Assuming I'm correct in remembering where she lives, this one is for Alicia.
~
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/02/gop-floats-new-version-no-taxpayer-funding-abortion-bill
House Republicans have dropped some controversial provisions from a bill that would permanently bar federal funding for abortions, but still plan to extend the reach of existing bans to cover tax credits and some deductions, according to a GOP memo [PDF] obtained by Mother Jones on Monday.
The "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act," sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), is designed to ensure that tax dollars do not "pay for, subsidize, encourage, or facilitate abortions," say the sponsors. But abortion rights groups have argued that the law, also known as H.R. 3, would effectively eliminate private insurance coverage for abortions by creating a strong disincentive for employers and individuals to select plans that cover those services. In turn, they argue, many insurers would likely stop offering abortion services in order to avoid losing customers.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Article - GA Law Could Give Death Penalty for Miscarriages
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/02/miscarriage-death-penalty-georgia
It's only February, but this year has been a tough one for women's health and reproductive rights. There's a new bill on the block that may have reached the apex (I hope) of woman-hating craziness. Georgia State Rep. Bobby Franklin—who last year proposed making rape and domestic violence "victims" into "accusers"—has introduced a 10-page bill that would criminalize miscarriages and make abortion in Georgia completely illegal. Both miscarriages and abortions would be potentially punishable by death: any "prenatal murder" in the words of the bill, including "human involvement" in a miscarriage, would be a felony and carry a penalty of life in prison or death. Basically, it's everything an "pro-life" activist could want aside from making all women who've had abortions wear big red "A"s on their chests.
It's only February, but this year has been a tough one for women's health and reproductive rights. There's a new bill on the block that may have reached the apex (I hope) of woman-hating craziness. Georgia State Rep. Bobby Franklin—who last year proposed making rape and domestic violence "victims" into "accusers"—has introduced a 10-page bill that would criminalize miscarriages and make abortion in Georgia completely illegal. Both miscarriages and abortions would be potentially punishable by death: any "prenatal murder" in the words of the bill, including "human involvement" in a miscarriage, would be a felony and carry a penalty of life in prison or death. Basically, it's everything an "pro-life" activist could want aside from making all women who've had abortions wear big red "A"s on their chests.
Article - Who's Behind the Bills That Could Legalize Killing Abortion Providers?
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/americans-united-life-justifiable-homicide-bills
First, it was South Dakota. Then Nebraska and Iowa. The similarly worded bills, which have quietly cropped up recently in state legislatures, share a common purpose: To expand justifiable homicide statutes to cover killings committed in the defense of an unborn child. Critics of the bills, including law enforcement officials, warn that these measures could invite violence against abortion providers and possibly provide legal cover to the perpetrators of such crimes.
That these measures have emerged simultaneously in a handful of states is no coincidence. It's part of a campaign orchestrated by a Washington-based anti-abortion group, which has lobbied state lawmakers to introduce legislation that it calls the "Pregnant Woman's Protection Act" [PDF]. Over the past two years, the group, Americans United for Life, has succeeded in passing versions of this bill in Missouri and Oklahoma. But there's a big difference between those bills and the measures floated recently in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
First, it was South Dakota. Then Nebraska and Iowa. The similarly worded bills, which have quietly cropped up recently in state legislatures, share a common purpose: To expand justifiable homicide statutes to cover killings committed in the defense of an unborn child. Critics of the bills, including law enforcement officials, warn that these measures could invite violence against abortion providers and possibly provide legal cover to the perpetrators of such crimes.
That these measures have emerged simultaneously in a handful of states is no coincidence. It's part of a campaign orchestrated by a Washington-based anti-abortion group, which has lobbied state lawmakers to introduce legislation that it calls the "Pregnant Woman's Protection Act" [PDF]. Over the past two years, the group, Americans United for Life, has succeeded in passing versions of this bill in Missouri and Oklahoma. But there's a big difference between those bills and the measures floated recently in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Research (Mostly) Completed, Break Time!
Oh thank god it's Monday today. I can sleep in and get caught up on homework, something I've desperately needed to do and haven't done the last couple of nights because I've just been so tired.
I've completed my second research project at work, at least for the most part. I'm still going to do some extra work on Tuesday, but otherwise I will be moving on to another resource project hopefully. So I'm really looking forward to that. :) I received very positive feedback for the project that I just completed, and I was really flattered about that.
