human cells, including a female’s egg cells, there are two main types of genetic materials present. These materials, called genes or DNA, are passed on from parent to child and help determine the make-up of the child’s body and mind.

Nuclear Genes/DNA are housed in structures called chromosomes in a cell part called the nucleus. The vast majority of a cell’s DNA is this type. Humans have about 25,000 nuclear genes per cell.

Mitochondrial (mt) DNA is found in mitochondria, a different cell compartment than the nucleus. This type of DNA is passed only from mother to child. The father normally does not pass it on. This type of DNA ensures that the mitochondria are able to do their job as the energy makers of the cell. Humans have only 37 genes in their mitochondria.

When there are mutations (defects) in the mtDNA and the mother passes it on to the child, very serious human disorders can result, including seizures, strokes, dementia, liver failure, muscle weakness, blindness, deafness and diabetes. Available treatments can only improve symptoms and slow down the diseases. There are currently no cures for mitochondrial disorders.

The point of the study is to see if it is possible in humans--as has been proven possible in rhesus monkeys--to transplant nuclear DNA from an affected egg to a healthy egg and thus enable a child to be born who is not affected by mitochondrial disease. If this is hard to imagine, think of a chicken egg where the nuclear DNA is the yolk and mitochondrial DNA is the white. It's a yolk transplant into a non-affected egg white. Eventually the egg would then be fertilized and potentially (hopefully) develop into a non-mtDNA disease affected person.

The study is the first ever of its sort in humans. Gene line therapy is not yet approved by the FDA, the goal now is to: 1. see if the procedure works in human genetic material; 2. make sure that it is safe and effective. None of these donated eggs will ever become part of a pregnancy. After fertilization in the lab, some will be destroyed and others will go on to:

...[B]e used to derive embryonic stem (ES) cells. ES cells are a type of cell that have the ability to form many different types of cells. They also do not stop regenerating. ES cells are made by growing embryos with feeder cells in a Petri dish. These special feeder cells cause the embryo to keep growing as a cluster of cells instead of developing into a human fetus. Because the ES cells do not stop regenerating themselves, they will provide a renewable source of cells that will allow us to conduct a variety of safety studies on germ line gene therapy. We hope that this study will generate the critical information needed to obtain the FDA’s approval of germ line gene therapy and to support future clinical trials

To Newt's current opinion and those people he's trying to court votes from, all of this is terrible. Evil. "Playing God". "Killing babies". They do not see if for what it is and can be: helping save babies. Save people. Many children born with mtDNA disease do not live long; they are born seemingly typical and their bodies shut down slowly over time. To Newt et al, I say watch this video:



You can also read the Shaprio family's story here. From Stephanie Shaprio:

I am aware my children will die some day in the near future. I have attended the funerals of far too many children. I have sat during services praying my children won't be next.

For us, every day is a gift. Through awareness and research, I do see a day where parents will receive a diagnosis and continue to save for college rather than their child's funeral.

I pray for a cure. I hope and pray other families do not have to go through the heartache we have endured. Currently there is no cure for mitochondrial disease.

It is a nasty, progressive monster. In the five years since my family has begun this journey, I have watched research towards a cure increase, as well as awareness. This is the proof of a better future for children and adults struggling with this disease. It is proof tomorrow can be a better day.

Now let's talk about who is ultimately "killing babies", Newt.

Video transcript:

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Playing god is a criticism often directed at those pushing the boundaries of genetic science. You could say these baby monkeys are the product of just such a push. You could say they’re the next frontier to prevent genetic disease in humans.

Stephanie Shapiro: We never in a million years though that we would be in this type of a situation. We just thought that we would have this houseful of these beautiful, healthy children and that would be the end of it.

Dad (taking son): Hey buddy.

Stephanie: (picks up food & medical equipment) All right, I got his food. You lead the way.

(Stephanie voiceover as they show part of day routine) Hannah and Jake are on twenty-four hour feeding tubes. They’re fed through a tube in their stomach.

Stephanie: (talking to Jake) Awww, it’s ok. (to camera) That’s a seizure.

(Stephanie voiceover) They can have 300 to 500 seizures a day.

Stephanie The rule in our house is “is she pink? is she pink? has she turned blue yet?" .... That’s basically our idea of how bad the seizures are.


Gupta (voiceover): This is what parenting looks like when your children have mitochondrial disease.

Stephanie: When we got the official diagnosis on Hannah, I was eight months pregnant with our son. I said: “Mito-? Mito-what? This is what she has?”. And the doctor pointed at my belly and he said: "If you had known then what you know now, would you have made different reproductive choices? Because that child probably has it too." And...and that’s when we knew that it’s genetically linked.

