Anti-Abortion Agencies Requests (Department of Health)
| Multi Request | Anti-Abortion Agencies Requests |
| Submitted | July 11, 2019 |
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Communications
From: Shafaq Patel (@shafaqpatel)
To Whom It May Concern:
Pursuant to the North Dakota Open Records Law, I hereby request the following records:
Materials related to requests for information regarding abortion services. Please include as responsive:
1. Any public records requests, as well as any provided responses or responsive materials, submitted by groups with a publicly known focus on anti-abortion and pro-life sentiments. Please include but do not limit responsive materials to those referencing the following organizations:
- Pro-Life Action League
- National Right to Life
- Check My Clinic
- The Center for Medical Progress
- Coalition for Life
- Operation Rescue
- Right to Life.
If there is a group, like a local city group, that has this sentiment but was not listed, please also provide their requests as well.
2. All communications, from Jan. 1, 2015 to present day, between your agency and representatives of the following organizations:
- Pro-Life Action League
- National Right to Life
- Check My Clinic
- The Center for Medical Progress
- Coalition for Life
- Operation Rescue
- Right to Life.
3. Any and all requests and documents with following words:
ABORTION
PREGNANCY TERMINATION
TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY
UNBORN BABIES
INDUCED ABORTION
FETAL TISSUE
PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION
TELEMEDICINE
Let me know if your office has any questions about this request.
The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.
In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.
Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.
Sincerely,
Shafaq Patel (@shafaqpatel)
From: Department of Health
Greetings, Shafaq - I received your open record request on July 12, 2019 - below is an update and a couple of questions.
#1 - Regarding open record requests: There have been no open records requests submitted by "anti-abortion and/or pro-life sentiments."
#2 - I'm getting this information for you and will respond when I have it.
#3 - I need clarification on what the meeting behind "Any and all requests." I'm not sure what you mean by "requests." Please clarify.
In addition, for us to search every NDDoH document looking for your keywords, would be roughly 24 IT hours, costing roughly $600 to process. We would need payment before we could begin to fulfill this request and would reimburse if it takes less hours. That is one option.
A second option, is you could call me and I could help you limit your search to what you are specifically looking for. For example, I can tell you with confidence that the information our staff is required to provide by law in the Abortion Control Act<https://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t14c02-1.pdf> (Section14-02.1-02.1), can be found in the publication found at http://www.ndhealth.gov/familyhealth/preg_abortion_booklet_final.pdf. This is likely the only abortion related publication we have with those keywords.
Please let me know how you would like to proceed and I'll continue working on your #2 request in the meantime. Thank you!
Nicole Peske
Chief Communications Officer
701-328-4619 * 701-391-7953 (m)
[cid:image009.jpg@01D53C78.E7790DB0]
Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9> * health.nd.gov <http://www.health.nd.gov/>
[cid:image010.png@01D53C78.E7790DB0]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image011.png@01D53C78.E7790DB0] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image012.png@01D53C78.E7790DB0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Department of Health
Greetings – Our IT system found one email to match your request for all communications, from Jan. 1, 2015 to present day between our agency and your listed organizations.
I didn’t hear back from you regarding my request for clarification on number 3 (email sent 7/17/19) of the open record request so until I hear back, I’m going to consider this request closed. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Nicole
Nicole Peske
Chief Communications Officer
701-328-4619 • 701-391-7953 (m)
[cid:image009.jpg@01D5415B.176EBBA0]
Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9> • health.nd.gov <http://www.health.nd.gov/>
[cid:image010.png@01D5415B.176EBBA0]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image011.png@01D5415B.176EBBA0] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image012.png@01D5415B.176EBBA0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Shafaq Patel (@shafaqpatel)
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I was asking for the requests from anti-abortion organizations as well as your agencies response to that request.
As for #3, I was asking for requests your agency received with those keywords.
Thank you,
Shafaq
From: Department of Health
Thank you –the email we found relating to your request was under the last email and the attachment associated was attached so we should be good to go there.
