Freedom of Choice Act, New Version (FOCA) (2/04)

Pro-abortion Senator Boxer introduced a new version of the Freedom of Choice Act which, if enacted, would invalidate any “statute, ordinance, regulation, administrative order, decision, policy, practice or any other action” of any federal, state or local gov’t that would “deny or interfere with” a woman’s right to abortion. It would establish “the absolute right to choose”. FOCA would invalidate: 1. gov’t restrictions on abortion funding; 2. prohibition of abortion in public hospitals; 3. women’s “right to know” laws [Boxer called these “anti-choice propaganda lectures”];  4. rights of conscience; and 5. prohibition of non-physicians from performing abortions. The bill would also “make it illegal for anyone or action that would discriminate against abortion”. It is endorsed by NARAL, NOW, Planned Parenthood, etc. [Nat’l Right to Life, 2/04; HLA Action News, Spring 2004]