The substitute has an effective date of January 1, 1997. Supporters of the originals bills say that the bills are compromise bills designed to ensure that women can make safe and informed choices. Supporters say that there have been numerous instances of women who have been seriously injured by an improperly performed abortion. Supporters say that the bills assure adequate protection of the health and safety of all women choosing abortion. Supporters also say that the bills are consistent with American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists standards for performing abortions.
Supporters say that the bills are constitutional.
Those who oppose the original bills say that the bills are a poorly disguised attempt to infringe on a woman's right to choose. Opponents say that the bills do nothing to improve the safety of abortions and even make abortions riskier because the bills severely limit access to abortions. Opponents say the vast majority of abortions are performed without any health consequences to the woman and that abortions are far safer than childbirth and other medical procedures. Opponents also say that the bills are not consistent with the newest standards of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Opponents say that the bills are unconstitutional.