Are you interested in reproductive health policy issues, but lack the time to follow the news and shift through the extensive information available online?
For your bite-sized consumption, here are my 5 picks for interesting pieces of news occurring during November 2012.
Tina Fey at the Center for Reproductive Rights
1. Tina Fey’s “$2 Haircut” speech
In the midst of several ill-received comments from Republican candidates about reproductive policy, Tina Fey gives a comical speech at the Center for Reproductive Rights in New York City. In her words, “I wish we could have an honest and respectful dialogue about these complicated issues. But it seems like we can’t right now. And if I have to listen to one more gray-faced man with a two-dollar haircut explain to me what rape is, I’m gonna lose my mind.” (Yes, this is from October, but it’s rather close.)
2. Two Stigmas Preventing Full Reproductive Freedom
Blogher summarizes the problem with the language used in discussion of reproductive policy in the United States. It’s not just a matter of legislature, it’s a matter of changing the social construct that affects those laws and the actions of individuals in the nation. The article references another paper titled, “Conceptualizing Abortion Stigma,” which is the best read on the subject that I’ve ever seen. It’s fascinating how various cultures have developed their cultural perception of abortion. If you’re interested in reproductive rights, especially from a sociological standpoint, I’d recommend reading it.
3. Florida Reject Anti-Privacy Amendment
Floridians decided to reject Amendment 6 to the state constitution in their early November elections. The amendment aimed to prohibit state aid for abortion services (which the state does not cover anyway) and revoked a minor’s right to privacy. The amendment would have paved the way for a requirement of parental notification/consent for abortion and, potentially, other restrictions on access.
Credit: © wrobell / Wikimedia Commons
4. Irish Women Denied Abortion and Dies of Blood Infection
This is possibly the most notable reproductive health event that has occurred this month. A hospital in Ireland refused to remove a fetus, despite the agonizing pain of the mother and the confirmation of a miscarriage. As a result, she died of blood poisoning. This event has thrown the issue of reproductive health into the spotlight in the Irish community, as European citizens push for investigation and reform.
Read about it:
- Woman Denied A termination Dies in Hospital
- Thousands of Reproductive Rights Advocates March in Protest
- Ireland’s Abortion Debate Heats Up
- Husband of Savita to take case to Europe
5. Medical Clinics Grant Buffer Zone Protection from Protesters
A city in Pennsylvania has granted a buffer zone around a clinic to protect patients from anti-abortion protestors. As someone who has been harassed outside Planned Parenthood, back when I had my birth control prescription pick up there, it’s wonderful to see this need for a buffer zone be recognized. In my case, protesters would stand against my car window as I attempted to exit the parking lot, rendering it impossible to see oncoming traffic and making it extremely dangerous for me to drive out. Those protestors may have been advocating a pro-life policy, but they certainly did not care about my own life.
Roe v World 