Saint Paul, MN – Linnea House, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota, announced that her organization proudly endorsed Mark Dayton for Minnesota Governor. NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota represents over 39,000 member activists in Minnesota.
“We are proud to support a candidate that will be a strong advocate for Minnesota women. I know that he will work tirelessly to protect a woman’s right to choose,” House said.
Mark Dayton states "I am very honored to have the endorsement of NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota. I have strongly supported a woman's right to choose throughout my entire career, and am committed to protecting women's rights if I am elected Governor."
House said NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota will work hard to ensure that Dayton is elected to the Governor’s office and is confident he will represent our Minnesota values, including protecting reproductive health and freedom.
House added, “NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that women in Minnesota are able to make personal, private decisions about pregnancy and parenting -- and that includes protecting safe, legal abortion and improving access to birth control. One of the best things voters can do this year is to support candidates who do the same, which is why we are encouraging voters to support Mark Dayton.”
“Opponents of a woman’s right to choose have proven time and again that they are willing to sacrifice the health and well-being of women and families to promote their extreme agenda,” House concluded. “That’s why it is so important for voters to know that Mark Dayton is the only pro-choice ticket in this race.”
Contact: Linnea House, 651-602-7655
NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota is the driving force behind the election of many pro-choice state-level candidates. The organization provides direct assistance to candidates, mobilizes its pro-choice grassroots base in targeted districts, trains candidates and volunteers, and produces and distributes the only statewide pro-choice Voters’ Guide. For more information, visit www.ProChoiceMinnesota.org
Monday, August 30, 2010
Choice News Aug. 30th
Abortion Access
Anti-choice Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has issued an opinion in which he argues for stricter regulations for the state's abortion clinics. Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, said, "These so-called regulations are only an attempt to shut down abortion clinics in the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Tarina Keene discusses the regulations on the Rachel Maddow Show.
Salon's Tracy Clark-Flory comments on Cuccinelli's opinion, writing that "the great irony here is that by making it more difficult to access early abortions, the state would actually be putting women in greater danger."
The Washington Post editorial board argues that additional regulations on abortion clinics are not needed in terms of improving women's health, as Attorney General Cuccinelli claims, and that his opinion is a clear attempt to circumvent women's rights with a "regulatory sleight of hand."
RH Reality Check's Robin Marty writes that women who lack health insurance coverage are increasingly turning to dangerous do-it-yourself abortions.
Yesterday Alaska voters approved an anti-choice ballot measure that requires parental notification for minors seeking abortion care.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is seeking an injunction to prevent an aggressive anti-choice protester from entering the driveway leading to the Presidential Women's Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is the first time that anyone in Florida has been charged under the 1994 Federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Other News of Note
The Obama administration is appealing a federal district court ruling challenging the legality of the administration's guidelines on embryonic stem cell research.
Anti-choice Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has issued an opinion in which he argues for stricter regulations for the state's abortion clinics. Tarina Keene, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, said, "These so-called regulations are only an attempt to shut down abortion clinics in the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Tarina Keene discusses the regulations on the Rachel Maddow Show.
Salon's Tracy Clark-Flory comments on Cuccinelli's opinion, writing that "the great irony here is that by making it more difficult to access early abortions, the state would actually be putting women in greater danger."
The Washington Post editorial board argues that additional regulations on abortion clinics are not needed in terms of improving women's health, as Attorney General Cuccinelli claims, and that his opinion is a clear attempt to circumvent women's rights with a "regulatory sleight of hand."
RH Reality Check's Robin Marty writes that women who lack health insurance coverage are increasingly turning to dangerous do-it-yourself abortions.
Yesterday Alaska voters approved an anti-choice ballot measure that requires parental notification for minors seeking abortion care.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder is seeking an injunction to prevent an aggressive anti-choice protester from entering the driveway leading to the Presidential Women's Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is the first time that anyone in Florida has been charged under the 1994 Federal Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Other News of Note
The Obama administration is appealing a federal district court ruling challenging the legality of the administration's guidelines on embryonic stem cell research.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Choice News August 17th 2010
Contraception Access
The FDA has approved a new emergency contraceptive, marketed under the brand name ella, that is effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Ella will be available by prescription only. This decision marks an ideological shift at the FDA under the Obama administration; the FDA under Bush repeatedly delayed approval to make Plan B emergency contraception available without a prescription.
Abortion Access
In response to complaints from the anti-choice group Students for Life of America, the University of North Carolina will allow students to opt-out of abortion coverage in school-sponsored health insurance plans.
Maternal Health
The Washington Post reports that fertility treatments, particularly for older women, are common in India, where giving birth to many children defines a woman's worth and is considered the best path to financial security. There are no government regulations for in vitro fertilization clinics in India.
Other News of Note
A study by University of California at Davis sociologist Bill McCarthy and University of Minnesota sociologist Eric Grodsky finds that teens who are sexually active and in committed relationships do just as well in school as abstinent teens. Salon's Mary Elizabeth Williams comments that the study's findings suggest that "plenty of people manage to embark on their sexual lives during their teens without any life-ruining consequences."
The FDA has approved a new emergency contraceptive, marketed under the brand name ella, that is effective for up to 5 days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. Ella will be available by prescription only. This decision marks an ideological shift at the FDA under the Obama administration; the FDA under Bush repeatedly delayed approval to make Plan B emergency contraception available without a prescription.
Abortion Access
In response to complaints from the anti-choice group Students for Life of America, the University of North Carolina will allow students to opt-out of abortion coverage in school-sponsored health insurance plans.
Maternal Health
The Washington Post reports that fertility treatments, particularly for older women, are common in India, where giving birth to many children defines a woman's worth and is considered the best path to financial security. There are no government regulations for in vitro fertilization clinics in India.
Other News of Note
A study by University of California at Davis sociologist Bill McCarthy and University of Minnesota sociologist Eric Grodsky finds that teens who are sexually active and in committed relationships do just as well in school as abstinent teens. Salon's Mary Elizabeth Williams comments that the study's findings suggest that "plenty of people manage to embark on their sexual lives during their teens without any life-ruining consequences."
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Choice News August 10th 2010
2010 Elections
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow takes a look at the increasingly radical anti-choice positions of Republican Senate candidates.
The New York Times reports that the young voters who turned out for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008 are more likely to skip the midterm elections than older voters.
Supreme Court Watch
Elena Kagan was sworn in as the 112th Justice, and fourth woman, to serve on the Supreme Court on Saturday.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg laments the partisanship of recent Supreme Court confirmations, and hopes that the Senate can return to a more collegial confirmation process.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
NARAL Pro-Choice California's Alexa Cole writes on RH Reality Check about her organization's work to uncover the deceitful practices of limited service pregnancy centers (so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) in California.
An investigation by the Toronto Star reveals deceptive "counseling" practices at Canadian limited service pregnancy centers.
Abortion Access
A Louisiana clinic has filed a lawsuit challenging two new state laws restricting abortion, one that requires ultrasound exams for women seeking abortion care and one that blocks medical malpractice insurance for doctors who perform abortions.
Other News of Note
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. girls are reaching puberty at younger and younger ages, prompting concerns about the mental and physical consequences for girls.
The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that women who work at smaller companies are guaranteed only eight weeks of unpaid maternity leave under state law. Federal law, which guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, applies only for employees of larger companies.
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow takes a look at the increasingly radical anti-choice positions of Republican Senate candidates.
The New York Times reports that the young voters who turned out for then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008 are more likely to skip the midterm elections than older voters.
Supreme Court Watch
Elena Kagan was sworn in as the 112th Justice, and fourth woman, to serve on the Supreme Court on Saturday.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg laments the partisanship of recent Supreme Court confirmations, and hopes that the Senate can return to a more collegial confirmation process.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
NARAL Pro-Choice California's Alexa Cole writes on RH Reality Check about her organization's work to uncover the deceitful practices of limited service pregnancy centers (so-called "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) in California.
An investigation by the Toronto Star reveals deceptive "counseling" practices at Canadian limited service pregnancy centers.
Abortion Access
A Louisiana clinic has filed a lawsuit challenging two new state laws restricting abortion, one that requires ultrasound exams for women seeking abortion care and one that blocks medical malpractice insurance for doctors who perform abortions.
Other News of Note
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. girls are reaching puberty at younger and younger ages, prompting concerns about the mental and physical consequences for girls.
The Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled that women who work at smaller companies are guaranteed only eight weeks of unpaid maternity leave under state law. Federal law, which guarantees 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, applies only for employees of larger companies.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Choice News Aug 9th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
Yesterday the Senate voted 63-37 to confirm Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Kagan will be the fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court, and the court will for the first time have three women on the bench at once when the fall terms begins on October 4.
Politico reports that Kagan won the lowest number of "yes" confirmation votes of any Supreme Court nominee selected by a Democratic president, and predicts that confirmation fights will only become more polarized.
Stateside
The Seattle Times reports that Gov. Gregoire may take herself out of the running to replace Elena Kagan as Solicitor General.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
Time Magazine features an article on the deceptive practices of limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) and reports on NARAL Pro-Choice America and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia's efforts to keep them honest.
Abortion Access
Sens. Tom Coburn (Okla.) and Orrin Hatch (Utah) have introduced legislation to ban federal subsidies for any insurance plan that covers abortion.
Other News of Note
A study in China found the copper IUD - marketed as ParaGard in the U.S. - to be an effective emergency contraceptive.
Yesterday the Senate voted 63-37 to confirm Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Kagan will be the fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court, and the court will for the first time have three women on the bench at once when the fall terms begins on October 4.
Politico reports that Kagan won the lowest number of "yes" confirmation votes of any Supreme Court nominee selected by a Democratic president, and predicts that confirmation fights will only become more polarized.
Stateside
The Seattle Times reports that Gov. Gregoire may take herself out of the running to replace Elena Kagan as Solicitor General.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
Time Magazine features an article on the deceptive practices of limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) and reports on NARAL Pro-Choice America and NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia's efforts to keep them honest.
Abortion Access
Sens. Tom Coburn (Okla.) and Orrin Hatch (Utah) have introduced legislation to ban federal subsidies for any insurance plan that covers abortion.
Other News of Note
A study in China found the copper IUD - marketed as ParaGard in the U.S. - to be an effective emergency contraceptive.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Choice News Aug. 5th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
The Senate is set to vote today to confirm Elena Kagan as the fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.
US News and World Report's Mary Kate Cary writes that Kagan's confirmation will create a "critical mass" of women on the bench which could change the court's approach to its work.
Yesterday a federal judge in San Francisco struck down the discriminatory Proposition 8, a gay marriage ban that was approved by California voters in 2008, as unconstitutional. An analysis in the New York Times anticipates that this case will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, and suggests that the wording of the decision may box in appeals and Supreme Court justices.
As anticipated, supporters of the ban filed an appeal today with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
Baltimore City lawyers defended the city's law mandating that limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) disclose that they do not provide care or referrals for abortion or contraception in federal court yesterday. The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against the law, claiming a violation of First Amendment rights. The city's chief solicitor, however, argued that the law only requires disclosure and does not require the centers to do anything contrary to the beliefs of the people who run them.