Gupta (voiceover during Jake’s play therapy): Mitochondrial diseases sometimes pass from mother to child, as in Stephanie’s case. It affects multiple organs because mitochondria, that’s the part of the cell that generates energy, are found in almost every cell in the body. Without mitochondria, the body would stop functioning. The disease is under-diagnosed because the symptoms are extremely diverse and often mistaken for other diseases.

In fact, Stephanie has the disease but does not have any symptoms.

Stephanie: We have a room that is our Medical Supply Room. (opening cabinets) And these are all of our daily things that we need to have: formula, syringes, suction equipment... (holds up package) This is a g-tube kit. Gauzes...

Gupta (voiceover): Treatment only reduces symptoms and there is no cure. It is a progressive disease which means you get sicker as you get older.

(At Oregon Health Science University; Portland, Oregon)

Dr. Shoukhrat Mitalipov: So how many [garbled] today?

Research Assistant: About sixty.

Doctor: Wow.

Gupta (voiceover): Scientists in the state of Oregon recently pioneered a breakthrough technique with women like Stephanie in mind.

Dr. Mitalipov (Lead Scientist): What’s exciting for me is that even if we find treatment that will cure one disease--or even just one person--I think that’s a really big achievement.

Gupta (voiceover, monkeys): Baby monkeys, Mito and Tracker, were made from the genetic material from two mothers. That’s an advance that could one day help women with mitochondrial disease have healthy children. The technique allowed Mito and Tracker’s mother to pass on most of her genetic material minus that damaged mitochondrial DNA.

Dr. Mitalipov (on smartboard or similar): What we have is egg from a patient...

Gupta (voiceover): If this were ever possible in humans, it would mean a mother with a mitochondrial mutation could still pass on inherited genetic characteristics like eye color, hair color, and range of intelligence without passing on the disease.

(animated depiction of procedure) Here’s what the procedure looks like....

A mother’s egg has it’s healthy nuclear DNA removed and transplanted into a healthy donor egg. The donor’s egg nuclear DNA is eliminated because it’s not needed but its mitochondrial DNA remains intact. Now since the mother’s mitochondrial DNA is damaged, it’s not transferred. The egg is then fertilized by the father’s sperm and will become the biological child of the parents free from internal mutations.

Dr. Mitalipov: This is main embryology lab. This is where the...all...magic is done.

Gupta (voiceover): Here monkey eggs undergo the mitochondrial gene replacement procedure. The manipulated eggs are then fertilized and in a few days, those eggs are ready for transplantation.

Dr. Mitalipov (pointing at slide): You can see the small, tiny drop? There’s actually about 20 eggs there.

Gupta (voiceover): Tiny tools hold the eggs steady. A laser penetrates a microscopic hole in the egg. And then a micro-pipette enters and removes the egg’s nucleus for the genes that are being transferred to the donor egg.

Dr. Mitalipov: Every disease...it is better to prevent it. To treat before it actually happens.

Gupta (voiceover): The work is not without controversy. And if it’s one day applied to humans, there could be children with three genetic parents. And that could create the potential for legal and social conflicts. And critics worry that genetic manipulation could give rise to a market in elective genetic enhancements.

(Back to Stephanie reading Where the Wild Things Are)

But for Stephanie, the possibility is enticing.

Stephanie: We definitely want to have more children. But it’s a really difficult choice for our family to make.

I just can’t risk it. It scares me. It scares me, so we have to look at other alternatives to having a child.

The idea that we could take my DNA and make it healthy....is really exciting. Certainly people are going to say that there’s moral issues and there’s ethics issues in that and and a part of me says you know what? Come spend a day at my house and then we’ll talk about the morals and the ethics of it.

* I did not finish the donation cycle because, unfortunately, the stimulation medication did not stimulate egg production enough (there were plenty of them but they weren't growing fast enough), at the very end.

Quote of the Day

"By the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon, and it will be American."—Newt Gingrich, dreamer.

The permanent base on the moon is more likely than a two-term Newt Gingrich presidency.

2FA, #6

An actual text exchange Deeky and I had this weekend, after we had a high-larious conversation in which we were deeply amusing one another. What I'm trying to say is: Find creative ways of telling your friends that they're awesome.

OFFS

[Content Note: This post contains expressions of misogyny.]

One hopes that, at minimum, he is aware we are not actually from Venus:

His career has shed light on the secrets of the universe, from the nature of space-time to the workings of black holes, but there is one conundrum that still baffles the world's most famous scientist.

In an interview to mark his 70th birthday this weekend, Stephen Hawking, the former Lucasian professor of mathematics at Cambridge University, admitted he spent most of the day thinking about women. "They are," he said "a complete mystery."

I suppose that's meant to be charming or some shit, but one of the most brilliant male scientists on the planet talking about women as if we're a different species is not charming: It is rage-makingly Othering, and profoundly immature to boot.

[H/T to @CathElliott.]