In various provinces in Kosovo, evidence of sexual assault and torture by the Serbian army during the war has been identified. Officials stated that, although there has not been concrete proof that rape camps existed, strong evidence is being collected and tested. It has been reported that in former army camps, police stations, and individual […]
The practice of Trokosi — the enslavement of young girls to priests — has sparked a national debate in Ghana. Trokosi (meaning “wife of the Gods”) is the custom of sending young women and girls to be cared for by priests in order to protect the family from evil, to apologize for sins committed by […]
A new drug has been proven to aid in the treatment of a certain type of breast cancer in which women produce an excess of the protein HER2. This form of cancer affects approximately 25-30% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Bristol-Myers Squibb filed for a drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration […]
The Presbyterian Church is undertaking changes in its sex-education curriculum–which is used by the vast majority of its congregations and schools–emphasizing abstinence and making fewer references to contraception and sexually transmitted diseases. On Wednesday, 560 commissioners of the Church passed the proposal. However, the measure accepted by the commissioners can be considered liberal when compared […]
Democratic presidential hopeful Al Gore stated his opinion concerning affirmative action at a fund-raiser in California on Thursday. He argued that there continues to be a large economic gap between minorities and whites and asserted his support for a measure presented to Congress that would forbid job discrimination against lesbians and gay men, as well […]
The American Medical Association (AMA) has recommended that women between the ages of 40 and 50 get annual mammograms. The decision conflicts with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, but agrees with the American College of Surgeons and the American Cancer Society. The recommendation’s opponents believe it is not cost beneficial for women between […]
James Kopp has been indicted for the murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian. He is charged with second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and first-degree reckless endangerment. If convicted, Kopp could spend life in prison.
Scientists are testing a new vaccine that will aid in preventing the development of cervical cancer in women. Caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), cervical cancer annually infects more than half a million women globally, 200,000 of whom do not survive. It is the second largest cancer killer among women. Dr. Daron Ferris, who […]
The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of a South Carolina State trooper who was fired for attempting to take a parental leave. Lance Cpl. David Roberts is the second man to file a sex discrimination suit because his employers denied parental leave. Upon requesting leave to take care of his newborn daughter, Robert’s commander […]
The United Nations AIDS agency (UNAIDS) requested more research be conducted to find a vaginal cream or gel that would aid in protecting women from contracting HIV and AIDS. Currently, 23 various microbicide products are being tested for AIDS protection, but none have been proven to work effectively. In a trial of a gel UNAIDS […]
On Tuesday, the Taliban’s leader Mullah Mohammed Omar announced that the publication of any information in opposition to the Taliban is a crime punished by a 5-year jail sentence. This comes in response to reports that the security of foreign aid workers in Afghanistan is not guaranteed. Omar stated that “Incorrect information that the security […]
The House Judiciary Committee voted 16-13 to approve legislation that curtails a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion. The measure states that “anyone who takes a pregnant teenager to another state without a parent’s knowledge for an abortion could face federal prosecution.” The bill would make it illegal for a person other than […]
Pressure from Pope John Paul II and politicians prompted German bishops to actively forbid women to have abortions. Previously, Catholic bishops were integrated into an abortion counseling system that provided women with permission slips to have an abortion. Certificates–given by the Red Cross, church groups, and other state health centers–are required by German law, confirming […]
A new women’s wrestling federation was formed on Tuesday that plans to offer “role models for little girls and a more dignified way to bodyslam villains.” David McClane founded Women of Wrestling, WOW, in an effort to dignify and promote athleticism among female wrestlers. He notes that presently, women wrestlers are ” a side show. […]
This past weekend, abortion rights activists held a conference to discuss ways to increase access to abortion nationwide. They hope to engage support from communities to pressure hospitals to give referrals and make abortion more available. Conference panels will include ways to “persuade hospitals to change misleading intake procedures, how to organize letter-writing campaigns, and […]
Earlier this week, the Church Orders and Ministry committee voted 24-14 to remove a phrase from the Presbyterian Church’s constitution that prohibits the ordination of homosexuals to the ministry. This is the first step to allowing gays and lesbians leadership positions in the Presbyterian Church. To strike the clause, majority approval is needed from the […]
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of African American women with HIV and AIDS has dramatically increased in the past few years. The rise in this disease among these women shows few signs of declining in the future. In 1985, African American women comprised 7% of the AIDS population, whereas […]
After women undergo treatment for breast cancer, they have a long road of recuperation ahead of them. Often, many women are not aware of the chronic, persistent problems that can occur after cancer has been treated. These include extreme fatigue, lymphedema, and pain and stiffness around the shoulder area. In addition, breast cancer survivors need […]
The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that increases the difficulty for individuals trying to clear their financial histories. This bill, spearheaded by credit card companies, is in an effort to decrease the amount of personal bankruptcies filed. Proponents of the legislation advocate that it will help women because those whose husbands or ex-husbands […]
In the early 1990s, mass rapes were reported in Bosnia. Thousands of women were repeatedly raped and tortured at the hands of the Serbs. There are several reported rumors that the Serbs, during the war in Kosovo, may have used rape as a tactic of war. As human rights organizations begin to collect information and […]