Abortion Access
Marcy Bloom, of El Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida/The Information Group on Reproductive Choice, has a post on RH reality Check about the "tremendous discrimination, hardships, hypocrisy, lies, violence, and abuse" suffered by women and girls in the Philippines resulting from the country's ban on abortion.
The Senate is set to vote today to confirm Elena Kagan as the fourth woman ever to serve on the Supreme Court.
US News and World Report's Mary Kate Cary writes that Kagan's confirmation will create a "critical mass" of women on the bench which could change the court's approach to its work.
Yesterday a federal judge in San Francisco struck down the discriminatory Proposition 8, a gay marriage ban that was approved by California voters in 2008, as unconstitutional. An analysis in the New York Times anticipates that this case will eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, and suggests that the wording of the decision may box in appeals and Supreme Court justices.
As anticipated, supporters of the ban filed an appeal today with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Limited Service Pregnancy Centers
Baltimore City lawyers defended the city's law mandating that limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) disclose that they do not provide care or referrals for abortion or contraception in federal court yesterday. The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed a lawsuit against the law, claiming a violation of First Amendment rights. The city's chief solicitor, however, argued that the law only requires disclosure and does not require the centers to do anything contrary to the beliefs of the people who run them.
Abortion Access
Marcy Bloom, of El Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida/The Information Group on Reproductive Choice, has a post on RH reality Check about the "tremendous discrimination, hardships, hypocrisy, lies, violence, and abuse" suffered by women and girls in the Philippines resulting from the country's ban on abortion.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Choice News Aug 4th 2010
Sex Education
For the first time, the federal government has released funding announcements for sex education programs that urge states to use their sex ed dollars for programs that are inclusive of LGBT and questioning youth.
Access to Abortion
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof argues that misoprostol, which is one of the medications used for a medical abortion as well as an ulcer treatment, could provide women in underdeveloped nations an easier and safer way to access abortion care, potentially saving tens of thousands of women's lives each year.
Salon's Tracy Clark-Flory comments on Kristof's column, arguing that because misoprostol is commonly used for purposes other than abortion, it is a "Trojan Horse" in the effort to promote reproductive rights worldwide.
A study by the Center for Reproductive Health denounces the abortion ban in the Philippines, noting that the ban does not stop abortions it only makes them extremely unsafe.
Maternal Health
Time Magazine looks at the increase in c-section deliveries in the U.S. Obstetrics experts believe the procedure is being performed too often, and are looking for ways to reduce the number of c-sections.
Contraception Access
Kirsten Moore, of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, and Aimée Thorne-Thompson, of the Pro-Choice Public Education Project, have a post on RH Reality Check advocating for over the counter sales of the birth control pill.
CNN reports that predictions vary as to whether a new campaign to encourage women to use to the female condom will be successful.
Other News of Note
The Wall Street Journal reports that states are grappling with the issue of providing social security benefits to children conceived after the death of a parent from embryos or sperm stored previously.
New York Times columnist David Leonhardt notes that in spite of gains in gender equality in the workplace, the labor market remains unequal for mothers.
Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has officially rejected more than 1,000 complaints about a commercial by reproductive healthcare provider Marie Stopes, and will allow the ad to run nationwide.
For the first time, the federal government has released funding announcements for sex education programs that urge states to use their sex ed dollars for programs that are inclusive of LGBT and questioning youth.
Access to Abortion
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof argues that misoprostol, which is one of the medications used for a medical abortion as well as an ulcer treatment, could provide women in underdeveloped nations an easier and safer way to access abortion care, potentially saving tens of thousands of women's lives each year.
Salon's Tracy Clark-Flory comments on Kristof's column, arguing that because misoprostol is commonly used for purposes other than abortion, it is a "Trojan Horse" in the effort to promote reproductive rights worldwide.
A study by the Center for Reproductive Health denounces the abortion ban in the Philippines, noting that the ban does not stop abortions it only makes them extremely unsafe.
Maternal Health
Time Magazine looks at the increase in c-section deliveries in the U.S. Obstetrics experts believe the procedure is being performed too often, and are looking for ways to reduce the number of c-sections.
Contraception Access
Kirsten Moore, of the Reproductive Health Technologies Project, and Aimée Thorne-Thompson, of the Pro-Choice Public Education Project, have a post on RH Reality Check advocating for over the counter sales of the birth control pill.
CNN reports that predictions vary as to whether a new campaign to encourage women to use to the female condom will be successful.
Other News of Note
The Wall Street Journal reports that states are grappling with the issue of providing social security benefits to children conceived after the death of a parent from embryos or sperm stored previously.
New York Times columnist David Leonhardt notes that in spite of gains in gender equality in the workplace, the labor market remains unequal for mothers.
Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has officially rejected more than 1,000 complaints about a commercial by reproductive healthcare provider Marie Stopes, and will allow the ad to run nationwide.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Choice News June 21st 2010
Stateside
The U.S. Senate voted down an amendment that would have extended Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding, $480 million of which state legislators depended on when they passed the budget last session. This could force the legislature to go into another special session to figure out a way to close that hole in the budget.
The Governor's budget office released a forecast showing that state lawmakers will face a $3 billion budget deficit when they return to Olympia in January to write the next two-year budget. The budget forecast also shows the state will take in $200 million less than anticipated through June 2011.
Marcy Bloom, of El Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida/The Information Group on Reproductive Choice, has a post on RH Reality Check on our vigil for Dr. George Tiller and a reflection on his life and work.
Last week Florida Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that would have required women to undergo an ultrasound - and pay for it out of pocket - before having an abortion.
Other News of Note
An FDA panel of reproductive health experts has recommended for approval a new emergency contraceptive, Ella, that is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Politico reports that women's heath advocates see signs of momentum in improving the military's policies on reproductive health care. In February, military hospitals began stocking emergency contraception, and a Senate amendment under consideration would allow women to have abortions at military hospitals.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced the group of Catholic nuns who broke ranks with the bishops in support of health care reform, and said that the nuns are responsible for the passage of the legislation. The Conference of Catholic Bishops had advocated for more draconian restrictions on abortion access.
Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson notes that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who may be a contender for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, is inclined to be less strident on issues like abortion rights, a characteristic that alarms social conservatives within the Republican Party.
The U.S. Senate voted down an amendment that would have extended Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) funding, $480 million of which state legislators depended on when they passed the budget last session. This could force the legislature to go into another special session to figure out a way to close that hole in the budget.
The Governor's budget office released a forecast showing that state lawmakers will face a $3 billion budget deficit when they return to Olympia in January to write the next two-year budget. The budget forecast also shows the state will take in $200 million less than anticipated through June 2011.
Marcy Bloom, of El Grupo de Informacion en Reproduccion Elegida/The Information Group on Reproductive Choice, has a post on RH Reality Check on our vigil for Dr. George Tiller and a reflection on his life and work.
Last week Florida Gov. Charlie Crist vetoed a bill that would have required women to undergo an ultrasound - and pay for it out of pocket - before having an abortion.
Other News of Note
An FDA panel of reproductive health experts has recommended for approval a new emergency contraceptive, Ella, that is effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure.
Politico reports that women's heath advocates see signs of momentum in improving the military's policies on reproductive health care. In February, military hospitals began stocking emergency contraception, and a Senate amendment under consideration would allow women to have abortions at military hospitals.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced the group of Catholic nuns who broke ranks with the bishops in support of health care reform, and said that the nuns are responsible for the passage of the legislation. The Conference of Catholic Bishops had advocated for more draconian restrictions on abortion access.
Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson notes that Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, who may be a contender for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, is inclined to be less strident on issues like abortion rights, a characteristic that alarms social conservatives within the Republican Party.
Friday, June 11, 2010
NARAL Pro-Choice America Applauds Pro-Choice Victory for Florida Women
June 11, 2010
NARAL Pro-Choice America Applauds Pro-Choice Victory for Florida WomenBowing to pressure from pro-choice state lawmakers and voters,
Crist vetoes divisive legislation
Washington, DC – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of an anti-choice bill a victory for Florida women.
In late April, extremist anti-choice Florida legislators amended H.B.1143, which previously had no relevance to reproductive rights, to insert dangerous attacks on women’s right to privacy. The bill contains an abortion-coverage ban and a mandatory-ultrasound requirement. Crist vetoed the bill today.
"Gov. Charlie Crist did the right thing by listening to the pro-choice majority in Florida and vetoing this anti-choice bill that the state legislature rammed through at the last minute," Keenan said. "Floridians, like most Americans, are tired of lawmakers using women’s reproductive health as a bargaining chip. It’s time for politicians to stop interfering in the doctor-patient relationship."
NARAL Pro-Choice America mobilized activists in Florida, sending more than 1,200 messages to Gov. Crist urging him to veto this unprecedented anti-choice legislation.
Keenan offered a special word of thanks to Rep. Kendrick Meek, who called on Crist to reject the anti-choice bill and organized his supporters to pressure the governor to veto the bill. "We need more elected officials like Rep. Meek, who consistently do the right thing when it comes to women’s health. We know he’ll take that commitment to the Senate."
If enacted, the Florida bill would have undermined women’s health and privacy in the following ways:
It would have prohibited insurers from offering comprehensive coverage that includes abortion to most customers in the new health-insurance exchange. It would not have even had an adequate exception for cases in which the woman’s health is endangered.
It would have forced women to undergo an ultrasound before receiving abortion care, even when it is not medically necessary.
It would have required the provider to describe the ultrasound images to the woman even if she asked not to view them.
NARAL Pro-Choice America Applauds Pro-Choice Victory for Florida WomenBowing to pressure from pro-choice state lawmakers and voters,
Crist vetoes divisive legislation
Washington, DC – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called Gov. Charlie Crist’s veto of an anti-choice bill a victory for Florida women.
In late April, extremist anti-choice Florida legislators amended H.B.1143, which previously had no relevance to reproductive rights, to insert dangerous attacks on women’s right to privacy. The bill contains an abortion-coverage ban and a mandatory-ultrasound requirement. Crist vetoed the bill today.
"Gov. Charlie Crist did the right thing by listening to the pro-choice majority in Florida and vetoing this anti-choice bill that the state legislature rammed through at the last minute," Keenan said. "Floridians, like most Americans, are tired of lawmakers using women’s reproductive health as a bargaining chip. It’s time for politicians to stop interfering in the doctor-patient relationship."
NARAL Pro-Choice America mobilized activists in Florida, sending more than 1,200 messages to Gov. Crist urging him to veto this unprecedented anti-choice legislation.
Keenan offered a special word of thanks to Rep. Kendrick Meek, who called on Crist to reject the anti-choice bill and organized his supporters to pressure the governor to veto the bill. "We need more elected officials like Rep. Meek, who consistently do the right thing when it comes to women’s health. We know he’ll take that commitment to the Senate."