After this, I’ll forward you several emails regarding an open record request involving your key words from this past May and then one email resulting from a request from last year.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Nicole
Nicole Peske
Chief Communications Officer
701-328-4619 • 701-391-7953 (m)
[cid:image002.jpg@01D548FC.2BFEB950]
Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9> • health.nd.gov <http://www.health.nd.gov/>
[cid:image004.png@01D548FC.2BFEB950]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image006.png@01D548FC.2BFEB950] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image008.png@01D548FC.2BFEB950] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Department of Health
From: Peske, Nicole
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 1:45 PM
To: Rosemary Westwood <rosemarywestwood@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: Open Records Request: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 9:57 AM
To: 'cdodson@ndcatholic.org' <cdodson@ndcatholic.org<mailto:cdodson@ndcatholic.org>>
Subject: FW: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Hello Mr. Dodson.
Thank you for the discussion today.
Below is the information sent to Representative Rohr.
Kim Mertz
Section Chief
701.328.4528 * kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:kmertz@nd.gov> * Healthy and Safe Communities Section
[cid:image013.png@01D4B301.F7991150]<http://www.health.nd.gov/>
health.nd.gov * 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301 * Bismarck, ND 58505 * Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9>
[cid:image003.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image004.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image005.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 8:23 AM
To: Rohr, Karen M. <kmrohr@nd.gov<mailto:kmrohr@nd.gov>>
Cc: Tufte, Mylynn K. <mylynntufte@nd.gov<mailto:mylynntufte@nd.gov>>; Weisz, Brenda M. <bmweisz@nd.gov<mailto:bmweisz@nd.gov>>; Wilke, Dirk D. <ddwilke@nd.gov<mailto:ddwilke@nd.gov>>
Subject: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Good morning Representative Rohr:
The below information is in response to your request for information for HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion.
This bill requires information to be added to North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1. Printed Information - Referral service. To meet the requirements of this section, the North Dakota Department of Health has developed an Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet. Here is the link to most current version: https://www.ndhealth.gov/familyhealth/Preg_Abortion_booklet_final.pdf.
In response to Representative Weisz's concern about needing to develop a directory of resources, North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1. includes the requirement for "geographically indexed materials to inform the women of public and private agencies and services available to assist a woman through pregnancy, upon childbirth and while the child is dependent, including adoption agencies". The North Dakota Department of Health has partnered with Prevent Child Abuse of North Dakota to develop an interactive map titled "Services in Your Area." This map connects women, children, and families to dozens of local services. The Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet provides direction on how to access this map. Here is a link to the map: http://www.ndkids.org/services-in-your-area/.
To comply with any new requirements of North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1, we will review and update the Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet and on-line map following the legislative session. There will not be a request for funding from the legislature to make these updates.
Please let me know if you need any additional information or clarification.
Kim Mertz
Section Chief
701.328.4528 * kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:kmertz@nd.gov> * Healthy and Safe Communities Section
[cid:image002.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0]<http://www.health.nd.gov/>
health.nd.gov * 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301 * Bismarck, ND 58505 * Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9>
[cid:image003.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image004.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image005.png@01D4B2A4.6C99DAB0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Department of Health
From: Peske, Nicole
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 1:55 PM
To: Rosemary Westwood <rosemarywestwood@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: Open Record Request
Hello, again - this is the last of what our staff found. We didn't have any other notes, texts, etc. that you mentioned in your open record request.
Have a great day and again, if you have any questions, let me know.