This weekend I also completed YouthCo's facilitation training, to help those of use who are going to perhaps one day be facilitating or co-facilitating workshops of our own. I was fine until the very end, when I bombed the practice run in front of the rest of the group, but they still thought I did a good job in other aspects, which was a relief.
I'm still having my family issues, and am distancing myself from my immediate family. As usual, everyone else can see it except for them. Thankfully today was a short visit, in lieu of a full visit tomorrow due to the crappy weather we got recently (snow! >_<). Now I can have a full day off at some, getting caught up on homework and running errands. Then it's back to Vancouver on Tuesday.
That's about it that's new with me for now. More articles to come soon as I find them. Something tells me it's not going to end anytime soon. :/
I've completed my second research project at work, at least for the most part. I'm still going to do some extra work on Tuesday, but otherwise I will be moving on to another resource project hopefully. So I'm really looking forward to that. :) I received very positive feedback for the project that I just completed, and I was really flattered about that.
This weekend I also completed YouthCo's facilitation training, to help those of use who are going to perhaps one day be facilitating or co-facilitating workshops of our own. I was fine until the very end, when I bombed the practice run in front of the rest of the group, but they still thought I did a good job in other aspects, which was a relief.
I'm still having my family issues, and am distancing myself from my immediate family. As usual, everyone else can see it except for them. Thankfully today was a short visit, in lieu of a full visit tomorrow due to the crappy weather we got recently (snow! >_<). Now I can have a full day off at some, getting caught up on homework and running errands. Then it's back to Vancouver on Tuesday.
That's about it that's new with me for now. More articles to come soon as I find them. Something tells me it's not going to end anytime soon. :/
Friday, February 25, 2011
Article - Iowa Bill Opens Door For Deadly Use of Force to Protect the Unborn
I'm losing my ability to be surprised anymore. This is so sick and messed up. :(
~
Taken from: http://iowaindependent.com/52869/iowa-bills-open-door-for-use-of-deadly-force-to-protect-the-unborn
Two bills sponsored by Iowa House Republicans could have significant public safety consequences, and perhaps the most unnerving of those potential outcomes would be the justifiable use of deadly force against abortion or family planning providers.
When the two pieces of legislation are combined they create a situation where a fertilized egg would be considered a person, and allow for the public execution of those who would threaten such a person.
~
Taken from: http://iowaindependent.com/52869/iowa-bills-open-door-for-use-of-deadly-force-to-protect-the-unborn
Two bills sponsored by Iowa House Republicans could have significant public safety consequences, and perhaps the most unnerving of those potential outcomes would be the justifiable use of deadly force against abortion or family planning providers.
When the two pieces of legislation are combined they create a situation where a fertilized egg would be considered a person, and allow for the public execution of those who would threaten such a person.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Article - Nebraska Revives "Justifiable Homicide" Abortion Bill
*sigh*
~
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/nebraska-justifiable-homicide-abortion-bill
Just when abortion rights supporters thought they had beaten a controversial bill they believe would legalize the killing of abortion providers, it has cropped up again—this time in a more expansive form that has drawn the concern of law enforcement officials.
Last week, South Dakota's legislature shelved a bill, introduced by Republican state Rep. Phil Jensen, which would have allowed the use of the "justifiable homicide" defense for killings intended to prevent harm to a fetus. Now a nearly identical bill is being considered in neighboring Nebraska, where on Wednesday the state legislature held a hearing on the measure.
~
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/nebraska-justifiable-homicide-abortion-bill
Just when abortion rights supporters thought they had beaten a controversial bill they believe would legalize the killing of abortion providers, it has cropped up again—this time in a more expansive form that has drawn the concern of law enforcement officials.
Last week, South Dakota's legislature shelved a bill, introduced by Republican state Rep. Phil Jensen, which would have allowed the use of the "justifiable homicide" defense for killings intended to prevent harm to a fetus. Now a nearly identical bill is being considered in neighboring Nebraska, where on Wednesday the state legislature held a hearing on the measure.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Article - "Don't Dress Like a Slut": Toronto Cop
Here, I'll pick on Canada for a bit. Boo Toronto!
This was posted about (on the York University newspaper's website) on Feb. 16th of this year.
~
Taken from: http://www.excal.on.ca/news/don%E2%80%99t-dress-like-a-slut-toronto-cop/
Students and staff at Osgoode Hall Law School are demanding an apology and explanation from the Toronto Police Service after one of their officers suggested women can avoid sexual assault by not dressing like a “slut.”
This was posted about (on the York University newspaper's website) on Feb. 16th of this year.