If enacted, the Florida bill would have undermined women’s health and privacy in the following ways:
It would have prohibited insurers from offering comprehensive coverage that includes abortion to most customers in the new health-insurance exchange. It would not have even had an adequate exception for cases in which the woman’s health is endangered.
It would have forced women to undergo an ultrasound before receiving abortion care, even when it is not medically necessary.
It would have required the provider to describe the ultrasound images to the woman even if she asked not to view them.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Protect and Elect Pro-Choice Brunch!
The 2010 election cycle is underway, and NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota is ready to protect our pro-choice incumbents and elect a pro-choice governor!
This kind of work takes money and expertise, and we need your help to do it. I invite you to a pro-choice brunch on Saturday, June 12 to hear more about the state of choice in Minnesota and how we are going to win a true pro-choice majority and take back the governor’s office!
Please join us to support NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota’s election fund work to protect and elect a pro-choice majority in Minnesota!
Pro-Choice BrunchSaturday, June 1210:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Contribution Levels: $1,000 * $500 * $300 * $150 * $73 * $35
Please RSVP to rsvp@ProChoiceMinnesota.org, and we’ll forward you directions.
Thank you,
Linnea HouseExecutive DirectorNARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota
This kind of work takes money and expertise, and we need your help to do it. I invite you to a pro-choice brunch on Saturday, June 12 to hear more about the state of choice in Minnesota and how we are going to win a true pro-choice majority and take back the governor’s office!
Please join us to support NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota’s election fund work to protect and elect a pro-choice majority in Minnesota!
Pro-Choice BrunchSaturday, June 1210:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Contribution Levels: $1,000 * $500 * $300 * $150 * $73 * $35
Please RSVP to rsvp@ProChoiceMinnesota.org, and we’ll forward you directions.
Thank you,
Linnea HouseExecutive DirectorNARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota
Choice News June 8th 2010
2010 Elections
The Washington Times reports that anti-choice conservatives are eager to play a role in winning back seats in the 2010 midterm elections.
Anti-Choice Legislation
The New York Times looks at the anti-choice state laws that have passed this year and anti-choice bills currently working their way through state legislatures. Both pro-choice and anti-choice activists agree that the volume of anti-choice legislation passed this year is unusually high.
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled to allow a ballot initiative requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortion care to go on the August ballot.
Supreme Court Watch
The New York Times reports that the lead-up to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings has been unusually quiet.
Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr. lauds former Supreme Court Justice David Souter for pointing out the problems with the idea of "originalism" as employed by the conservative justices on the bench.
Other News of Note
Writing for RH Reality Check, Amanda Marcotte reports on the annual anti-choice campaign, "The Pill Kills." The emphasis this year is on the exaggerated claims that birth control pills that make their way into the sea are contaminating fish with too much estrogen.
Time Magazine reports that illegal abortions are widespread in Brazil, which has a ban on the procedure except under limited circumstances.
A CDC survey finds that U.S. teenagers are more accepting of teen pregnancy and pregnancy outside of marriage.
The Washington Times reports that anti-choice conservatives are eager to play a role in winning back seats in the 2010 midterm elections.
Anti-Choice Legislation
The New York Times looks at the anti-choice state laws that have passed this year and anti-choice bills currently working their way through state legislatures. Both pro-choice and anti-choice activists agree that the volume of anti-choice legislation passed this year is unusually high.
The Alaska Supreme Court ruled to allow a ballot initiative requiring parental notification for minors seeking abortion care to go on the August ballot.
Supreme Court Watch
The New York Times reports that the lead-up to Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's confirmation hearings has been unusually quiet.
Washington Post columnist E.J. Dionne, Jr. lauds former Supreme Court Justice David Souter for pointing out the problems with the idea of "originalism" as employed by the conservative justices on the bench.
Other News of Note
Writing for RH Reality Check, Amanda Marcotte reports on the annual anti-choice campaign, "The Pill Kills." The emphasis this year is on the exaggerated claims that birth control pills that make their way into the sea are contaminating fish with too much estrogen.
Time Magazine reports that illegal abortions are widespread in Brazil, which has a ban on the procedure except under limited circumstances.
A CDC survey finds that U.S. teenagers are more accepting of teen pregnancy and pregnancy outside of marriage.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
CHoice News June 3rd 2010
Stateside
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, currently running for Senate as an Independent, is considering vetoing legislation that would require women to have an ultrasound before having an abortion. However, the issue has the potential to be a "political landmine" for his Senate campaign.
The Oklahoma legislature failed to override a veto of a bill that would have banned health insurance coverage for abortion care. However, seven other anti-choice bills were passed into law this year, including the strictest ultrasound requirement in the country and a law that protects doctors who withhold information about a pregnancy that they think might cause women to decide to have an abortion.
Other News of Note
A CDC study found an increase in the percentage of teenage girls who report using the rhythm method for birth control, which may help explain the uptick in teen pregnancy rates in recent years.
ABC's "World News" reports on the excommunication of a Catholic nun who approved a woman's life-saving abortion.
The Nation's Katha Pollitt responds to an LA Times op-ed that argues that the pro-choice movement needs a conceptual makeover.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, currently running for Senate as an Independent, is considering vetoing legislation that would require women to have an ultrasound before having an abortion. However, the issue has the potential to be a "political landmine" for his Senate campaign.
The Oklahoma legislature failed to override a veto of a bill that would have banned health insurance coverage for abortion care. However, seven other anti-choice bills were passed into law this year, including the strictest ultrasound requirement in the country and a law that protects doctors who withhold information about a pregnancy that they think might cause women to decide to have an abortion.
Other News of Note
A CDC study found an increase in the percentage of teenage girls who report using the rhythm method for birth control, which may help explain the uptick in teen pregnancy rates in recent years.
ABC's "World News" reports on the excommunication of a Catholic nun who approved a woman's life-saving abortion.
The Nation's Katha Pollitt responds to an LA Times op-ed that argues that the pro-choice movement needs a conceptual makeover.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Choice News June 2nd 2010
Abortion Care
Monday marked one year since Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller was killed by an anti-choice extremist. RH Reality Check features TrustWomenPAC's Julie Burkhart's reflections on Dr. Tiller's life and work.
Access to Reproductive Health Care
AlterNet features a story on limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) and their dangerous and deceitful practices.
Politico reports on Planned Parenthood's efforts to have birth control included in the list of free preventive services that health insurers must cover as federal regulators make decisions about the implementation of the health care reform law.
The LA Times reports that more women are being denied reproductive health care due to hospital policies based on ideological beliefs.
Mexico's Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring hospitals to offer rape victims emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill.
Supreme Court Watch
The Senate Judiciary Committee is awaiting more than 160,000 pages of documents from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's tenure in the Clinton White House.
Other News of Note
In an opinion piece for the Washington Post, Jessica Valenti argues that contrary to her recent rhetoric, Sarah Palin is no feminist.
An opinion piece in the LA Times delves more deeply into recent public opinion polls on voter attitudes about the right to choose.
Monday marked one year since Kansas abortion provider Dr. George Tiller was killed by an anti-choice extremist. RH Reality Check features TrustWomenPAC's Julie Burkhart's reflections on Dr. Tiller's life and work.
Access to Reproductive Health Care
AlterNet features a story on limited service pregnancy centers (also known as "crisis pregnancy centers" or fake clinics) and their dangerous and deceitful practices.
Politico reports on Planned Parenthood's efforts to have birth control included in the list of free preventive services that health insurers must cover as federal regulators make decisions about the implementation of the health care reform law.
The LA Times reports that more women are being denied reproductive health care due to hospital policies based on ideological beliefs.
Mexico's Supreme Court has upheld a law requiring hospitals to offer rape victims emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill.
Supreme Court Watch
The Senate Judiciary Committee is awaiting more than 160,000 pages of documents from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's tenure in the Clinton White House.
Other News of Note
In an opinion piece for the Washington Post, Jessica Valenti argues that contrary to her recent rhetoric, Sarah Palin is no feminist.
An opinion piece in the LA Times delves more deeply into recent public opinion polls on voter attitudes about the right to choose.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thank Majority Leader Reid for standing up against clinic violence!
Dr. Tiller's murder a year ago on May 31 was a staggering reminder of the dangers abortion providers, their staff, and patients face every day. Taunts, harassment, and threats of physical violence are a reality for those who provide women's reproductive-health care.
It's terrifying. And it's unacceptable. That's why today, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) honored Dr. Tiller's memory by speaking out against clinic violence from the floor.
Tell Majority Leader Reid "thank you" for honoring Dr. Tiller's legacy.
It's terrifying. And it's unacceptable. That's why today, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) honored Dr. Tiller's memory by speaking out against clinic violence from the floor.
Tell Majority Leader Reid "thank you" for honoring Dr. Tiller's legacy.
Choice News May 28th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
Memos from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's clerkship with Justice Thurgood Marshall express concern that a conservative court would be a detriment to women's rights.
Stateside
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry vetoed a bill that would have banned insurance coverage for abortion except under limited circumstances in the new insurance exchanges. This is the fourth veto Gov. Henry has issued on abortion-related legislation this year; the last three vetoes were overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Contraception
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the oral contraceptive pill is the most popular form of birth control worldwide.
A report from the CDC also found that women and their male partners are increasingly using male condoms when they have sex for the first time. This trend may explain the decline in the teenage birth rate over the past few decades.
Time Magazine reports that emergency contraception (also known as the morning-after pill) is gaining in popularity among urban India's increasingly educated women.
Other News of Note
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof calls the Catholic Church's excommunication of a nun who was part of a hospital's ethics committee that voted to allow a woman to have a life-saving abortion "morally obtuse."
Writing for the Nation, Lynn Harris reports on the disturbing trend of reproductive coercion, when a man tries to force his female partner to become pregnant as a means of control. Harris argues that addressing this kind of intimate partner violence must be a part of the strategy for reducing teen pregnancy rates.
Teen pregnancy rates in Canada have dropped by 37% over the last decade. Researchers point to sexual health education and increased access to birth control as part of the reason for the decline.
In response to public outcry, the American Academy of Pediatrics has pulled back from its recommendation, issued last month, that doctors be given permission to perform a ceremonial pinprick or nick on girls if it would prevent their families from sending them abroad for female genital mutilation.
Memos from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's clerkship with Justice Thurgood Marshall express concern that a conservative court would be a detriment to women's rights.
Stateside
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry vetoed a bill that would have banned insurance coverage for abortion except under limited circumstances in the new insurance exchanges. This is the fourth veto Gov. Henry has issued on abortion-related legislation this year; the last three vetoes were overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature.
Contraception
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the oral contraceptive pill is the most popular form of birth control worldwide.
A report from the CDC also found that women and their male partners are increasingly using male condoms when they have sex for the first time. This trend may explain the decline in the teenage birth rate over the past few decades.
Time Magazine reports that emergency contraception (also known as the morning-after pill) is gaining in popularity among urban India's increasingly educated women.