Nicole
Nicole Peske
Public Information Officer
701.328.4619 * 701.391.7953 (m)
[cid:image001.jpg@01D548FC.6CAF8BA0]
Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9> * health.nd.gov <http://www.health.nd.gov/>
[cid:image002.png@01D548FC.6CAF8BA0]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image003.png@01D548FC.6CAF8BA0] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image004.png@01D548FC.6CAF8BA0] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Department of Health
From: Peske, Nicole
Sent: Tuesday, April 2, 2019 1:45 PM
To: Rosemary Westwood <rosemarywestwood@gmail.com>
Subject: FW: Open Records Request: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 10:27 AM
To: Rohr, Karen M. <kmrohr@nd.gov<mailto:kmrohr@nd.gov>>
Cc: Tufte, Mylynn K. <mylynntufte@nd.gov<mailto:mylynntufte@nd.gov>>; Weisz, Brenda M. <bmweisz@nd.gov<mailto:bmweisz@nd.gov>>; Wilke, Dirk D. <ddwilke@nd.gov<mailto:ddwilke@nd.gov>>; 'cdodson@ndcatholic.org' <cdodson@ndcatholic.org<mailto:cdodson@ndcatholic.org>>
Subject: RE: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Representative Rohr,
I was able to connect with Mr. Dodson via phone this am.
I explained to him that instead of submitting addendum language, the Department would like work together with all appropriate partners on language that would comply with any new law requirements to update the Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet. This is the process we have used in the past for updates to the Abortion Control Law that requires the Department to update the printed materials. We believe this process provides language that is balanced and medically accurate. I explained to him that this is also the time that we would do a thorough review of the entire booklet to be sure all the information was current and accurate.
We talked about Representative Weisz's concern about needing to develop a database of physicians, and we both agreed that this would not be needed. The language to comply with the what the bill states could be included in the Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.
Kim Mertz
Section Chief
701.328.4528 * kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:kmertz@nd.gov> * Healthy and Safe Communities Section
[cid:image014.png@01D4B306.24BB7E30]<http://www.health.nd.gov/>
health.nd.gov * 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301 * Bismarck, ND 58505 * Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9>
[cid:image015.png@01D4B306.24BB7E30]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image004.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image005.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 9:01 AM
To: Rohr, Karen M. <kmrohr@nd.gov<mailto:kmrohr@nd.gov>>
Subject: RE: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Hello Representative Rohr,
I have not connected with Mr. Dodson yet; I will see if I can connect with him today.
I haven't had time to thoroughly research the website he included in the addendum. I would prefer he not submit this as an addendum at this point. If the bill passes, we will work with all partners on updating the language in the booklet.
Kim
From: Rohr, Karen M.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 8:40 AM
To: Mertz, Kim N. <kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:kmertz@nd.gov>>
Subject: RE: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Kim, did you get a chance to visit with Dodson and Stacy about the phone number and link they listed on the addendum?
Thank you,
Representative Karen M. Rohr
Karen M. Rohr
Representative - District 31
Mandan, ND
Voicemail: 701-202-1956
Email: kmrohr@nd.gov<mailto:kmrohr@nd.gov>
[Description: Description: ND Flag]
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2019 8:23 AM
To: Rohr, Karen M. <kmrohr@nd.gov<mailto:kmrohr@nd.gov>>
Cc: Tufte, Mylynn K. <mylynntufte@nd.gov<mailto:mylynntufte@nd.gov>>; Weisz, Brenda M. <bmweisz@nd.gov<mailto:bmweisz@nd.gov>>; Wilke, Dirk D. <ddwilke@nd.gov<mailto:ddwilke@nd.gov>>
Subject: Requested Information: HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion
Good morning Representative Rohr:
The below information is in response to your request for information for HB 1336, relating to informed consent requirements before an abortion.
This bill requires information to be added to North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1. Printed Information - Referral service. To meet the requirements of this section, the North Dakota Department of Health has developed an Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet. Here is the link to most current version: https://www.ndhealth.gov/familyhealth/Preg_Abortion_booklet_final.pdf.
In response to Representative Weisz's concern about needing to develop a directory of resources, North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1. includes the requirement for "geographically indexed materials to inform the women of public and private agencies and services available to assist a woman through pregnancy, upon childbirth and while the child is dependent, including adoption agencies". The North Dakota Department of Health has partnered with Prevent Child Abuse of North Dakota to develop an interactive map titled "Services in Your Area." This map connects women, children, and families to dozens of local services. The Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet provides direction on how to access this map. Here is a link to the map: http://www.ndkids.org/services-in-your-area/.
