The Supreme Court's 2008-2009 term began this week. We examine the cases that will and won't be on the docket and their impact on women.
Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin styles herself as a fierce protector of children and families, but her record on health insurance for children and pregnant women raises doubts about her priorities. Click the pic.
 I was toxemic, poisoned by pregnancy. My only cure was to not be pregnant anymore. But my life had been shaped by reproductive choices long before this latest one. Click the pic.
1Can I get a prescription for birth control from a doctor? Can I get contraception from a Title X program? Do I know how to use it? Some answers for you - depending upon either a McCain or an Obama administration. Comprehensive sex ed has become one of the most winnable reproductive health issues, for Democrats and pro-choice Republicans alike. Where do the candidates stand on sexuality education? Tragic news of children sickened by poisoned milk in China raises questions not only about its product safety system but about why infants in China are fed formula at all.
2Country music star Gretchen Peters talks to RH Reality Check about the power of real people's stories, empowering young people in this election, and donating royalties from her hit "Independence Day" to Planned Parenthood. John McCain changed his stance on several key issues of concern to HIV prevention and sexual health advocates in a recent interview with the Washington Blade. Grab your popcorn and get ready to bang your head against the wall -- debate season is in full swing. RH Reality Check envisions the questions we wish the candidates would face before an audience of millions. 3The Council of Europe's recent campaign fighting violence against women has successfully reframed domestic violence as a human rights violation, not a private matter. The Supreme Court opened its new term with some good news for women: it rejected an appeal from the state of Missouri, which had hoped for one more chance to defend its unconstitutional policy banning abortions for women in the prison system. This winter, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in a number of cases that could expand or curtail women's ability to challenge discrimination in the workplace. 4Family planning is recognized in public health as a crucial element in improving the health of mother and child. In light of the economic crisis, will international family planning programs be a financial priority for America's next President? While PEPFAR funds abstinence-only programs, SIECUS finds the program's target countries desperately need basic sexual health information. Pay discrimination, paid family and medical leave, and flexible work hours get little attention from pundits. But the candidates running for president have very different positions on these critical economic issues. 5What leads the women of Africa to their graves during pregnancy and childbirth? Nutrition, education, high fertility, female genital mutilation, improper care at delivery and inadequate health facilities all play a part. While sexuality is fluid, we can't force change to happen when it isn't happening organically, and attempts to force it tend to be both psychologically unhealthy as well as futile. NRLC has announced plans to air a radio ad charging that in voting against the Born Alive Infant Protection Act Sen. Barack Obama is "responsible for killing a bill to provide care and protection for babies who are born alive after abortions."
You've heard them before. Abortion is "convenient" and "allows women to shun motherhood." How about this one? The "abortion industry" uses women to make money. Amanda shatters all of our favorite stereotypes put forth by the anti-choice movement and offers up her usual dose of reality! Also check out Susan Ito's powerful essay, All that We Have Chosen.
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The fight for control over women's bodies, the softening up of culture warriors, imaginary friends, and an interview with Samhita from Feministing---all on this week's Reality Cast.
More Podcasts
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Amie Newman, RH Reality Check
Oct 7 2008 - 8:21pm | 0 comments
Right Wing Watch reports today on Senator McCain's ties to militant anti-abortion activists.
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Amie Newman, RH Reality Check
Oct 7 2008 - 4:30pm | 0 comments
In his latest temper tantrum, William Donohue pens a parody of pro-life leaders endorsements of Senator Obama entitled, "I'm Catholic, Staunchly Anti-Racist and Support David Duke." But the essay comes across as more alienating than anything else.
By Oct 6, 2008 - 12:02pm |
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