Other News of Note
New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof calls the Catholic Church's excommunication of a nun who was part of a hospital's ethics committee that voted to allow a woman to have a life-saving abortion "morally obtuse."
Writing for the Nation, Lynn Harris reports on the disturbing trend of reproductive coercion, when a man tries to force his female partner to become pregnant as a means of control. Harris argues that addressing this kind of intimate partner violence must be a part of the strategy for reducing teen pregnancy rates.
Teen pregnancy rates in Canada have dropped by 37% over the last decade. Researchers point to sexual health education and increased access to birth control as part of the reason for the decline.
In response to public outcry, the American Academy of Pediatrics has pulled back from its recommendation, issued last month, that doctors be given permission to perform a ceremonial pinprick or nick on girls if it would prevent their families from sending them abroad for female genital mutilation.
Senate Committee Votes to Repeal Discriminatory Abortion Ban Targeting Military Women
Washington, DC - Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called a Senate committee’s vote to lift a ban on abortion services for military women an important step forward for women’s freedom and privacy.
Late Thursday members of the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment offered by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) to repeal a law that forbids servicewomen and female military dependents from using their own money for abortion services at overseas military hospitals.
This repeal does not mean the Department of Defense would have to pay for abortion services. It would simply lift the current ban on privately funded abortion care at U.S. military facilities overseas.
"We commend the committee for moving forward to end a policy that denies health-care options to women serving in the military, even when they use their own money," Keenan said. "Women in the military should have access to the same quality care available to women in our country. Signing up to serve in the armed forces shouldn’t cause women to lose health-care options if they’re stationed overseas. We look forward to working with our allies in the Senate to protect this progress when the bill goes to the full Senate."
Keenan also said that, according to the Pentagon, the number of reported sexual assaults in the military increased significantly over the past few years. The most recent data indicate that the trend may be leveling off. However, sexual assaults in the military remain a major cause for concern, thus underscoring the need for women in the military to have access to a full range of reproductive-health services.
For more information on this topic, you may find our fact sheet at ProChoiceAmerica.org.
Late Thursday members of the Senate Armed Services Committee approved an amendment offered by Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) to repeal a law that forbids servicewomen and female military dependents from using their own money for abortion services at overseas military hospitals.
This repeal does not mean the Department of Defense would have to pay for abortion services. It would simply lift the current ban on privately funded abortion care at U.S. military facilities overseas.
"We commend the committee for moving forward to end a policy that denies health-care options to women serving in the military, even when they use their own money," Keenan said. "Women in the military should have access to the same quality care available to women in our country. Signing up to serve in the armed forces shouldn’t cause women to lose health-care options if they’re stationed overseas. We look forward to working with our allies in the Senate to protect this progress when the bill goes to the full Senate."
Keenan also said that, according to the Pentagon, the number of reported sexual assaults in the military increased significantly over the past few years. The most recent data indicate that the trend may be leveling off. However, sexual assaults in the military remain a major cause for concern, thus underscoring the need for women in the military to have access to a full range of reproductive-health services.
For more information on this topic, you may find our fact sheet at ProChoiceAmerica.org.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Choice News May 26th edition
Supreme Court Watch
A large anti-choice group, Americans United for Life, is seeking a delay in the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan in order to provide the Clinton library time to find and make public her key writings while she was a White House lawyer, and later a domestic policy aide.
2010 Elections
Anti-choice Dino Rossi, who failed to unseat Gov. Gregoire twice, is expected to announce his candidacy this week against pro-choice U.S. Senator Patty Murray.
The stranger reports on Rossi's history of avoidance when it comes to discussing his stance on reproductive rights and choice.
The Los Angeles Times reports that GOP Senate candidate Tom Campbell from California is facing opposition in seeking his party's nomination because of his more moderate social policy views.
Stateside
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry on Saturday vetoed a bill that would have required women to provide personal information, including answering questions about their relationships, before getting an abortion.
However, the Oklahoma state House voted Monday to override the veto, and an override vote is expected in the Senate this week as well.
RH Reality Check reports on the anti-choice legislation passed in the Missouri state Legislature this session.
Legislators in Kansas have put a line item into the state budget reallocating $2.4 million in federal family-planning funding to hospitals and primary or preventative care clinics. This would leave any reproductive health-specific organizations like Planned Parenthood without state funding.
A limited service pregnancy center (often referred to as a "crisis pregnancy center") in Montgomery County, MD is suing the County over the recent Baltimore ordinance that requires the centers to post signs that disclose that they do not provide abortion care or abortion referrals.
Other News of Note
Publicola reported on our Power of Choice Luncheon yesterday, where we gave Publicola News Editor Erica Barnett a Power of Choice Award. Publicola also covered the audible hissing from the audience when anti-choice U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert was mentioned in a speech at the luncheon.
NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan writes a piece for the Huffington Post in remembrance of Dr. George Tiller, a late-term abortion provider who was murdered a year ago this week.
A principal at a school in Norfolk, VA is under investigation after dolls depicting fetuses were given to students.
BBC News reports that statistics indicate that the abortion rate in the UK is declining, but experts caution that it is still too early to say there is a downward trend.
A large anti-choice group, Americans United for Life, is seeking a delay in the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan in order to provide the Clinton library time to find and make public her key writings while she was a White House lawyer, and later a domestic policy aide.
2010 Elections
Anti-choice Dino Rossi, who failed to unseat Gov. Gregoire twice, is expected to announce his candidacy this week against pro-choice U.S. Senator Patty Murray.
The stranger reports on Rossi's history of avoidance when it comes to discussing his stance on reproductive rights and choice.
The Los Angeles Times reports that GOP Senate candidate Tom Campbell from California is facing opposition in seeking his party's nomination because of his more moderate social policy views.
Stateside
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry on Saturday vetoed a bill that would have required women to provide personal information, including answering questions about their relationships, before getting an abortion.
However, the Oklahoma state House voted Monday to override the veto, and an override vote is expected in the Senate this week as well.
RH Reality Check reports on the anti-choice legislation passed in the Missouri state Legislature this session.
Legislators in Kansas have put a line item into the state budget reallocating $2.4 million in federal family-planning funding to hospitals and primary or preventative care clinics. This would leave any reproductive health-specific organizations like Planned Parenthood without state funding.
A limited service pregnancy center (often referred to as a "crisis pregnancy center") in Montgomery County, MD is suing the County over the recent Baltimore ordinance that requires the centers to post signs that disclose that they do not provide abortion care or abortion referrals.
Other News of Note
Publicola reported on our Power of Choice Luncheon yesterday, where we gave Publicola News Editor Erica Barnett a Power of Choice Award. Publicola also covered the audible hissing from the audience when anti-choice U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert was mentioned in a speech at the luncheon.
NARAL Pro-Choice America President Nancy Keenan writes a piece for the Huffington Post in remembrance of Dr. George Tiller, a late-term abortion provider who was murdered a year ago this week.
A principal at a school in Norfolk, VA is under investigation after dolls depicting fetuses were given to students.
BBC News reports that statistics indicate that the abortion rate in the UK is declining, but experts caution that it is still too early to say there is a downward trend.
Monday, May 24, 2010
One Year Later: Honoring Dr. George Tiller
Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, published the following blog post on the Huffington Post titled, "One Year Later: Honoring Dr. George Tiller." The one-year anniversary of his murder is next Monday, May 31.
And here is a snippet:
We are days away from marking the one-year anniversary of the Sunday morning Scott Roeder walked into Dr. George Tiller's church in Kansas and shot him at close range.
After his murder, many women and men came to our blog to express their appreciation for what Dr. Tiller had done for their sisters, wives, relatives, and friends. Many of these women had found themselves in desperate and heart-breaking circumstances and turned to Dr. Tiller in their time of need.
Karen from Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania gives us one example of what Dr. Tiller meant to women:
Dr. Tiller, you saved my niece Jeanette's life, you helped our family through one of the darkest, most desperate and unthinkable moments we ever experienced. When we thought there was no where to turn, there you were. I called you the 'Wizard', because of the incredible journey we had taken to find you, in Kansas. You are, and will always be my Hero.
It makes me angry when I think about how Roeder sat through his trial without showing any remorse for his actions. He reached new lows of callousness and disrespect for the Tiller family and for families like Karen's. It's equally infuriating that the same people who spent years harassing Dr. Tiller and his patients outside his health center showed no remorse. They rejected the notion that their pattern of inflammatory rhetoric could lead to violence by the more extreme elements of their own anti-choice movement.
Here is the link to the full piece: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-keenan/one-year-later-honoring-d_b_587040.html
And here is a snippet:
We are days away from marking the one-year anniversary of the Sunday morning Scott Roeder walked into Dr. George Tiller's church in Kansas and shot him at close range.
After his murder, many women and men came to our blog to express their appreciation for what Dr. Tiller had done for their sisters, wives, relatives, and friends. Many of these women had found themselves in desperate and heart-breaking circumstances and turned to Dr. Tiller in their time of need.
Karen from Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania gives us one example of what Dr. Tiller meant to women:
Dr. Tiller, you saved my niece Jeanette's life, you helped our family through one of the darkest, most desperate and unthinkable moments we ever experienced. When we thought there was no where to turn, there you were. I called you the 'Wizard', because of the incredible journey we had taken to find you, in Kansas. You are, and will always be my Hero.
It makes me angry when I think about how Roeder sat through his trial without showing any remorse for his actions. He reached new lows of callousness and disrespect for the Tiller family and for families like Karen's. It's equally infuriating that the same people who spent years harassing Dr. Tiller and his patients outside his health center showed no remorse. They rejected the notion that their pattern of inflammatory rhetoric could lead to violence by the more extreme elements of their own anti-choice movement.
Here is the link to the full piece: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nancy-keenan/one-year-later-honoring-d_b_587040.html
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Choice News, May 20th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
Womens E-news reports on how the midterm elections could potentially affect the confirmation process for nominee Elena Kagan.
Elections 2010
A signature drive began yesterday to get Initiative 1098, the high earners income tax, on the November ballot. It would be the first tax reform measure to be on the ballot in 40 years.
Stateside
RH Reality Check provides more commentary on the anti-choice bill passed by the Louisiana state Legislature on Tuesday to mandate an ultrasound for all women before they can receive abortion care.
Pro-choice advocates in Kansas are urging Governor Mark Parkinson to veto an anti-choice bill that would prevent the state from paying Planned Parenthood to provide services to low-income residents. Gov. Parkinson vetoed a similar bill last year.
Other News of Note
A controversial new television advertisement will begin airing next week in the UK, and is designed to provide women with information on abortion and other related services.
New York Times Op-Ed Columnist Nicholas Kristof writes about the negative effects from the unavailability of birth control in many poor countries.
RH Reality Check reports on the negative impact that the new immigration law in Arizona is having on women and their children.
Womens E-news reports on how the midterm elections could potentially affect the confirmation process for nominee Elena Kagan.
Elections 2010
A signature drive began yesterday to get Initiative 1098, the high earners income tax, on the November ballot. It would be the first tax reform measure to be on the ballot in 40 years.