To comply with any new requirements of North Dakota Century Code § 14-02.1-02.1, we will review and update the Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet and on-line map following the legislative session. There will not be a request for funding from the legislature to make these updates.
Please let me know if you need any additional information or clarification.
Kim Mertz
Section Chief
701.328.4528 * kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:kmertz@nd.gov> * Healthy and Safe Communities Section
[cid:image002.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70]<http://www.health.nd.gov/>
health.nd.gov * 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301 * Bismarck, ND 58505 * Provide Feedback<https://ndhealth.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4NiXJlhtszr0fM9>
[cid:image003.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70]<https://www.facebook.com/ndhealth/> [cid:image004.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70] <https://twitter.com/NDDOH?lang=en> [cid:image005.png@01D4B303.BC4C7C70] <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KCh7fxTBftoWOg3kwG5RA?view_as=subscriber>
From: Department of Health
From: Mertz, Kim N. <kmertz@nd.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 13, 2018 3:57 PM
To: Peske, Nicole <npeske@nd.gov>
Subject: Open Records Request: Review Requested - Information About Pregnancy and Abortion Booklet
FY I - I guess the full string of emails is included here.
I did not receive a response back from Senator Berry.
Kim
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 9:17 AM
To: Berry, Spencer D. <sdberry@nd.gov<mailto:sdberry@nd.gov>>
Subject: FW: Review Requested - Information About Pregnancy and Abortion Booklet
Hi Senator Berry.
Just a friendly reminder that I have requested feedback on the Information About Pregnancy and Abortion booklet by Friday, November 16.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance or clarify anything as you review the document.
Thank you.
Kim
Kim Mertz, Director
Division of Family Health
North Dakota Department of Health
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: (701) 328.4528
Fax: (701) 328.1412
Email: kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:ksenn@nd.gov>
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2012 12:13 PM
To: Berry, Spencer D.
Cc: Dwelle, Terry L.; Smith, Arvy J.; Mertz, Kim N.
Subject: RE: Review Requested - Information About Pregnancy and Abortion Booklet
Hello Senator Berry.
I just wanted to inform you that on page 3 under the policy of North Dakota, the word normal, prior to childbirth, will be removed on the final draft of this booklet.
I apologize this change was not reflected on this revision.
From: Mertz, Kim N.
Sent: Saturday, October 20, 2012 9:48 AM
To: Berry, Spencer D.
Cc: Dwelle, Terry L.; Smith, Arvy J.
Subject: Review Requested - Information About Pregnancy and Abortion Booklet
Hello Senator Berry.
During the 2011 legislative session, changes were made to N.D.C.C. 14-02.1-02.1, Abortion Control Act, Printed Information - Referral Service. As a result, the attached booklet has been developed. Here is the link to the Abortion Control Act: http://www.legis.nd.gov/cencode/t14c02-1.pdf
Over the last year as we have been working on the booklet, we have requested and received feedback from the ND Catholic Conference, ND Family Alliance and the Red River Women's Clinic.
The booklet is in its final draft and Dr. Dwelle thought that perhaps you may want to review and provide your input.
Of particular discussion has been the definition of abortion (page 15); the definition of Labor induction (page 16); and the Medical Risks of Abortion as it relates to Future pregnancy issues, Breast cancer and Mental health issues (pages 17-18).
Please feel to contact me if you have any questions. I am asking for comments/suggestions to be returned to me by November 16.
Thank you for your time - it is greatly appreciated.
Kim
Kim Mertz, Director
Division of Family Health
North Dakota Department of Health
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505-0200
Phone: (701) 328.4528
Fax: (701) 328.1412
Email: kmertz@nd.gov<mailto:ksenn@nd.gov>
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