NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia made the front page of the Metro Section in today's Washington Post. The story wouldn't have happened without the affiliate's work exposing how anti-choice crisis pregnancy centers mislead women about their health-care options.
Questions raised about anti-abortion groups getting Va. license plate fee - washingtonpost.com
www.washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Support the Sex Education Resolution for 2010 Caucuses!
It’s time for the 2010 Precinct Caucuses! Another election cycles is beginning and the caucuses offer us two important opportunities, the first is to start narrowing the field of candidates for office and the second is to offer amendments to Party platforms! Regardless of your party affiliation you have the right to offer up amendments to your party’s platform.
NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota in concert with the Minnesota Choice Coalition has prepared a resolution to support sexuality education programs that include information about abstinence, contraception and disease prevention.
So please remember to attend your precinct caucus on Feb 2nd 2010 and vote for the candidates you feel strongly about and take this opportunity to stand up for Minnesota’s youth and demand your party support age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education!
For a copy of the resolution click here.
Unsure of how a caucus works? Come to a Caucus Training! For a list of trainings click here.
Unsure of your caucus location? Click here.
NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota in concert with the Minnesota Choice Coalition has prepared a resolution to support sexuality education programs that include information about abstinence, contraception and disease prevention.
So please remember to attend your precinct caucus on Feb 2nd 2010 and vote for the candidates you feel strongly about and take this opportunity to stand up for Minnesota’s youth and demand your party support age appropriate comprehensive sexuality education!
For a copy of the resolution click here.
Unsure of how a caucus works? Come to a Caucus Training! For a list of trainings click here.
Unsure of your caucus location? Click here.
2009 Highs and Lows for Pro-Choice Americans
January 19, 2010
As Congress Debates Abortion Coverage in Health-Care Reform,
New Report Shows 2009 a Mix of Highs and Lows for
Pro-Choice Americans in the States
Washington, D.C.—NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation today released the 19th edition of Who Decides? The Status of Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States, the nation’s most comprehensive report on choice-related legislation and court decisions. This report, which comes as Congress continues to debate abortion coverage in health-care reform, shows a mix of progress and setbacks for choice across the country.
On the federal level, President Obama reversed anti-choice policies enacted by the previous administration and nominated individuals with pro-choice records to key federal positions. NARAL Pro-Choice America also successfully worked with allies in Congress to lift a ban on Washington, D.C.’s ability to use locally raised funds to provide abortion services for low-income women, eliminate two discredited “abstinence-only” programs, and increase funding for domestic and international family-planning programs.
Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation, said that House and Senate passage of health-reform bills that include provisions making it more difficult or virtually impossible for women to buy insurance with abortion coverage in the new system overshadowed the progress.
“For pro-choice Americans, 2009 was a roller-coaster ride,” Keenan said. “On one hand, we saw positive changes in policies that will make a difference in the lives of women and their families. On the other hand, anti-choice politicians used health reform to advance destructive and divisive attacks on women’s access to abortion coverage. The challenges we face on health reform are a reminder that, despite our success in changing the choice-related composition of Congress and a pro-choice White House, anti-choice lawmakers still outnumber our pro-choice allies. Every time we take a step forward we will face unrelenting resistance from anti-choice politicians who will sink to new lows to undermine women’s freedom and privacy.”
Keenan said the report outlined a similar combination of progress and setbacks at the state level, including the following highlights: Pro-Choice Progress:
In 2009, 14 states and Washington, D.C. enacted 21 pro-choice measures.
§ Wisconsin enacted a law that requires health-insurance plans that provide prescription-medication benefits to cover contraceptives and required pharmacists to fill valid birth-control prescriptions.
§ Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington enacted laws that improve sex education in schools.
§ Utah and D.C. enacted laws to ensure that sexual-assault survivors receive information about and access to emergency contraception in emergency rooms.
Anti-Choice Attacks:
§ In 2009, 14 states enacted 29 anti-choice measures, increasing the number of anti-choice measures enacted in states since 1995 to 610.
