A Guttmacher Institute study released last week reveals that the abortion rate in the United States is at its lowest rate since 1973, when the Supreme Court recognized a woman’s right to an abortion in Roe v. Wade.
Minnesota Lawmakers Introduce Women’s Economic Security Act
Last week, Minnesota lawmakers introduced an expansive legislative package — dubbed the “Women’s Economic Security Act of 2014″ — to address a wide range of issues affecting women working outside of the home, including mandated paid sick leave, increased minimum wage and expanded access to childcare.
Local Pregnancy Discrimination Laws Go Into Effect While PWFA Remains Stalled in Congress
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, currently stalled in both chambers of Congress, would require every employer in the nation to provide the same accommodations and protections to their employees.
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Founding Feminists: January 31, 1917
Ethel Byrne’s prison ordeal for the “crime” of dispensing information about birth control may soon be nearing an end – and have done enormous good.
Senate Democratic Women Speak Out In Support of Raising the Minimum Wage
“Full time work should not be rewarded with full time poverty. Hardworking men and women who are busting their tails in full-time jobs should have a chance to support themselves and their families and build a little economic security. It is time for Congress to act and raise the minimum wage.”
Sandra Fluke “Strongly Considering” Bid for House Seat
Sandra Fluke, the well-known women’s rights activist and attorney, is “strongly considering” running for Rep. Henry Waxman’s congressional seat, she told a California radio station yesterday.
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Founding Feminists: January 30, 1917
Imprisoned birth control advocate Ethel Byrne’s force-feedings continue, as do nationwide protests over her conviction and treatment.
Maryland Considers College Sexual Assault Reporting Bill
A Maryland House of Delegates committee heard testimony yesterday on a bill that would require all state universities and colleges to administer an anonymous sexual violence survey every three years — to more accurately determine how many assaults are occurring on campuses — and then report those findings to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
New York State Assembly Passes Omnibus Women’s Equality Act
“All of these issues are related. A woman’s reproductive rights are just as related to how she can care for her family as discrimination in the workplace. Connecting the dots on women’s equality is important. “
House and Senate Democrats File Amicus Briefs in Support of Affordable Care Act Contraception Benefit
91 House Democrats, 19 Senate Democrats, and the National Women’s Law Center filed separate amicus briefs Tuesday in support of the contraceptive coverage benefit in the Affordable Care Act.
Penn State Under Investigation for Handling of Sexual Assault and Harassment on Campus
“Our initial review of Penn State’s sexual harassment policy, compounded by a dramatic increase in the number of forcible sex offenses occurring on camp[us as reported by the university itself, raised legal concerns that compelled us to investigate.”
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Founding Feminists: January 29, 1917
Three thousand people cheered Margaret Sanger’s speech earlier tonight at Carnegie Hall, as she called for the repeal or overturning of Section 1142 of the New York State Penal Code and all similar statutes.
Missouri Legislators Introduce Slew of Bills Restricting Abortion
“In a state that only has one remaining abortion provider, anti-women’s health politicians in Missouri are doing whatever they can to limit a woman’s right to make her own personal medical decisions.”
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Founding Feminists: January 28, 1917
A regular schedule of force-feedings is being drawn up by Workhouse authorities for Ethel Byrne, now serving a 30-day sentence for giving out information on contraception last October at the nation’s first birth control clinic in Brooklyn.
REPORT: While Marriage Equality Expands Nationwide, Other LGBT Needs Remain Unmet
“While the past two years have shown incredible gains toward securing the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, the LGBT movement still has a long way to go to achieve full equality and broad acceptance for LGBT people across the nation.”
Democrat Wins Virginia Senate Seat After Close Recount
Virginia Del. Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. (D-Accomack) won a closely-watched state Senate race Monday, delivering a boost to recently inaugurated Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
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Founding Feminists: January 27, 1917
Force-feeding of birth control advocate Ethel Byrne at the Workhouse on Blackwell’s Island has begun, and will continue on a three-times-per-day basis.
Hospital Removes Brain-Dead Pregnant Texas Woman From Life Support
Marlise Munoz, the brain-dead pregnant Texas woman who was kept on life support against her and her family’s wishes, was finally disconnected from life support yesterday.
Report Shows Increase in Officer-on-Inmate Sexual Assault in US Prisons
A new report issued by the Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that allegations of rape and sexual assault by prison inmates are increasing, and that 49 percent of the alleged crimes involve correctional officers.
Activist Launches Fundraising Drive to Open Home for Sexual Assault Survivors
A Vanderbilt University graduate and sexual violence survivor launched a fundraising drive yesterday to open a home for fellow college-aged survivors in Nashville, Tennessee.