The Eritrean government has announced that all practices of female genital mutilation are banned. In a proclamation that went into effect on the last day of March, jail sentences will now be mandated for those who perform, provide tools for, or request the procedure, as well as for anyone who fails to report any cases […]
A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers finds that high deductible health insurance plans, which are becoming more popular among employers, result in higher financial burdens for women than men. These plans, which have lower premiums for employers, require patients to pay the first $1,050 to $5,000 of medical costs before receiving insurance benefits. […]
Last weekend the government of Malawi announced that it will adopt a new plan to combat high levels of maternal mortality and infant death. The Malawi plan, with the theme “Maternal Death is Preventable; No More Silence, Act Now,” sets out clear strategies to reduce pregnancy- and birth-related deaths, including access to contraception, skilled attendance […]
In a survey administered by Planned Parenthood, Wal-Mart has pledged in writing to stock and make emergency contraception available in all its stores. The survey, part of Planned Parenthood’s Fill My Pills Now Campaign, shows that Wal-Mart will fill prescriptions and requests for over-the-counter products “without discrimination (no harassment or lectures,” “without delay,” and “without […]
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson (D) announced Tuesday that he has reversed his former position and now intends to veto a bill that requires girls entering the sixth grade to receive the HPV vaccine. Richardson had pledged last month to sign the bill upon its passing, but has recently changed his mind due to concerns […]
Post-tsunami aid has disproportionately assisted men, leaving women survivors in continuing poverty, according to a report by the Alliance of Women Affected by the Tsunami. Based on 7,000 interviews of women in Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Thailand, India and Somalia, the group of 174 organizations sponsored by the Sri Lanka-based Action Aid International stated that, […]
The National Organization for Women (NOW) and Legal Momentum filed complaints with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week charging that job training programs funded through the Bush Administration’s Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Initiative violate Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding. On Monday, Wade Horn, the assistant […]
A record 4,901 pregnancy discrimination complaints were filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in 2006. However, the actual number of pregnancy discrimination cases may be higher, as many women see filing complaints as a ‘career killer,’ said EEOC spokesperson David Grinberg, according to the Baltimore Sun. The most common discrimination complaints from pregnant […]
At the urging of activists and consumers with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, OPI Products has reformulated its nail polish to remove the hazardous solvent toluene. The Campaign, founded by a coalition of advocacy groups in 2004, used mock beauty pageant protests, letters, meetings, and a national ad campaign to lobby OPI. Toluene, a solvent […]
The Essex, Massachusetts district attorney has announced that a woman who was charged two months ago with illegally inducing an abortion by taking anti-ulcer pills will not face homicide charges. Massachusetts law makes it illegal to seek or perform an abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy; anyone who terminates a pregnancy after 24 weeks may […]
A resolution honoring Dolores Huerta, who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with Cesar Chavez, has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. House Resolution 37, introduced by Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), would express “the sense of the House of Representatives that all workers deserve fair treatment and safe working conditions, and honoring Dolores […]
Eight women who work as guards and counselors at a California correctional facility are suing the state for ignoring their reports of sexual harassment and abuse in male wards. The suit, which was filed by feminist activist and attorney Gloria Allred, alleges that no actions were taken when female staff reported sexual misconduct at the […]
A new study shows that women of all sizes experience a drop in self-esteem after viewing advertisements. Previous research had indicated that only overweight women and women with eating disorders were negatively affected by these images. The new study measured how 81 women felt about themselves, before exposing them to either neutral images or images […]
Hearings on a bill that would legalize abortion for women in Mexico City during the first three months of pregnancy began on Wednesday. Although the Legislative Assembly will not vote on the bill until mid-April, lawmakers are confident that it will pass. The bill was proposed by the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD), which currently holds […]
Kansas anti-abortion lawmakers introduced a resolution on Monday designed to compel recently elected Kansas Attorney General Paul Morrison (D) to file charges against George Tiller, the late-term abortion provider who was repeatedly targeted by former KS Attorney General Phill Kline (R). Before leaving office in January, Kline filed 30 misdemeanor charges against Dr. Tiller, alleging […]
Eric Keroack, who was appointed assistant secretary of the Health and Human Services Department by President Bush last November, announced yesterday that he will resign from his position. Keroack, who previously worked as the medical director for a group of anti-abortion, anti-contraceptive “crisis pregnancy centers” and who is a strong advocate of abstinence-only sex education, […]
The National Organization for Women’s Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) announced their endorsement of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) for US president yesterday. At a gathering at the historic home of suffragist Alice Paul and the National Women’s Party, NOW PAC Chair Kim Gandy launched their campaign to Make History With Hillary, emphasizing the need […]
The state of Afghan women and girls and the need for better US policies in Afghanistan were the focus of a community forum hosted by Ms. magazine yesterday morning. Dr. Sima Samar, chair of the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and the UN Special Envoy to Sudan, offered important insight into the reality of the […]
Amnesty International’s UK branch (AIUK) voted last weekend at their annual conference in favor of supporting the right to safe and legal abortion. Until now, AIUK, like other branches of the international organization, has maintained a neutral stance on abortion issues. In response to current repressive abortion laws, however, AIUK has changed its position in […]
The South Carolina legislature has ratified an amendment to the state constitution that bans same-sex marriages. The amendment states that the only lawfully recognized marriage is one between a man and a woman. Though the state already has a law banning same-sex marriage, the constitutional amendment will effectively prevent approval of civil unions as well. […]