~
Taken from: http://www.excal.on.ca/news/don%E2%80%99t-dress-like-a-slut-toronto-cop/
Students and staff at Osgoode Hall Law School are demanding an apology and explanation from the Toronto Police Service after one of their officers suggested women can avoid sexual assault by not dressing like a “slut.”
Article - GOP: Yes to Contraception for Wild Horses, No for Women
Taken from: http://www.rhrealitycheck.org/blog/2011/02/16/votes-contraception-wild-horses-women-0
During a month in which the anti-choice Republican and Tea Party majority in Congress and in many states have made it their priority mission to eliminate access to contraception for women here and abroad, and on the very same day that the House planned to vote to take away birth control for women living in poverty in the US and eliminate funding for international family planning, you will be happy to know that there is at least one group the GOP believes deserves access to contraception.
Wild horses.
During a month in which the anti-choice Republican and Tea Party majority in Congress and in many states have made it their priority mission to eliminate access to contraception for women here and abroad, and on the very same day that the House planned to vote to take away birth control for women living in poverty in the US and eliminate funding for international family planning, you will be happy to know that there is at least one group the GOP believes deserves access to contraception.
Wild horses.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Article - GA Legislator Wants to Investigate Miscarriages, Create Uterus Police
Wooow, I don't even know where to start with this. Reproductive rights are going to hell in a handbasket in the US, evidently, or at least in certain states.
~
Taken from: http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/02/21/georgia-legislator-wants-to-investigate-miscarriages-create-uterus-police/
First the attack on Planned Parenthood funding and now this: State Rep. Bobby Franklin of Georgia introduced a bill in his state last week that, if enacted, would require proof that a miscarriage occurred naturally. If a woman can’t prove that her miscarriage–or spontaneous abortion–occurred without intervention, she could face felony charges.
~
Taken from: http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2011/02/21/georgia-legislator-wants-to-investigate-miscarriages-create-uterus-police/
First the attack on Planned Parenthood funding and now this: State Rep. Bobby Franklin of Georgia introduced a bill in his state last week that, if enacted, would require proof that a miscarriage occurred naturally. If a woman can’t prove that her miscarriage–or spontaneous abortion–occurred without intervention, she could face felony charges.
Updated Blogroll
I've added a few more blogs to my blogroll, so check them out. :) Especially "SexGenderBody," a very interesting blog about sex, gender and body issues.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Article - House Blocks Fed. Aid for Planned Parenthood
*headdesk* WTF? Because Planned Parenthood provides abortions, that justifies cutting their aid? Nevermind all of the other helpful and necessary services that PP provides... >:[
I will be watching this issue for sure in the days to come.
~
Taken from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41669274/ns/politics-capitol_hill/?ocid=twitter
WASHINGTON — The House has approved a Republican proposal to block federal aid for Planned Parenthood.
The 240-185 vote on Friday is a victory for anti-abortion forces led by Indiana GOP Rep. Mike Pence. He says taxpayer money should not go to groups that provide or promote abortion.
"This afternoon's vote is a victory for taxpayers and a victory for life," Pence said Friday. "By banning funding to Planned Parenthood, Congress has taken a stand for millions of Americans who believe their tax dollars should not be used to subsidize the largest abortion provider in America."
I will be watching this issue for sure in the days to come.
~
Taken from: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41669274/ns/politics-capitol_hill/?ocid=twitter
WASHINGTON — The House has approved a Republican proposal to block federal aid for Planned Parenthood.
The 240-185 vote on Friday is a victory for anti-abortion forces led by Indiana GOP Rep. Mike Pence. He says taxpayer money should not go to groups that provide or promote abortion.
"This afternoon's vote is a victory for taxpayers and a victory for life," Pence said Friday. "By banning funding to Planned Parenthood, Congress has taken a stand for millions of Americans who believe their tax dollars should not be used to subsidize the largest abortion provider in America."
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Article - South Dakota Shelves Bill Aimed at Defending Unborn
Here's an update on an article I posted a couple of days ago.
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Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/us/17dakota.html?_r=4&adxnnl=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1297958503-w3B/PKX72O7gv1phxJsKHA
A state bill to expand the definition of justifiable homicide in South Dakota to include killing someone in the defense of an unborn child was postponed indefinitely Wednesday after an uproar over whether the legislation would put abortion providers at greater risk.
