Substantive Pro-Life Legislation Passed in State Legislatures.(Interview)

By Dave Andrusko

Mary Spaulding Balch's voice gave no hint that she had been to the hospital only a couple of days before. It was strong and full of enthusiasm.

NRLC's director of state legislation was looking back fondly at a very successful 2003 legislative year, confident that the best is yet to come. (In fact, even as she spoke with NRL News, she expressed hope that a couple of more pieces of pro-life legislation may squeeze through at the 11th hour.)

"We've had some very good years, but I honestly believe we passed more substantial legislation this year than we have in a long, long time," Balch said. As she itemized the wins, it was easy to see why she had come to that conclusion.

Balch talked about what she calls "the new generation of Women's Right to Know" laws. Such statutes typically require that women considering abortion be given certain information - - about their child and her development, about possible abortion-related complications, about alternatives, about the father's responsibilities - - and be given 24 hours to assimilate that information.

"We passed such laws in Minnesota, Texas, and West Virginia this year, but with a new wrinkle," she said. Instead of only being offered the opportunity to look at a pamphlet, women now can go to a web site and see great pictures that not only show fetal development but also outline the steps their baby has taken in his or her developmental journey.

"Remember that in most cases the young women and girls who are at risk are very computer-savvy," Balch said. "Going to a web site is something they do 20 times a day, so they are familiar with the technology and more likely to take up the offer."