Stateside
RH Reality Check provides more commentary on the anti-choice bill passed by the Louisiana state Legislature on Tuesday to mandate an ultrasound for all women before they can receive abortion care.
Pro-choice advocates in Kansas are urging Governor Mark Parkinson to veto an anti-choice bill that would prevent the state from paying Planned Parenthood to provide services to low-income residents. Gov. Parkinson vetoed a similar bill last year.
Other News of Note
A controversial new television advertisement will begin airing next week in the UK, and is designed to provide women with information on abortion and other related services.
New York Times Op-Ed Columnist Nicholas Kristof writes about the negative effects from the unavailability of birth control in many poor countries.
RH Reality Check reports on the negative impact that the new immigration law in Arizona is having on women and their children.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Choice News, May 19th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
The confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan will begin on June 28 and will conclude before the July 4th recess.
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee asking that committee members press Solicitor General Kagan on her views on abortion rights.
Stateside
The Louisiana Senate passed a bill requiring women seeking an abortion to first undergo an ultrasound. The measure is now headed to the House, where it is expected to pass.
The Louisiana House rejected a bill that would have required schools to teach comprehensive sex education.
Other News of Note
Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.), an advocate of abstinence outside of marriage, resigned after admitting that he has been having an affair with one of his staffers.
Elle Magazine looks at efforts to increase men's legal rights in cases where their partner becomes pregnant and the two disagree on whether to have an abortion or carry the pregnancy to term.
The confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan will begin on June 28 and will conclude before the July 4th recess.
Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY) sent a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee asking that committee members press Solicitor General Kagan on her views on abortion rights.
Stateside
The Louisiana Senate passed a bill requiring women seeking an abortion to first undergo an ultrasound. The measure is now headed to the House, where it is expected to pass.
The Louisiana House rejected a bill that would have required schools to teach comprehensive sex education.
Other News of Note
Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.), an advocate of abstinence outside of marriage, resigned after admitting that he has been having an affair with one of his staffers.
Elle Magazine looks at efforts to increase men's legal rights in cases where their partner becomes pregnant and the two disagree on whether to have an abortion or carry the pregnancy to term.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Choice News, May 18th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
President Obama's advisors say he has no doubt that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is a legal progressive who will maintain the current balance of the court if confirmed to replace the retiring liberal Justice John Paul Stevens. However, with the constitutional right to an abortion hanging in the balance, Kagan's record is giving pause to both sides.
Stateside
The AP reports that anti-choice legislators and activists are taking advantage of the provision of the federal health care reform law that permits state legislatures to prohibit all insurance coverage for abortion care in the new insurance exchanges. Arizona and Tennessee have already passed laws banning abortion coverage in the exchanges; in Florida, Mississippi and Missouri, lawmakers have passed similar bans that await their governors' signatures. Overall, 29 states legislatures have expressed interest in banning abortion coverage in the exchanges.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist is leaning strongly toward vetoing an anti-choice bill that would require women to get an ultrasound before receiving abortion care.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Check provides context and commentary on new Gallup poll results that showed a drop in support for legal abortion among young people.
New York Times writer Laura Holson notes that unmarried, successful women in their 40s and 50s, like Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, still need to "explain" why they are single.
President Obama's advisors say he has no doubt that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is a legal progressive who will maintain the current balance of the court if confirmed to replace the retiring liberal Justice John Paul Stevens. However, with the constitutional right to an abortion hanging in the balance, Kagan's record is giving pause to both sides.
Stateside
The AP reports that anti-choice legislators and activists are taking advantage of the provision of the federal health care reform law that permits state legislatures to prohibit all insurance coverage for abortion care in the new insurance exchanges. Arizona and Tennessee have already passed laws banning abortion coverage in the exchanges; in Florida, Mississippi and Missouri, lawmakers have passed similar bans that await their governors' signatures. Overall, 29 states legislatures have expressed interest in banning abortion coverage in the exchanges.
Florida Governor Charlie Crist is leaning strongly toward vetoing an anti-choice bill that would require women to get an ultrasound before receiving abortion care.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Check provides context and commentary on new Gallup poll results that showed a drop in support for legal abortion among young people.
New York Times writer Laura Holson notes that unmarried, successful women in their 40s and 50s, like Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan, still need to "explain" why they are single.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Choice News, Friday May 14th 2010
Supreme Court Watch
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.), facing a tough primary next week, called Solicitor General Elena Kagan a "good candidate" for the Supreme Court after his meeting with her. As a Republican, Sen. Specter voted against Kagan's confirmation to her current post.
The New York Times looks at the ways that Republicans and Democrats are using the Supreme Court nomination as a campaign issue for the midterm elections.
The Seattle Times has more on the reports that Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the short list to replace Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as Solicitor General. Should Gov. Gregoire leave the governor's office, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would become governor. Depending on when the vacancy occurs, there are several election protocols to elect a new governor.
State Auditor Brian Sonntag says he will run for governor in the event that Gov. Gregoire becomes the Solicitor General.
2010 Elections
The Washington Post looks at the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-choice counterpart to EMILY's List, and their goal of unseating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over the health care reform legislation. The group is working to elect anti-choice Republican Sue Lowden.
The Washington Beverage Association has filed paperwork for two versions of a ballot initiative to repeal the new taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum and certain kinds of processed foods. One of the versions would also repeal the tax on mass-market beer.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Checks features an article on the different generations within the reproductive rights and justice movement, and the importance of working together to achieve reproductive freedom for all women.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Global Moms Act, which calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy, as part of the Global Health Initiative, to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.
Time Magazine reports on the controversy over the American Academy of Pediatrics' change of position on female genital mutilation. The organization has decided to explore allowing American doctors to perform a ceremonial pinprick, or small nick, on young girls if it would keep their families from pursuing mutilation.
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.), facing a tough primary next week, called Solicitor General Elena Kagan a "good candidate" for the Supreme Court after his meeting with her. As a Republican, Sen. Specter voted against Kagan's confirmation to her current post.
The New York Times looks at the ways that Republicans and Democrats are using the Supreme Court nomination as a campaign issue for the midterm elections.
The Seattle Times has more on the reports that Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the short list to replace Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as Solicitor General. Should Gov. Gregoire leave the governor's office, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would become governor. Depending on when the vacancy occurs, there are several election protocols to elect a new governor.
State Auditor Brian Sonntag says he will run for governor in the event that Gov. Gregoire becomes the Solicitor General.
2010 Elections
The Washington Post looks at the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-choice counterpart to EMILY's List, and their goal of unseating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over the health care reform legislation. The group is working to elect anti-choice Republican Sue Lowden.
The Washington Beverage Association has filed paperwork for two versions of a ballot initiative to repeal the new taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum and certain kinds of processed foods. One of the versions would also repeal the tax on mass-market beer.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Checks features an article on the different generations within the reproductive rights and justice movement, and the importance of working together to achieve reproductive freedom for all women.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Global Moms Act, which calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy, as part of the Global Health Initiative, to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.
Time Magazine reports on the controversy over the American Academy of Pediatrics' change of position on female genital mutilation. The organization has decided to explore allowing American doctors to perform a ceremonial pinprick, or small nick, on young girls if it would keep their families from pursuing mutilation.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Choice News Wed, May 13 2010
Supreme Court Watch
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.), facing a tough primary next week, called Solicitor General Elena Kagan a "good candidate" for the Supreme Court after his meeting with her. As a Republican, Sen. Specter voted against Kagan's confirmation to her current post.
The New York Times looks at the ways that Republicans and Democrats are using the Supreme Court nomination as a campaign issue for the midterm elections.
The Seattle Times has more on the reports that Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the short list to replace Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as Solicitor General. Should Gov. Gregoire leave the governor's office, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would become governor. Depending on when the vacancy occurs, there are several election protocols to elect a new governor.
State Auditor Brian Sonntag says he will run for governor in the event that Gov. Gregoire becomes the Solicitor General.
2010 Elections
The Washington Post looks at the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-choice counterpart to EMILY's List, and their goal of unseating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over the health care reform legislation. The group is working to elect anti-choice Republican Sue Lowden.
The Washington Beverage Association has filed paperwork for two versions of a ballot initiative to repeal the new taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum and certain kinds of processed foods. One of the versions would also repeal the tax on mass-market beer.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Checks features an article on the different generations within the reproductive rights and justice movement, and the importance of working together to achieve reproductive freedom for all women.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Global Moms Act, which calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy, as part of the Global Health Initiative, to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.
Time Magazine reports on the controversy over the American Academy of Pediatrics' change of position on female genital mutilation. The organization has decided to explore allowing American doctors to perform a ceremonial pinprick, or small nick, on young girls if it would keep their families from pursuing mutilation.
Supreme Court Watch
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is meeting with members of the Senate in advance of her confirmation hearing.
Politico reports on additional memos drafted by Elena Kagan during the Clinton administration, including one in 1998 in which she advised President Clinton not to try to expand Medicare coverage of abortion to include cases where the health of the woman is in danger, in part to avoid a fight with Republicans.
RH Reality Check's Jodi Jacobson is disappointed that Kagan's career in the Clinton White House appears to be marked by political pragmatism when it came to women's rights.
Liberal Democratic senators are trying to reassure progressives that Solicitor General Kagan is a "Democrat's Democrat."
Gov. Chris Gregoire is on President Obama's short list to replace Elena Kagan as Solicitor General, assuming Kagan is confirmed for the Supreme Court.
Gov. Gregoire says she has no plans to leave office for Washington, DC.
Stateside
An Oklahoma bill requiring a woman seeking an abortion to provide marital status, reasons for ending the pregnancy, whether she is currently receiving public assistance and whether the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest is headed to the governor's desk.
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.), facing a tough primary next week, called Solicitor General Elena Kagan a "good candidate" for the Supreme Court after his meeting with her. As a Republican, Sen. Specter voted against Kagan's confirmation to her current post.
The New York Times looks at the ways that Republicans and Democrats are using the Supreme Court nomination as a campaign issue for the midterm elections.
The Seattle Times has more on the reports that Gov. Chris Gregoire is on the short list to replace Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan as Solicitor General. Should Gov. Gregoire leave the governor's office, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would become governor. Depending on when the vacancy occurs, there are several election protocols to elect a new governor.
State Auditor Brian Sonntag says he will run for governor in the event that Gov. Gregoire becomes the Solicitor General.
2010 Elections
The Washington Post looks at the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-choice counterpart to EMILY's List, and their goal of unseating Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) over the health care reform legislation. The group is working to elect anti-choice Republican Sue Lowden.
The Washington Beverage Association has filed paperwork for two versions of a ballot initiative to repeal the new taxes on soda, bottled water, candy, gum and certain kinds of processed foods. One of the versions would also repeal the tax on mass-market beer.
Other News of Note
RH Reality Checks features an article on the different generations within the reproductive rights and justice movement, and the importance of working together to achieve reproductive freedom for all women.
Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced the Global Moms Act, which calls for the development of a comprehensive strategy, as part of the Global Health Initiative, to reduce mortality and improve the health of mothers and newborns in developing countries.