§ Virginia enacted a law that establishes “Choose Life” license plates. A portion of the proceeds from these plates funds anti-choice organizations known as “crisis pregnancy centers” that target women considering abortion and often mislead, coerce, and intimidate them.
§ Arizona enacted a far-reaching law that includes a litany of anti-choice provisions that, among other things, subject women to state-mandated lectures and waiting periods that delay access to abortion care. The law also allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide abortion services and to refuse to provide or dispense contraceptives.
Keenan cited Arizona as a prime example of how a change in a state’s political landscape can have real consequences for a woman’s right to choose. Even though a court intervened and stopped some of that state’s new anti-choice provisions from taking effect, the 2009 law caused Arizona’s grade on reproductive rights to drop from a B- to a D+.
“The departure of pro-choice champion Janet Napolitano from the governor’s mansion in Arizona illustrates the importance of having elected leaders who stand up for a woman’s right to choose,” Keenan said. “Arizona’s new anti-choice governor is a willing participant in attacks on women’s privacy – a complete reversal of former Gov. Napolitano’s legacy as a defender of pro-choice values. That means women are worse off today in Arizona than they were at this time last year.”
Keenan also said that NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation dedicated this edition of the Who Decides? report to the late Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider who was murdered inside his church in May, and his family, to all abortion-care providers, and to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
The report, which includes a summary of federal and state laws as well as a ranking and grades of states, may be found at: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/whodecides.Contact: Ted Miller, 202-973-3032
As Congress Debates Abortion Coverage in Health-Care Reform,
New Report Shows 2009 a Mix of Highs and Lows for
Pro-Choice Americans in the States
Washington, D.C.—NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation today released the 19th edition of Who Decides? The Status of Women’s Reproductive Rights in the United States, the nation’s most comprehensive report on choice-related legislation and court decisions. This report, which comes as Congress continues to debate abortion coverage in health-care reform, shows a mix of progress and setbacks for choice across the country.
On the federal level, President Obama reversed anti-choice policies enacted by the previous administration and nominated individuals with pro-choice records to key federal positions. NARAL Pro-Choice America also successfully worked with allies in Congress to lift a ban on Washington, D.C.’s ability to use locally raised funds to provide abortion services for low-income women, eliminate two discredited “abstinence-only” programs, and increase funding for domestic and international family-planning programs.
Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation, said that House and Senate passage of health-reform bills that include provisions making it more difficult or virtually impossible for women to buy insurance with abortion coverage in the new system overshadowed the progress.
“For pro-choice Americans, 2009 was a roller-coaster ride,” Keenan said. “On one hand, we saw positive changes in policies that will make a difference in the lives of women and their families. On the other hand, anti-choice politicians used health reform to advance destructive and divisive attacks on women’s access to abortion coverage. The challenges we face on health reform are a reminder that, despite our success in changing the choice-related composition of Congress and a pro-choice White House, anti-choice lawmakers still outnumber our pro-choice allies. Every time we take a step forward we will face unrelenting resistance from anti-choice politicians who will sink to new lows to undermine women’s freedom and privacy.”
Keenan said the report outlined a similar combination of progress and setbacks at the state level, including the following highlights: Pro-Choice Progress:
In 2009, 14 states and Washington, D.C. enacted 21 pro-choice measures.
§ Wisconsin enacted a law that requires health-insurance plans that provide prescription-medication benefits to cover contraceptives and required pharmacists to fill valid birth-control prescriptions.
§ Hawaii, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington enacted laws that improve sex education in schools.
§ Utah and D.C. enacted laws to ensure that sexual-assault survivors receive information about and access to emergency contraception in emergency rooms.
Anti-Choice Attacks:
§ In 2009, 14 states enacted 29 anti-choice measures, increasing the number of anti-choice measures enacted in states since 1995 to 610.
§ Virginia enacted a law that establishes “Choose Life” license plates. A portion of the proceeds from these plates funds anti-choice organizations known as “crisis pregnancy centers” that target women considering abortion and often mislead, coerce, and intimidate them.