The House speaker, Val Rausch, said that the legislation had been shelved, pending a decision on whether to allow a vote, amend the language or drop it entirely. A spokesman for Gov. Dennis Daugaard said, “Clearly the bill as it’s currently written is a very bad idea.”
~
Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/us/17dakota.html?_r=4&adxnnl=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&adxnnlx=1297958503-w3B/PKX72O7gv1phxJsKHA
A state bill to expand the definition of justifiable homicide in South Dakota to include killing someone in the defense of an unborn child was postponed indefinitely Wednesday after an uproar over whether the legislation would put abortion providers at greater risk.
The House speaker, Val Rausch, said that the legislation had been shelved, pending a decision on whether to allow a vote, amend the language or drop it entirely. A spokesman for Gov. Dennis Daugaard said, “Clearly the bill as it’s currently written is a very bad idea.”
First Workshop Shadowing
Today I got to sit in on a workshop presented by one of the other staff members working with my supervisor in YouthCo's sexual health program. They each did the HIV 101 workshop, which I got to see in core training, but this was my first time seeing it in the actual school setting. I believe the class was a class of grade 8 students, and my supervisor (in the class next door) had a class of grade 9s.
Blog Layout Update
Just a quick note - if anyone is looking for the list of links which used to be at the bottom of this blog, they've been moved to the "Sexual Health Links" page up under the header with the other pages.
If anyone has a link they think should be added to the list, please feel free to comment and add it here. I'll look and if I like it, I'll add it to the list. :)
If anyone has a link they think should be added to the list, please feel free to comment and add it here. I'll look and if I like it, I'll add it to the list. :)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Get to Do This As My Practicum? Sweet!
I'm so psyched. Right now I'm doing research for a YouthCo staff member about sexual lubricants - types, viscosities, marketing, etc. I'm also working on trivia, which encompasses questions about HIV/Hep. C, harm reduction, general health and wellness, and sexual health (including birth control, condoms, STIs, etc). It's so awesome! :D Everything right up my alley.
I'm looking at the website Scarleteen.com (http://www.scarleteen.com/), and I've decided to try to join as a volunteer, or maybe even a staff member. That would be a long way away of course, but this is the field I'd like to get into, and if I can get my foot in the door somehow, I'm hoping it will benefit me in the near future. Especially if I end up moving to be near my partner's family again, but that's another tangent in itself.
Aside from that, not much else is new. Still tired, still stressed, still dealing with family BS that will probably never resolve itself. I'm into week 6 of my practicum, and I can't believe we're almost half done! Can't wait to get it over with so I can grad and move on with life!
I'm looking at the website Scarleteen.com (http://www.scarleteen.com/), and I've decided to try to join as a volunteer, or maybe even a staff member. That would be a long way away of course, but this is the field I'd like to get into, and if I can get my foot in the door somehow, I'm hoping it will benefit me in the near future. Especially if I end up moving to be near my partner's family again, but that's another tangent in itself.
Aside from that, not much else is new. Still tired, still stressed, still dealing with family BS that will probably never resolve itself. I'm into week 6 of my practicum, and I can't believe we're almost half done! Can't wait to get it over with so I can grad and move on with life!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Article - South Dakota Moves to Legalize Killing Abortion Providers
Wow... WTF is wrong with parts of the US? :/
~
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/south-dakota-hb-1171-legalize-killing-abortion-providers
A law under consideration in South Dakota would expand the definition of "justifiable homicide" to include killings that are intended to prevent harm to a fetus—a move that could make it legal to kill doctors who perform abortions. The Republican-backed legislation, House Bill 1171, has passed out of committee on a nine-to-three party-line vote, and is expected to face a floor vote in the state's GOP-dominated House of Representatives soon.
~
Taken from: http://motherjones.com/politics/2011/02/south-dakota-hb-1171-legalize-killing-abortion-providers
A law under consideration in South Dakota would expand the definition of "justifiable homicide" to include killings that are intended to prevent harm to a fetus—a move that could make it legal to kill doctors who perform abortions. The Republican-backed legislation, House Bill 1171, has passed out of committee on a nine-to-three party-line vote, and is expected to face a floor vote in the state's GOP-dominated House of Representatives soon.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Article - Singapore News: Government to Review Baby Bonus Scheme
Many thanks to my friend Adelin in Singapore who shared this link with me: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1108833/1/.html
We were discussing baby bonuses and fertility rates between her country (Singapore) and mine (Canada).