Time Magazine reports on the controversy over the American Academy of Pediatrics' change of position on female genital mutilation. The organization has decided to explore allowing American doctors to perform a ceremonial pinprick, or small nick, on young girls if it would keep their families from pursuing mutilation.
Supreme Court Watch
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is meeting with members of the Senate in advance of her confirmation hearing.
Politico reports on additional memos drafted by Elena Kagan during the Clinton administration, including one in 1998 in which she advised President Clinton not to try to expand Medicare coverage of abortion to include cases where the health of the woman is in danger, in part to avoid a fight with Republicans.
RH Reality Check's Jodi Jacobson is disappointed that Kagan's career in the Clinton White House appears to be marked by political pragmatism when it came to women's rights.
Liberal Democratic senators are trying to reassure progressives that Solicitor General Kagan is a "Democrat's Democrat."
Gov. Chris Gregoire is on President Obama's short list to replace Elena Kagan as Solicitor General, assuming Kagan is confirmed for the Supreme Court.
Gov. Gregoire says she has no plans to leave office for Washington, DC.
Stateside
An Oklahoma bill requiring a woman seeking an abortion to provide marital status, reasons for ending the pregnancy, whether she is currently receiving public assistance and whether the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest is headed to the governor's desk.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Choice News
Supreme Court Watch
President Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. The Washington Post reports that abortion may be the "sleeper issue" of the confirmation; in 1997, she penned a memo to President Clinton in support of a compromise on the ban on late-term abortion.
The Stranger notes that Solicitor General Kagan does not have much of a paper trail with regard to her position on the right to choose, and quotes NARAL Pro-Choice Washington executive director Lauren Simonds as eager to know more about her stance on reproductive rights.
The New York Times profiles Solicitor General Kagan, noting that she has been careful throughout her life not to reveal too much about herself or her beliefs in order to position herself where she is today.
New York Times columnist Linda Greenhouse urges Solicitor General Kagan to reveal her positions on the issues of the day, as Kagan herself urged judicial nominees to do in an article she wrote in 1995.
Syndicated columnist Ruth Marcus writes that if confirmed, Solicitor General Kagan's ascent to the Supreme Court most likely marks the end of the time when women comprised only one or two seats on the court
The New York Times looks at the differences between Supreme Court nominations made by Republican and Democratic presidents.
Health Care Reform
The Washington Post reports that the federal health care reform legislation may reignite debate over what services medical professionals can refuse to provide.
The New York Times looks at the funding for comprehensive sexual health education programs that is included in the health care reform law.
Other News of Note
New York Times columnist Gail Collins has a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill.
The Washington Post reports that some women are seeking alternatives to oral contraceptives.
Anti-choice hardliner Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) has an op-ed in Newsweek about his strained relationship with the anti-choice movement over health care reform negotiations.
Pro-choice Connie Saltonstall has pulled out of the race to replace Rep. Stupak, who is not seeking re-election.
Pre-term births are on the decline in the U.S. for the second year in a row, although the U.S. still has a higher pre-term birth rate than other developed countries.
President Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. The Washington Post reports that abortion may be the "sleeper issue" of the confirmation; in 1997, she penned a memo to President Clinton in support of a compromise on the ban on late-term abortion.
The Stranger notes that Solicitor General Kagan does not have much of a paper trail with regard to her position on the right to choose, and quotes NARAL Pro-Choice Washington executive director Lauren Simonds as eager to know more about her stance on reproductive rights.
The New York Times profiles Solicitor General Kagan, noting that she has been careful throughout her life not to reveal too much about herself or her beliefs in order to position herself where she is today.
New York Times columnist Linda Greenhouse urges Solicitor General Kagan to reveal her positions on the issues of the day, as Kagan herself urged judicial nominees to do in an article she wrote in 1995.
Syndicated columnist Ruth Marcus writes that if confirmed, Solicitor General Kagan's ascent to the Supreme Court most likely marks the end of the time when women comprised only one or two seats on the court
The New York Times looks at the differences between Supreme Court nominations made by Republican and Democratic presidents.
Health Care Reform
The Washington Post reports that the federal health care reform legislation may reignite debate over what services medical professionals can refuse to provide.
The New York Times looks at the funding for comprehensive sexual health education programs that is included in the health care reform law.
Other News of Note
New York Times columnist Gail Collins has a piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill.
The Washington Post reports that some women are seeking alternatives to oral contraceptives.
Anti-choice hardliner Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) has an op-ed in Newsweek about his strained relationship with the anti-choice movement over health care reform negotiations.
Pro-choice Connie Saltonstall has pulled out of the race to replace Rep. Stupak, who is not seeking re-election.
Pre-term births are on the decline in the U.S. for the second year in a row, although the U.S. still has a higher pre-term birth rate than other developed countries.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ensure a fair hearing for Solicitor General Kagan for Supreme Court
President Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Solicitor General Kagan has a sound record of legal accomplishment, and we look forward to learning more about this nominee.
The future of women’s access to abortion hangs in the balance. The last two major choice-related cases were decided by a five-to-four margin, and retiring Justice John Paul Stevens is one of the Supreme Court’s strongest supporters of the right to choose. His departure could create a vacuum on the Court, and our opponents are going to do everything in their power to obstruct the confirmation process.
We will not allow attacks on the right to privacy to go unanswered. Tell your senators that Solicitor General Kagan deserves a fair hearing that includes questions about Roe v. Wade.
Solicitor General Kagan has a sound record of legal accomplishment, and we look forward to learning more about this nominee.
The future of women’s access to abortion hangs in the balance. The last two major choice-related cases were decided by a five-to-four margin, and retiring Justice John Paul Stevens is one of the Supreme Court’s strongest supporters of the right to choose. His departure could create a vacuum on the Court, and our opponents are going to do everything in their power to obstruct the confirmation process.
We will not allow attacks on the right to privacy to go unanswered. Tell your senators that Solicitor General Kagan deserves a fair hearing that includes questions about Roe v. Wade.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Choice News
Supreme Court Watch
With the expectation that President Obama will announce his nominee in the coming days, CNN provides summaries of the four judges who are believed to be finalists for the nomination.
Stateside
RH Reality Check provides a round up of the week in choice-related legislation in state legislatures.
Contraception
The FDA has approved a new birth control pill, which is already licensed in Europe, that is the first four-phase oral contraceptive in the U.S.
MSNBC features a story that recounts how the birth control pill has changed various women's lives.
Francine Coeytaux, writing for RH Reality Check, honors Mother's Day and the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill with her story about how modern contraception has shaped her life, and a call to action to ensure that it is accessible to all women.
Other News of Note
The American Academy of Pediatrics is suggesting that a ceremonial pin prick by doctors should be authorized by the United States to prevent the families of some newborn girls from taking them to their home country to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M.). Critics argue that such a policy would create confusion about whether F.G.M. is acceptable in any form, and that it is the wrong step forward on how best to protect young women and girls.
With the expectation that President Obama will announce his nominee in the coming days, CNN provides summaries of the four judges who are believed to be finalists for the nomination.
Stateside
RH Reality Check provides a round up of the week in choice-related legislation in state legislatures.
Contraception
The FDA has approved a new birth control pill, which is already licensed in Europe, that is the first four-phase oral contraceptive in the U.S.
MSNBC features a story that recounts how the birth control pill has changed various women's lives.
Francine Coeytaux, writing for RH Reality Check, honors Mother's Day and the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill with her story about how modern contraception has shaped her life, and a call to action to ensure that it is accessible to all women.
Other News of Note
The American Academy of Pediatrics is suggesting that a ceremonial pin prick by doctors should be authorized by the United States to prevent the families of some newborn girls from taking them to their home country to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M.). Critics argue that such a policy would create confusion about whether F.G.M. is acceptable in any form, and that it is the wrong step forward on how best to protect young women and girls.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Todays Choice News
Supreme Court Watch
An ABC News/Washington Post poll finds that a clear majority of Americans want President Obama to select a Supreme Court nominee who supports the right to choose.
Newsweek reports on the likelihood that President Obama will appoint a woman to the Supreme Court.
The Seattle Times reports on fears that President Obama will nominate a more moderate justice to the Supreme Court.
Stateside
Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has agreed to a court order requested by abortion providers to temporarily block enforcement of a new anti-choice state law, which requires women to get an ultrasound and hear a detailed description of the fetus before having an abortion.
The Kansas state House voted to override a veto by Governor Mark Parkinson on anti-choice legislation that would place additional restrictions on abortion care after 20 weeks. The Senate will now vote on the override, but has previously not been able to pass similar veto overrides.
The Pennsylvania House Education Committee voted to approve age appropriate sex education in all public schools, an important first step in mandating comprehensive sex education.
Bill Gates, Sr. has an op-ed in the Seattle Times in which he advocates in support of establishing a high-earners income tax. He writes that the initiative would make the state's tax system more equitable and would benefit middle class families and small businesses.
Ashley Sayeau, writing for the U.K. Guardian, provides commentary on the recent anti-choice laws in several states, and why they disrespect women's feelings and medical needs.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage
According to a new study from the Guttmacher Institute, most women who receive abortion care pay for it out of pocket, with private insurers covering just 12% of the cost.
According to another recent report from the Guttmacher Institute, women living in poverty make up an increasing share of patients who seek abortion care, with a staggering 60% increase within this demographic over eight years.
Conservative Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson argues against Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's call for Canada's G-8 summit on improving maternal health to include a provision on abortion access, yet he argues for access to contraception in order to protect the health of women who are likely to have dangerous pregnancies.
Contraception
As the United States celebrates the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill, the Seattle Times reports on the continuing need for better contraception.
Other News of Note
Rocio Cordoba, writing for RH Reality Check, discusses why separate schools for pregnant or parenting youth of color in California are unequal and discriminatory.
First Response, a company that makes pregnancy, ovulation and fertility test kits, is introducing a web-only reality series on TLC.com about 5 women who are trying to conceive.
An ABC News/Washington Post poll finds that a clear majority of Americans want President Obama to select a Supreme Court nominee who supports the right to choose.
Newsweek reports on the likelihood that President Obama will appoint a woman to the Supreme Court.
The Seattle Times reports on fears that President Obama will nominate a more moderate justice to the Supreme Court.
Stateside
Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has agreed to a court order requested by abortion providers to temporarily block enforcement of a new anti-choice state law, which requires women to get an ultrasound and hear a detailed description of the fetus before having an abortion.
The Kansas state House voted to override a veto by Governor Mark Parkinson on anti-choice legislation that would place additional restrictions on abortion care after 20 weeks. The Senate will now vote on the override, but has previously not been able to pass similar veto overrides.
The Pennsylvania House Education Committee voted to approve age appropriate sex education in all public schools, an important first step in mandating comprehensive sex education.
Bill Gates, Sr. has an op-ed in the Seattle Times in which he advocates in support of establishing a high-earners income tax. He writes that the initiative would make the state's tax system more equitable and would benefit middle class families and small businesses.
