Secretary of State Robin Carnahan says she plans to keep coming to the office as she receives treatment to battle breast cancer. Carnahan says chemotherapy should begin this week, with surgery and radiation treatment scheduled for this summer. Carnahan wants to keep up with the work in her office. Carnahan says her doctors have given her an excellent chance for recovery, because she caught it early and she is in good shape. Carnahan says she hopes her battle will sound a warning for other women. Carnahan says she discovered a lump in her breast, which prompted a visit to the doctor and led to the diagnosis. She says the lump didn’t even show up on a mamogram, but was revealed through an ultrasound. Carnahan says she hopes the publicity surrounding her struggle will prompt women to conduct their own self-examinations.
Spring Rise Topic of Congressional Field Hearing
Federal Agrculture Department officials say crop insurance won’t cover any losses that could be caused by the Army Corps of Engineers’ planned manmade flood on the Missouri River this May. During a Congressional field hearing in Jefferson City, West Central Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton debated with USDA’s Risk Management Agency Administrator Eldon Gould that it is within the federal Agriculture Department’s discretion to accept this flood as a natural event. Gould believes discretion only applies to further definition of natural causes, which would not be applicable in this case. Skelton promises to keep on the USDA to get the policy changed.
Planned Parenthood Considers Options in Wake of Ruling on Abortion Law
A challenge to Missouri’s informed consent abortion law is rejected as the State Supreme Court rules the law, which was signed in 2003, is constitutionally sound. A challenge had been launched by Planned Parenthood, which claimed the language was vague and that the 24-hour waiting period for an elective abortion violated liberty and privacy rights under the Missouri Constitution. Peter Brownlee of Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri accepts the informed consent provision, but has a problem with the waiting period. Brownlee says Planned Parenthood will consider its legal options, but he concedes the 24-hour waiting period is the law of the land.
State Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to Abortion Law
The State Supreme Court has ruled on a challenge to an abortion law creating an informed consent requirement, including a 24-hour waiting period before elective abortions can be performed. Planned Parenthood had argued the statute was unconstitutionally vague and that its 24-hour waiting provision violated rights of liberty and privacy under the state constitution. The Court holds that the wording is not vague and that the 24-hour waiting period does not violate the Constitution. Furthermore, the Court notes the statute imposes no further duty on physicians than previously existed. This case concerns only Planned Parenthood’s claims under the State Constitution. All federal claims must still be resolved in federal court.
Related web sites:
Missouri Supreme Court Opinion
Greinke Still Gone, Rincon Reports
Royals are still mum on why pitcher Zack Greinke left camp over the weekend. He was excused from spring training in Surprise Arizona on Saturday to deal with undisclosed personal issues. Royals GM Allard Baird said it had nothing to do with disciplinary issues or injury.
Reliever Ricardo Rincon has finally reported to camp 11 days after pitchers and catchers reported to Cardinals’ camp in Jupiter Florida after battling visa problems in Mexico. Rincon threw to live pitching on Monday and is expected to stay for a few days before joining the Mexican team at the World Baseball Classic.
