NEW YORK (state)
Each student will be assigned a state in the U.S. There are 30 students enrolled in the course, so collectively we will be able to put together a profile of much of the United States.
Using the identified resources, along with any others you discover, you will conduct research examining the laws and policies related to adoption, birth control access, and abortion services.
1. Identify your state. Who are the elected officials and their political party affiliations?
a. Governor
b. Senators to U.S. Congress
c. How many representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives?
d. Who is the majority party at the State level- State House and State Senate?
You may need to use google to find names and party affiliations. The resources provided at the end of the assignment may also help you determine positions on the issues. Also check the following sites:
2. State policies on ADOPTION.
a. Are there any rules related to those able to be adoptive parents?
i. age
ii. married vs. single
iii. sexual orientation
b. Are interracial adoptions permitted?
c. Do adopted children have access to their records-biological parents, medical history.
d. How many children are estimated to be available for adoption?
i. Babies?
ii. Children?
iii. Teens?
iv. Healthy vs. with health problems (emotional, physical, HIV+, etc.)
3. State policies on BIRTH CONTROL ACCESS. Special attention here to services for low income women. (To date, contraception is available through the Affordable Care Act as preventative care.)
a. How many Planned Parenthood clinics are in the state?
b. Are there other family planning services offered to low income women -connected to hospitals? City run clinics? Other?
c. What rules apply through the state Medicaid program?
4. State policies on ABORTION services
a. What is the state law on abortion?
i. How many weeks into a pregnancy?
ii. Parental permission required?
iii. Waiting period? Sonography required?
iv. Can Medicaid funds be used for abortion?
b. Are there clinics offering abortion services? Hospitals? Estimate how many.
Suggested Resources:
Adoption Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services- Administration for Children & Families
Guttmacher Institute www.guttmacher.org
National Abortion Rights Action League Pro Choice America www.naral.org
National Conference of State Legislators https://www.ncsl.org/programs/health
Planned Parenthood Federation of America www.plannedparenthood.org
5. Summary positon of State:
As a result of your research, how would you describe the state in terms of being supportive of women's choices related to reproductive health.
How have the representatives to Congress voted on reproductive and women's health issues?How do the State legislators vote on these issues? What is the position of the Governor?
Instructions:
1. Carefully answer each question and write up your responses to be submitted in class. Papers must be neatly typed and stapled.
2. You will have the opportunity to present your results in class, so make sure to make a second copy for yourself.
3. If you could not locate an answer, state so within that section. You must attempt to use the resources identified. Google will also be of help.