§ Arizona enacted a far-reaching law that includes a litany of anti-choice provisions that, among other things, subject women to state-mandated lectures and waiting periods that delay access to abortion care. The law also allows certain individuals or entities to refuse to provide abortion services and to refuse to provide or dispense contraceptives.
Keenan cited Arizona as a prime example of how a change in a state’s political landscape can have real consequences for a woman’s right to choose. Even though a court intervened and stopped some of that state’s new anti-choice provisions from taking effect, the 2009 law caused Arizona’s grade on reproductive rights to drop from a B- to a D+.
“The departure of pro-choice champion Janet Napolitano from the governor’s mansion in Arizona illustrates the importance of having elected leaders who stand up for a woman’s right to choose,” Keenan said. “Arizona’s new anti-choice governor is a willing participant in attacks on women’s privacy – a complete reversal of former Gov. Napolitano’s legacy as a defender of pro-choice values. That means women are worse off today in Arizona than they were at this time last year.”
Keenan also said that NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation dedicated this edition of the Who Decides? report to the late Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider who was murdered inside his church in May, and his family, to all abortion-care providers, and to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts.
The report, which includes a summary of federal and state laws as well as a ranking and grades of states, may be found at: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/whodecides.Contact: Ted Miller, 202-973-3032
Thursday, January 14, 2010
State pays for misinformation
Check out the Minnesota Indepdent's latest article on Minnesota paying for ‘misinformation’ about reproductive health through crisis pregnancy centers. Some of these “taxpayer-funded programs are intentionally misleading women in crisis by providing inaccurate information about reproductive health options” such as abortion and birth control.
To read the entire article, click here.
To read the entire article, click here.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Happy New Year, Choice Lobbyists!
This is the latest from NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota's CHoice Lobby Network:
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Ben Nelson’s Stupak-esque amendment was originally tabled by the Senate. However, when Nelson threatened to vote against the healthcare reform bill, his anti-choice amendment was added back into the bill.
In a recent call to action by NARAL Pro-Choice America’s CEO Nancy Keenan, she says, “Right now, both the House and Senate versions of the bill include dangerous and unacceptable restrictions on abortion coverage. If we don't act immediately, women could face significant barriers to accessing abortion care in the new health system.”
Add your name to our national petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama calling on them to fix the bill before bringing it to a final vote.
Video Feature
CNN’s Anderson Cooper takes a trip to a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York City and explores the facts of abortion access and cost (setting aside politics, for a brief moment).
Wait…WHAT?! (your jaw dropping moment of the week)
Across the country volunteers donate their time to ensure the safety of those visiting clinics which provide abortions. These clinic escorts typically wear bright colored vests so patients can easily identify them as allies amongst the protesters. In Louisville, KY, anti-choice protesters have hit a new level of deceit—they are wearing the same kind of vests as the clinic escorts further confusing and harassing patients.
Cultural Variations in the Abortion Debate
In South Korea, under the country’s Mother and Child Health Law, abortions are only permitted “when the mother’s health is in serious danger, or in cases of rape, incest, or severe hereditary disorders.” Abortions after the first 24 weeks of pregnancy aren’t allowed under any circumstances. However, until lately, abortions performed illegally were rarely prosecuted or publically debated because society considers it a private, family issue. This New York Times article examines the reasoning behind the new emerging public debate on abortion.
Top 10 Wins for Women’s Health in 2009
Yes, we’re all extremely concerned with how healthcare reform is going to turn out and what it will mean for women’s reproductive rights and abortion access. Amongst all of the stress of this debate, we should take time to remember the positive, pro-women’s health events of 2009. RH Reality Check helps us do just that.
Upcoming NARAL Events
ü 37th Roe Anniversary Event! Join NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota and the Pro-Choice Coalition from 6-8pm on Thursday, January 21st at Azia Restaurant in Minneapolis (Map). For more information, check out NARAL’s blog here.
ü Save the date! Pro-Choice Lobby Day is March 4th at the Capitol including a rally in the rotunda and meeting your legislators. Put it on your calendars now!
