Women's medical information will not be posted online in Oklahoma -- for now

[ccharles000]

Oklahomans who believe in a little thing called the "right to privacy" can breathe a big sigh of relief, for now. Late Friday, a judge extended a temporary restraining order against a bill that would publish online extensive details about women's abortions. Now, enforcement of the law will be set aside until a February 19 hearing on its constitutionality, thanks to a lawsuit by the Center for Reproductive Rights. In a press release, staff attorney Jennifer Mondino said the organization is "very pleased with today’s ruling" because "women in Oklahoma should not have to jump through hoops to access legal medical care."

The loathsome law, which we've written about before, requires women to fill out a highly personal 10-page questionnaire before they terminate a pregnancy. In particular, the cross-examination focuses on the reason for the woman's decision to have an abortion. Answers are then posted anonymously on a state Web site that can be accessed by anyone -- next-door neighbors, parents, friends, you name it. Despite the results showing up without a name or address attached, it's still possible -- especially in a small town -- for women's identities to be discovered. Even the most amateur of detectives could visit the site and put together the various puzzle pieces -- age, marital status, race and approximate gestational age of the (note the bill's wording here) "unborn child subject to abortion."

http://www.salon.com/mwt/broadsheet/feature/2009/12/18/oklahoma_abortion/index.html

[dflprincess]

1. What about HIPAA

doesn't this violate Federal law?

edited for typo

[Skittles]

2. it's HIPAA

and yes, it surely must violate laws

[dflprincess]

3. I knew that - I have to worry about HIPAA at my job

Just not paying attention.

[tblue]

4. Yes, that was what I'd call a "high-tech stoning."

Ghastly law. We should bring the women of Oklahoma to California as refugees.

[aquart]

5. Can we post all men who get Viagra prescriptions?

Just to let ladies know who's available, of course.