Ashley Sayeau, writing for the U.K. Guardian, provides commentary on the recent anti-choice laws in several states, and why they disrespect women's feelings and medical needs.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage
According to a new study from the Guttmacher Institute, most women who receive abortion care pay for it out of pocket, with private insurers covering just 12% of the cost.
According to another recent report from the Guttmacher Institute, women living in poverty make up an increasing share of patients who seek abortion care, with a staggering 60% increase within this demographic over eight years.
Conservative Washington Post columnist Michael Gerson argues against Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's call for Canada's G-8 summit on improving maternal health to include a provision on abortion access, yet he argues for access to contraception in order to protect the health of women who are likely to have dangerous pregnancies.
Contraception
As the United States celebrates the 50th anniversary of the birth control pill, the Seattle Times reports on the continuing need for better contraception.
Other News of Note
Rocio Cordoba, writing for RH Reality Check, discusses why separate schools for pregnant or parenting youth of color in California are unequal and discriminatory.
First Response, a company that makes pregnancy, ovulation and fertility test kits, is introducing a web-only reality series on TLC.com about 5 women who are trying to conceive.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Random Choice News
Supreme Court Watch
The Wall Street Journal discusses why pro-choice potential Supreme Court nominee Diane Wood would be a strong voice for women's rights on the Court. (Curiously, the article states that recent nominees have had unknown records on the right to choose, despite Justice Alito's established track record in opposition to a woman's right to choose prior to his nomination to the Supreme Court.)
Stateside
The Florida state Senate voted to ban abortion coverage in the new health care exchange, while at the same time requiring women seeking an abortion to pay out of pocket for an ultrasound.
The San Jose Mercury News has an editorial condemning the new anti-choice laws in Oklahoma.
CNN features an opinion piece from Mary Alice Carr, Vice President for Communications at the National Institute for Reproductive Health, which discusses how the new anti-choice laws in Oklahoma take away a woman's right to full, honest information from her doctor.
New York Times op-ed columnist Gail Collins cites Oklahoma's latest anti-choice laws as an example of recent extreme state legislation.
Other News of Note
Aimée Thorne-Thomsen writes for RH Reality Check about why access to safe and legal abortion is a matter of trusting women and wanting them to have access to all the information, services and resources necessary to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Laura Bush has written a memoir, Spoken from the Heart, in which she briefly reiterates her belief that abortion is a private decision.
The Wall Street Journal discusses why pro-choice potential Supreme Court nominee Diane Wood would be a strong voice for women's rights on the Court. (Curiously, the article states that recent nominees have had unknown records on the right to choose, despite Justice Alito's established track record in opposition to a woman's right to choose prior to his nomination to the Supreme Court.)
Stateside
The Florida state Senate voted to ban abortion coverage in the new health care exchange, while at the same time requiring women seeking an abortion to pay out of pocket for an ultrasound.
The San Jose Mercury News has an editorial condemning the new anti-choice laws in Oklahoma.
CNN features an opinion piece from Mary Alice Carr, Vice President for Communications at the National Institute for Reproductive Health, which discusses how the new anti-choice laws in Oklahoma take away a woman's right to full, honest information from her doctor.
New York Times op-ed columnist Gail Collins cites Oklahoma's latest anti-choice laws as an example of recent extreme state legislation.
Other News of Note
Aimée Thorne-Thomsen writes for RH Reality Check about why access to safe and legal abortion is a matter of trusting women and wanting them to have access to all the information, services and resources necessary to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
Laura Bush has written a memoir, Spoken from the Heart, in which she briefly reiterates her belief that abortion is a private decision.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Choice news in brief
Supreme Court Watch
The Washington Post provides a profile of potential Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage
NPR reports on how the new health care reform law will improve insurance coverage for women.
Stateside
Governor Gregoire will sign the multimillion-dollar revenue package today that was passed by state lawmakers last week.
Ms. Magazine reports on the anti-choice bill that is awaiting the Governor's signature in Tennessee, and would make the state the first to explicitly ban coverage of abortion care under the new health care reform insurance exchanges.
RH Reality Check provides a roundup of anti-choice bills in Louisiana and Virginia.
Other News of Note
In recognition of April as National STD Awareness month, RH Reality Check provides a series about the importance of STD prevention and treatment in the United States.
RH Reality Check features another reaction to the recent Newsweek article about the involvement of young people in the pro-choice movement.
The Washington Post provides a profile of potential Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage
NPR reports on how the new health care reform law will improve insurance coverage for women.
Stateside
Governor Gregoire will sign the multimillion-dollar revenue package today that was passed by state lawmakers last week.
Ms. Magazine reports on the anti-choice bill that is awaiting the Governor's signature in Tennessee, and would make the state the first to explicitly ban coverage of abortion care under the new health care reform insurance exchanges.
RH Reality Check provides a roundup of anti-choice bills in Louisiana and Virginia.
Other News of Note
In recognition of April as National STD Awareness month, RH Reality Check provides a series about the importance of STD prevention and treatment in the United States.
RH Reality Check features another reaction to the recent Newsweek article about the involvement of young people in the pro-choice movement.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Random Choice News
Supreme Court Watch:
MSNBC highlights the latest news surrounding President Obama's commitment to nominating a Supreme Court justice that will uphold women's rights and privacy.
The New York Times provides a profile of Diane Wood, a potential pro-choice nominee for the Supreme Court.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage:
RH Reality Check features an article that dispells the myths and misperceptions surrounding Emergency Contraception (EC).
2010 Elections:
Politico reports on the anti-choice organizations that are planning a multimillion-dollar elections campaign to oust anti-choice Democrats who voted for health care reform.
The Olympian discusses the legal hurdles that I-1077 will face in proposing a high earners income tax on the November ballot.
Stateside:
Georgia lawmakers have advanced an anti-choice bill that is designed to challenge Roe v. Wade by prohibiting physicians from providing abortions to women who have been "coerced" into the procedure, and by banning abortions based on the race or gender of the fetus.
Pro-choice advocates in New York are trying to update the state's law legalizing abortion by moving it from the penal code into the public health law where a woman's rights and privacy can be better protected.
The Virginia General Assembly approved Governor Robert McDonnell's proposal to restrict all state funding for abortion, except in the case of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman is in danger. This law will have broader implications in restricting all women's access to abortion care in Virginia.
MSNBC highlights the latest news surrounding President Obama's commitment to nominating a Supreme Court justice that will uphold women's rights and privacy.
The New York Times provides a profile of Diane Wood, a potential pro-choice nominee for the Supreme Court.
Health Care and Abortion Coverage:
RH Reality Check features an article that dispells the myths and misperceptions surrounding Emergency Contraception (EC).
2010 Elections:
Politico reports on the anti-choice organizations that are planning a multimillion-dollar elections campaign to oust anti-choice Democrats who voted for health care reform.
The Olympian discusses the legal hurdles that I-1077 will face in proposing a high earners income tax on the November ballot.
Stateside:
Georgia lawmakers have advanced an anti-choice bill that is designed to challenge Roe v. Wade by prohibiting physicians from providing abortions to women who have been "coerced" into the procedure, and by banning abortions based on the race or gender of the fetus.
Pro-choice advocates in New York are trying to update the state's law legalizing abortion by moving it from the penal code into the public health law where a woman's rights and privacy can be better protected.
The Virginia General Assembly approved Governor Robert McDonnell's proposal to restrict all state funding for abortion, except in the case of rape or incest, or when the life of the woman is in danger. This law will have broader implications in restricting all women's access to abortion care in Virginia.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Gov. Pawlenty declares April as Abortion Recovery Month
Gov. Pawlenty declared April as Abortion Recovery Month. Linnea House of NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota responded: “I was hoping the governor’s proclamation was an April Fool’s Day joke last week, but unfortunately, it is very real." She further stated: "Clearly, this proclamation is truly nothing more than Gov. Pawlenty pandering to the anti-choice organizations in the state." For more on NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota's statement and the full text of the proclamation, follow the link.
http://minnesotaindependent.com/57436/critics-call-pawlentys-abortion-recovery-month-pure-politics
http://minnesotaindependent.com/57436/critics-call-pawlentys-abortion-recovery-month-pure-politics
Friday, April 9, 2010
Call on President Obama to Nominate a Pro-Choice Justice
Justice John Paul Stevens’ retirement means that we will lose one of the strongest supporters of the right to choose from the Supreme Court.
Our anti-choice opponents are already using this vacancy to rally their base. The unfounded insults and personal attacks are only going to get worse.
We need to fight back against the anti-choice rallying cry, beginning with letting President Obama know what we expect. Join me in calling on President Obama to say no to the right wing.
Please take this time to call on President Obama to nominate a Pro-Choice Justice.
Our anti-choice opponents are already using this vacancy to rally their base. The unfounded insults and personal attacks are only going to get worse.
We need to fight back against the anti-choice rallying cry, beginning with letting President Obama know what we expect. Join me in calling on President Obama to say no to the right wing.
Please take this time to call on President Obama to nominate a Pro-Choice Justice.
We stopped Stupak!
Rep. Bart Stupak has announced he will not run for re-election opening the door for a Pro-Choice candidate to replace him. NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC endorsed Connie Saltonstall, who is running to replace Rep. Stupak in Michigan's 1st Congressional District, Saltonstall got in the race specifically because of her dedication to standing up for women’s reproductive rights!
Since this race is obviously not in Minnesota we won't be directly involved in getting Saltonstall elected but for more info and what you can do to help, please read this statement from NARAL Pro-Choice America:
Nation's Two Leading Pro-Choice Groups Back Candidate Challenging Rep. Bart Stupak
NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorse Primary Challenger Connie Saltonstall in Michigan's 1st Congressional District
Washington, D.C. — NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, today announced their respective endorsements of Connie Saltonstall, who is challenging anti-choice incumbent Rep. Bart Stupak in the Democratic primary in Michigan's 1st Congressional District.
"We are proud to put the support of our PAC behind Connie Saltonstall in this pivotal primary race," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "The voters in Michigan's 1st District are looking for an alternative to Bart Stupak. For years, he has attacked women's freedom and privacy and, for the last several months, seized the national spotlight as he held health care reform hostage to his anti-choice political views. The clock is ticking on Mr. Stupak's '15 minutes of fame.' We will work to put an end to Mr. Stupak's divisiveness and replace him with a leader like Connie, who represents Michigan's mainstream values."
"The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Connie Saltonstall for U.S. representative," said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Connie is a passionate advocate for women and their reproductive rights and has a strong record of promoting and protecting women's health."
Saltonstall, who is a mediator and board member of North Community Mediation, serves as board president of Hospice of Northwest Michigan and recently completed a three-year term on the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging. In 2008, Saltonstall ran for Michigan state representative in the 105th District. In 2006, she served as Charlevoix County commissioner.
As a U.S. representative, Saltonstall will work to improve access to quality health care for women, support and protect a woman's right to choose, strengthen comprehensive sex education to keep our young people healthy and safe, and invest in prevention programs, including family planning services and breast cancer screenings.
