The six Democratic Members of the House Select Investigative Panel sent a letter to Chair Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) on Friday objecting to the Chair’s “abusive and unjustifiable” use of her subpoena authority to force healthcare providers and others to disclose the names of doctors, medical students, and clinic personnel.
Judge Orders Anti-Abortion Group to Cease Release of Secretly Recorded NAF Meetings
In a victory for abortion providers under attack from anti-abortion extremist group Center for Medical Progress, a United States District Court judge issued a preliminary injunction ordering the group and its leaders to halt the release of several surreptitiously-recorded videos filmed illegally at National Abortion Federation meetings.
US Military Generals Support Women’s Inclusion in the Draft
Just one month since opening combat roles to women, top US military officials have stated support for women’s inclusion in the draft.
Zika Virus Raises Need for Increased Access to Reproductive Healthcare
As the Zika virus spreads, at least five countries have advised women to delay pregnancy, advice that many women’s rights advocates have criticized as unrealistic and offensive given restrictive abortion laws and the inaccessibility of birth control in many of the affected areas.
US Signs Controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
United States Trade Representative Michael Froman signed the Trans-Pacific Partnership today in New Zealand, formally ending negotiations on the trade deal.
House Fails to Override Veto of Measure to Defund Planned Parenthood and Repeal Affordable Care Act
The House of Representatives failed to gather enough votes yesterday to override President Obama’s veto of a measure that would have defunded Planned Parenthood for one year and repealed key provisions in the Affordable Care Act.
USAID Promote Program Graduates First Afghan Women Leaders
Afghan First Lady Rula Ghani delivered a commencement address in Kabul earlier this month to the first Afghan women graduates from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Women’s Leadership Development program.
White House Announces New Measures to Further Equal Pay
President Obama, on Friday, announced new steps his Administration is taking to help close the gender-race pay gap.
Obama Administration Announces Plan to Expand Lunch Program to Feed Children in Need
In an effort to address child hunger and food insecurity in the United States, the Obama Administration announced the launch of a pilot program that certifies students eligible for free or reduced-price in-school lunches automatically if their families’ collect Medicaid benefits.
Taiwan Elects First Woman President
In a landslide victory, the leader of Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Tsai Ing-wen won the country’s presidential election, becoming the first woman in Taiwan’s history to hold the position.
Study Exposes ‘Gender Gap’ in Media Coverage of Reproductive Issues
A new study by the Women’s Media Center has revealed more than half of news stories focusing on reproductive issues are written by men.
Anti-Abortion Extremists Behind Planned Parenthood Attack Videos Indicted
Two anti-abortion extremists responsible for last year’s misleading videos attacking Planned Parenthood have been indicted on criminal charges by a grand jury in Houston, Texas.
Holtzclaw Sentenced to 263 Years for Rape and Sexual Assault of Black Women
Former Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Holtzclaw has been sentenced to 263 years in prison today for the rape and sexual assault of 13 Black women in 2013 and 2014.
Obama Declares State of Emergency in Flint Water Crisis
President Obama has declared a state of emergency in Flint, Michigan after a water contamination crisis produced a spike in lead poisoning and other health issues, including possibly Legionnaire’s disease, in the city
Missouri Politicians Introduce “All Lives Matter” Personhood Bill
In a startling misappropriation of the Black Lives Matter movement, anti-reproductive rights politicians in Missouri started off the new year by introducing the so-called “All Lives Matter Act” – a bill designed to strengthen Missouri’s already existing personhood law.
NC Abortion Providers Must Now Submit Ultrasounds to State Officials
A North Carolina law requiring abortion providers to submit an ultrasound to state officials for every abortion and induced miscarriage performed after the 16th week of pregnancy took effect on January 1.
China Arrests Prominent Human Rights Lawyer for State Subversion
A prominent human rights lawyer in China was formally arrested and charged with state subversion on Wednesday. Wang Yu’s arrest comes as Chinese state officials continue to crackdown on activists and lawyers engaging in rights defense work.
VA Governor Proposes Plan for Free, Long-Lasting Birth Control
Virginia Lieutenant Governor Ralph Northam announced a $9 million program proposal on Friday that would make free long-lasting birth control available to women who have little or no health insurance.
Uncategorized
The Women of NASA’s First Gender-Balanced Astronaut Class Considered for Mars Mission
The women who comprised 50 percent of NASA’s astronaut class of 2013 might be headed to Mars!
Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Public Unions Case
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Monday in a case that threatens to upend nearly forty years of precedent and deal a major blow to public unions across the country.