Here's some food for thought - since Canada also has a low birth rate, do you think something like a baby bonus scheme would work for Canadians? Why or why not? Do you like the idea of a baby bonus scheme? Why or why not? Do you have any other thoughts on the idea? And if you are from a country outside of North America, what is your country's birth rate?
We were discussing baby bonuses and fertility rates between her country (Singapore) and mine (Canada).
Here's some food for thought - since Canada also has a low birth rate, do you think something like a baby bonus scheme would work for Canadians? Why or why not? Do you like the idea of a baby bonus scheme? Why or why not? Do you have any other thoughts on the idea? And if you are from a country outside of North America, what is your country's birth rate?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Online Comic "Sex Talk"
YouthCo tweeted this, and I'm reposting this because I thought it was really neat.
It's an online web combic about "communication, consent, and gettin' it on." I'm posting it as a resource for anyone who is interested:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/maisha/sextalk/series.php?view=archive&chapter=44232
It's an online web combic about "communication, consent, and gettin' it on." I'm posting it as a resource for anyone who is interested:
http://www.webcomicsnation.com/maisha/sextalk/series.php?view=archive&chapter=44232
Article - Officials Consider Requiring Insurers to Offer Free Contraceptives [US]
This is wonderful news! Hopefully this will pass, and reproductive rights for women in the US can take a step forward.
~
Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/health/policy/03health.html?_r=1
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is examining whether the new health care law can be used to require insurance plans to offer contraceptives and other family planning services to women free of charge.
~
Taken from: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/03/health/policy/03health.html?_r=1
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is examining whether the new health care law can be used to require insurance plans to offer contraceptives and other family planning services to women free of charge.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Article - New GOP Bill Would Allow Hospitals to Let Pregnant Women Die Instead of Having an Abortion
Taken from: http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/02/new-gop-law-would-allow-hospitals-to-let-women-die-instead-of-having-an-abortion.php?ref=fpb
The controversy over "forcible rape" may be over, but now there's a new Republican-sponsored abortion bill in the House that pro-choice folks say may be worse: this time around, the new language would allow hospitals to let a pregnant woman die rather than perform the abortion that would save her life.
The controversy over "forcible rape" may be over, but now there's a new Republican-sponsored abortion bill in the House that pro-choice folks say may be worse: this time around, the new language would allow hospitals to let a pregnant woman die rather than perform the abortion that would save her life.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sick, sick, better, sick
For those who've seen me post a whole bunch of articles recently, and are wondering whether this blog will still be about my practicum, rest assured it will be. I've just had a super busy couple of weeks, and I was sick on top of it. I still haven't really adjusted to getting up at 6am either, so I'm still functioning on about 4 hours of sleep a night, which makes for uber long days.
My practicum is going well, minus the fact that I'm way behind in hours (due to only being there 3/4 days a week, and then being sick) and my paperwork is overdue. So I'm a little stressed about that.
I finally finished up the first phase of a research project I was working on for my supervisor, and will be working on something for another staff member when I return next week. I am hoping to get in a full 4 days next week, because I'm pretty far behind on hours.
It's hard to believe it's already February - the last month has gone by so fast! I can't wait for this semester to be over though, so I can graduate and move on with life. :)
My practicum is going well, minus the fact that I'm way behind in hours (due to only being there 3/4 days a week, and then being sick) and my paperwork is overdue. So I'm a little stressed about that.
I finally finished up the first phase of a research project I was working on for my supervisor, and will be working on something for another staff member when I return next week. I am hoping to get in a full 4 days next week, because I'm pretty far behind on hours.
It's hard to believe it's already February - the last month has gone by so fast! I can't wait for this semester to be over though, so I can graduate and move on with life. :)
Article - GA State Rep Says There's No Such Thing as Rape Victims
Taken from: http://www.dlcc.org/GA_Rep_Says_No_Such_Thing_as_Rape_Victims
U.S. House Republicans have received a great deal of attention over the past week since seeking to qualify the crime of rape with the term “forcible” in a high-profile piece of legislation. Such a distinction could create classes of rape victims, with “forcible rape” victims somehow being ordained as worse off than victims of statutory rape, date rape, rape by coercion or deception, rape of the disabled or mentally impaired… You get the picture.
U.S. House Republicans have received a great deal of attention over the past week since seeking to qualify the crime of rape with the term “forcible” in a high-profile piece of legislation. Such a distinction could create classes of rape victims, with “forcible rape” victims somehow being ordained as worse off than victims of statutory rape, date rape, rape by coercion or deception, rape of the disabled or mentally impaired… You get the picture.
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