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Ben Nelson’s Stupak-esque amendment was originally tabled by the Senate. However, when Nelson threatened to vote against the healthcare reform bill, his anti-choice amendment was added back into the bill.
In a recent call to action by NARAL Pro-Choice America’s CEO Nancy Keenan, she says, “Right now, both the House and Senate versions of the bill include dangerous and unacceptable restrictions on abortion coverage. If we don't act immediately, women could face significant barriers to accessing abortion care in the new health system.”
Add your name to our national petition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama calling on them to fix the bill before bringing it to a final vote.
Video Feature
CNN’s Anderson Cooper takes a trip to a Planned Parenthood clinic in New York City and explores the facts of abortion access and cost (setting aside politics, for a brief moment).
Wait…WHAT?! (your jaw dropping moment of the week)
Across the country volunteers donate their time to ensure the safety of those visiting clinics which provide abortions. These clinic escorts typically wear bright colored vests so patients can easily identify them as allies amongst the protesters. In Louisville, KY, anti-choice protesters have hit a new level of deceit—they are wearing the same kind of vests as the clinic escorts further confusing and harassing patients.
Cultural Variations in the Abortion Debate
In South Korea, under the country’s Mother and Child Health Law, abortions are only permitted “when the mother’s health is in serious danger, or in cases of rape, incest, or severe hereditary disorders.” Abortions after the first 24 weeks of pregnancy aren’t allowed under any circumstances. However, until lately, abortions performed illegally were rarely prosecuted or publically debated because society considers it a private, family issue. This New York Times article examines the reasoning behind the new emerging public debate on abortion.
Top 10 Wins for Women’s Health in 2009
Yes, we’re all extremely concerned with how healthcare reform is going to turn out and what it will mean for women’s reproductive rights and abortion access. Amongst all of the stress of this debate, we should take time to remember the positive, pro-women’s health events of 2009. RH Reality Check helps us do just that.
Upcoming NARAL Events
ü 37th Roe Anniversary Event! Join NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota and the Pro-Choice Coalition from 6-8pm on Thursday, January 21st at Azia Restaurant in Minneapolis (Map). For more information, check out NARAL’s blog here.
ü Save the date! Pro-Choice Lobby Day is March 4th at the Capitol including a rally in the rotunda and meeting your legislators. Put it on your calendars now!
Monday, January 11, 2010
This Is Our Last Chance for Action
It's time for our leaders in Washington to sit down and work out the details of the final health-care-reform bill.
Both the House and Senate versions of the bill include dangerous and unacceptable restrictions on women's access to abortion coverage.
Sign the petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama. Tell them to fix the bill before bringing it to a final vote.
Our goal is to collect 30,000 signatures by January 20, 2010 – please add your name today!
https://secure.prochoiceamerica.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4121
Both the House and Senate versions of the bill include dangerous and unacceptable restrictions on women's access to abortion coverage.
Sign the petition to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Harry Reid, and President Obama. Tell them to fix the bill before bringing it to a final vote.
Our goal is to collect 30,000 signatures by January 20, 2010 – please add your name today!
https://secure.prochoiceamerica.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=4121
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Roe is turning 37! Come and celebrate with us at Azia!
Please join NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota and the Minnesota Choice Coalition as we gather to celebrate the 37th anniversary of Roe verses Wade. The fight for safe legal abortion lead to the land mark decision on January 22nd 1973 and maintaining that right has been an uphill struggle. From the Hyde Amendment to the Stupak/Pitts Amendment the anti-choice forces have been attempting to restrict a woman’s right to choose. Let’s take this time to celebrate 37 years of a woman’s right to choose and celebrate of victories and strengthen our resolve to stand together against any and all attacks on choice!
Thank you and we hope to see you at Azia!
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Azia Restaurant
Street: 2550 Nicollet Ave S
City/Town: Minneapolis, MN
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Thank you and we hope to see you at Azia!
Date: Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Azia Restaurant
Street: 2550 Nicollet Ave S
City/Town: Minneapolis, MN
View Map
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
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