"Clearly it's time for change in Michigan's 1st Congressional District," said Sarah Scranton, executive director of PP Advocates of MI. "Michigan voters deserve a representative like Connie Saltonstall who will put their commonsense health care needs ahead of ideology and politics."
"Connie Saltonstall is a champion for women, women's health and choice who will be an active proponent for the women and families of Michigan. She will work to ensure that women's health is a priority on the congressional agenda," said Richards.
Saltonstall is running against Rep. Bart Stupak, an anti-choice representative, who drew the ire of women over his attempts to restrict individuals from using their own money to buy health insurance that included abortion coverage. During the health care debate, Rep. Stupak continuously tried to block health care reform unless the Stupak abortion coverage ban was adopted. Fortunately, Rep. Stupak failed in his attempt to insert the Stupak abortion coverage ban in the final health care reform bill.
The primary election will be held on August 3.
For more information about the race, visit www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/Saltonstall.
Since this race is obviously not in Minnesota we won't be directly involved in getting Saltonstall elected but for more info and what you can do to help, please read this statement from NARAL Pro-Choice America:
Nation's Two Leading Pro-Choice Groups Back Candidate Challenging Rep. Bart Stupak
NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC, Planned Parenthood Action Fund Endorse Primary Challenger Connie Saltonstall in Michigan's 1st Congressional District
Washington, D.C. — NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, today announced their respective endorsements of Connie Saltonstall, who is challenging anti-choice incumbent Rep. Bart Stupak in the Democratic primary in Michigan's 1st Congressional District.
"We are proud to put the support of our PAC behind Connie Saltonstall in this pivotal primary race," said Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America. "The voters in Michigan's 1st District are looking for an alternative to Bart Stupak. For years, he has attacked women's freedom and privacy and, for the last several months, seized the national spotlight as he held health care reform hostage to his anti-choice political views. The clock is ticking on Mr. Stupak's '15 minutes of fame.' We will work to put an end to Mr. Stupak's divisiveness and replace him with a leader like Connie, who represents Michigan's mainstream values."
"The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to endorse Connie Saltonstall for U.S. representative," said Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. "Connie is a passionate advocate for women and their reproductive rights and has a strong record of promoting and protecting women's health."
Saltonstall, who is a mediator and board member of North Community Mediation, serves as board president of Hospice of Northwest Michigan and recently completed a three-year term on the Charlevoix County Commission on Aging. In 2008, Saltonstall ran for Michigan state representative in the 105th District. In 2006, she served as Charlevoix County commissioner.
As a U.S. representative, Saltonstall will work to improve access to quality health care for women, support and protect a woman's right to choose, strengthen comprehensive sex education to keep our young people healthy and safe, and invest in prevention programs, including family planning services and breast cancer screenings.
"Clearly it's time for change in Michigan's 1st Congressional District," said Sarah Scranton, executive director of PP Advocates of MI. "Michigan voters deserve a representative like Connie Saltonstall who will put their commonsense health care needs ahead of ideology and politics."
"Connie Saltonstall is a champion for women, women's health and choice who will be an active proponent for the women and families of Michigan. She will work to ensure that women's health is a priority on the congressional agenda," said Richards.
Saltonstall is running against Rep. Bart Stupak, an anti-choice representative, who drew the ire of women over his attempts to restrict individuals from using their own money to buy health insurance that included abortion coverage. During the health care debate, Rep. Stupak continuously tried to block health care reform unless the Stupak abortion coverage ban was adopted. Fortunately, Rep. Stupak failed in his attempt to insert the Stupak abortion coverage ban in the final health care reform bill.
The primary election will be held on August 3.
For more information about the race, visit www.ProChoiceAmerica.org/Saltonstall.
Justice Stevens to retire.
Justice Stevens is retiring! We need to be prepared to help Choose Justice when President Obama names a replacement! The anti’s won’t make this easy and we have to be prepared to do what it takes to help seat a Pro-Choice Justice! Stevens eventual replacement will be the Justice that keeps the balance of the Supreme Court leaning towards the right to choose and we cannot let that scale tip by one single degree!
Sign up to volunteer today to help us Choose Justice!
For more on Justice Stevens retirement please read the following statement from NARAL Pro-Choice America’s President Nancy Keenan:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2010
Statement of Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, on Justice John Paul Stevens’ Retirement from the Supreme Court
"NARAL Pro-Choice America salutes Justice John Paul Stevens' commitment to public service. Stevens is among the strongest supporters of the right to choose currently serving on the Supreme Court, and his retirement serves as yet another stark reminder of the important role the Court plays in our everyday lives.
"Stevens consistently voted to uphold American liberties, as set forth in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. His record reflects a respect for individual freedom and opposition to political interference in our most personal, private decisions. Stevens' retirement now gives President Obama the opportunity to nominate a fair-minded individual who, like him and the majority of Americans, supports the constitutional right to privacy as reflected in Roe.
"The nine-member Court includes two Justices, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, who have voted to overturn Roe, and two more members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, whom President Bush appointed because he wanted Justices who reflected the Scalia-Thomas mold.
"Given the current composition of the Court, we will assess the eventual nominee's complete record on privacy and other relevant issues in the same way we did during Justice Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation process. Unlike Chief Justice Roberts or Justice Alito, Justice Sotomayor articulated several times throughout her hearing that the constitutional right to privacy includes the right to choose, and thus we supported her nomination for a seat on the nation's highest court.
"One thing is certain: opponents of women's freedom and privacy will use this vacancy on the Court as an opportunity to further their attacks on nominees who have taken pro-choice positions. America's pro-choice majority will fight back.
"This vacancy could make choice an even more prominent issue in the 2010 mid-term congressional elections. Americans will be watching to make sure senators understand the need for a Justice who respects a woman's ability to make the personal, private decisions that are best for her and her family."
Additional Resources:
More information about Justice Stevens' decisions on choice-related cases.
Information about the Supreme Court's decisions on key cases related to reproductive rights.
Sign up to volunteer today to help us Choose Justice!
For more on Justice Stevens retirement please read the following statement from NARAL Pro-Choice America’s President Nancy Keenan:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2010
Statement of Nancy Keenan, President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, on Justice John Paul Stevens’ Retirement from the Supreme Court
"NARAL Pro-Choice America salutes Justice John Paul Stevens' commitment to public service. Stevens is among the strongest supporters of the right to choose currently serving on the Supreme Court, and his retirement serves as yet another stark reminder of the important role the Court plays in our everyday lives.
"Stevens consistently voted to uphold American liberties, as set forth in the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. His record reflects a respect for individual freedom and opposition to political interference in our most personal, private decisions. Stevens' retirement now gives President Obama the opportunity to nominate a fair-minded individual who, like him and the majority of Americans, supports the constitutional right to privacy as reflected in Roe.
"The nine-member Court includes two Justices, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, who have voted to overturn Roe, and two more members, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, whom President Bush appointed because he wanted Justices who reflected the Scalia-Thomas mold.
"Given the current composition of the Court, we will assess the eventual nominee's complete record on privacy and other relevant issues in the same way we did during Justice Sonia Sotomayor's confirmation process. Unlike Chief Justice Roberts or Justice Alito, Justice Sotomayor articulated several times throughout her hearing that the constitutional right to privacy includes the right to choose, and thus we supported her nomination for a seat on the nation's highest court.
"One thing is certain: opponents of women's freedom and privacy will use this vacancy on the Court as an opportunity to further their attacks on nominees who have taken pro-choice positions. America's pro-choice majority will fight back.
"This vacancy could make choice an even more prominent issue in the 2010 mid-term congressional elections. Americans will be watching to make sure senators understand the need for a Justice who respects a woman's ability to make the personal, private decisions that are best for her and her family."
Additional Resources:
More information about Justice Stevens' decisions on choice-related cases.
Information about the Supreme Court's decisions on key cases related to reproductive rights.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
An abortion ban by any other name. . . .
Anti-choice strategists are increasingly using "personhood" measures to try to ban abortion in states like Missouri. So add this one to your vocab: "personhood" measure = abortion ban. Please share this post with your friends to spread the word about this anti-choice tactic.
For greater details check out NARAL Pro-Choice America's Blog For Choice:
http://www.blogforchoice.com/archives/2010/04/personhood-move.html
For greater details check out NARAL Pro-Choice America's Blog For Choice:
http://www.blogforchoice.com/archives/2010/04/personhood-move.html
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Census Trivia!
Don't forget to fill out your census forms and send them in, it only takes a few minutes. The state of Minnesota loses $10,000 for every person not counted. These funds pay for healthcare, tution, and roads. Confused about which address to use if your a student? Fill out the form using the address you hang your tooth brush at every night.
For some interesting info on the census, play Census Trivia
For some interesting info on the census, play Census Trivia
Health Care and Abortion Coverage
Late last night the House approved the final vote on the changes to the health care reform bill. The measure now goes to President Obama's desk.
Anti-choice Rep. Bart Stupak, who has come under fire by advocates as well as opponents of the right to choose, responds to Kathleen Parker's column in the Washington Post. He writes, "The pro-life groups rallied behind me -- many without my knowledge or consent -- not necessarily because they shared my goals of ensuring protections for life and passing health-care reform but because they viewed me as their best chance to kill health-care legislation."
NPR's "Morning Edition" reports that after the health care vote, the partnership between anti-choice Republicans and anti-choice Democrats may have ended.
The Washington Post profiles Bob Bauer, President Obama's in-house counsel whose task was to broker a deal between with anti-choice Democrats to secure enough votes to pass health care reform.
In a Newsweek opinion piece, Sarah Kliff takes a look at the argument that Democrats are indebted to pro-choice advocates after the health care reform deal.
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, writes on the Huffington Post that we need more pro-choice members of Congress in order to prevent attacks on the right to choose like the Nelson language in the health care reform package.
In a setback, the health care reform package includes a provision that restores $250 million over five years for states to sponsor abstinence-only sex "education" programs.
Anti-choice Rep. Bart Stupak, who has come under fire by advocates as well as opponents of the right to choose, responds to Kathleen Parker's column in the Washington Post. He writes, "The pro-life groups rallied behind me -- many without my knowledge or consent -- not necessarily because they shared my goals of ensuring protections for life and passing health-care reform but because they viewed me as their best chance to kill health-care legislation."
NPR's "Morning Edition" reports that after the health care vote, the partnership between anti-choice Republicans and anti-choice Democrats may have ended.
The Washington Post profiles Bob Bauer, President Obama's in-house counsel whose task was to broker a deal between with anti-choice Democrats to secure enough votes to pass health care reform.
In a Newsweek opinion piece, Sarah Kliff takes a look at the argument that Democrats are indebted to pro-choice advocates after the health care reform deal.
Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, writes on the Huffington Post that we need more pro-choice members of Congress in order to prevent attacks on the right to choose like the Nelson language in the health care reform package.
In a setback, the health care reform package includes a provision that restores $250 million over five years for states to sponsor abstinence-only sex "education" programs.
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