We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from Religious Dispatches, the Washington Post and more.

Blogs Comment on Access to Abortion, Sexual Assault, Reproductive Justice, More

May 10, 2013 — We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from Religious Dispatches, the Washington Post and more.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH: "Did Mormon Morality Teachings Really Make it Harder for Elizabeth Smart To Run?" Joanna Brooks, Religious Dispatches' "Dispatches": Elizabeth Smart's recent comments connecting "her inability to run from her kidnappers to feelings of worthlessness stemming from harsh sexual morality lessons traditional to Mormon culture" have spurred a "fierce debate among LDS people," Brooks writes. She notes that despite efforts by the Church of Latter Day Saints to "work towards better ways of teaching responsible sexuality to young people ... sexist doctrinal folklore persists." Brooks concludes, "Smart's remarks last week made it clear that even the punitive sexual purity object lesson is still embedded in Mormon culture and that it needs to be examined and cleared" (Brooks, "Dispatches," Religious Dispatches, 5/8).

What others are saying about adolescent health:

~ "Mommy and Daddy State? N.C. Bill Would Require Parental Consent for Birth Control, STD Treatment," Mary Curtis, Washington Post's "She the People."

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY: "Because They Can: Three Rapes Every Hour in the Military," Susan Brooks Thistelthwaite, Washington Post's "On Faith": President Obama's recent instruction to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel "to prevent sex crimes in the military and hold offenders accountable" is "not going to work," Brooks Thistelthwaite, a professor of theology and former president at Chicago Theological Seminary, writes. She continues, "The military system cannot fix itself from the inside, because the culture itself has produced this result" because it "is a product of the gender and power relations of military culture." Brooks Thistelthwaite notes, "[I]t is absolutely crucial to take the prosecution of the accused out of the chain of command and allow service members access to civil courts." She concludes, "Three rapes every hour in the military is an outrage. We don't need more Pentagon 'action' or congressional hearings, and we don't need more promises. We need real change" (Brooks Thistelthwaite, "On Faith," Washington Post, 5/7).

What others are saying about sexual assault in the military:

~ "Leadership Failures on Sexual Assault in the Military," Jena McGregor, Washington Post's "On Leadership."

~ "Air Force General Blames Increase in Military Rape on Hookup Culture," Eleanor Clift, Daily Beast.

~ "Military Sexual Assault Is About Power," Susan Milligan, U.S. News & World Report.

~ "Should Rape Victims 'Submit?'" Mary Elizabeth Williams, Salon.

~ "Ending the Culture of Impunity on Military Rape," Garance Franke-Ruta, The Atlantic.

SEXUAL ASSAULT IN CIVILIAN SOCIETY: "British Study Shows False Rape Claims are Complicated Matters," Marinda Valenti, Ms. Magazine blog: "The United Kingdom's Crown Prosecution Service ... recently released a report highlighting the complexity -- and scarcity -- of false rape allegations," Valenti writes, adding that the "report confirms what feminists have known for years: Victim-blaming is totally uncalled for." The report found false allegations for "35 out of 5,651 prosecutions for rape, 6 out of 111,891 for domestic violence and 3 for both rape and domestic violence," Valenti writes. She continues, "When people exaggerate the likelihood of false rape allegations, they value the attacker over the attacked," concluding, "These tendencies only ostracize survivors and discourage them from speaking up -- and, according to CPS, disbelieving survivors is not only harmful but statistically unfounded" (Valenti, Ms. Magazine blog, 5/7).

What others are saying about violence against women:

~ "So, You Know, I Figured it was a Domestic-Violence Dispute…," Syreeta McFadden, Feministing.

~ "The Rape-Joke Double Standard," Molly Knefel, Salon.

ACCESS TO ABORTION: "By the Numbers: Why Most U.S. Women Struggle to Afford Abortion," Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress": A recent Guttmacher Institute report found that "[m]ost women who have abortions in the United States struggle to pay for them, and many have to rely on help from others to cover the cost," Culp-Ressler writes. She notes that women in the study ended up paying an average of $382 out-of-pocket for an abortion and 42% of women who obtain abortions have incomes below the federal poverty level. "That essentially means that low-income women are being priced out of their reproductive rights -- particularly as anti-choice lawmakers across the country work to drive up the cost of abortion even further to ensure women won't be able to afford it," Culp-Ressler concludes (Culp-Ressler, "ThinkProgress," Center for American Progress, 5/8).

What others are saying about access to abortion:

~ "When Abortion Rights Are Restricted, Gruesome, Gosnell-Style Black Markets Arise," Amesh Adalja, Forbes.

MATERNAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: "Here's a Map of the Best and Worst Countries To Be a Mother," Max Fisher, Washington Post's "WorldViews": Northern European countries are the safest place to be a mother, while countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are the riskiest for mothers and their children, according to a new report by Save the Children. Fisher notes that despite enormous wealth, the U.S. ranked 30th internationally and near the bottom of all industrialized nations. The report suggests that the low ranking is a result of several factors: income inequality, which bars low-income women from obtaining high-quality care; high rates of preterm birth, which is the leading cause of newborn deaths; and a high adolescent birth rate (Fisher, "WorldViews," Washington Post, 5/8).

REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE: "Understanding Reproductive Justice: A Response to O'Brien," Marlene Fried et al., RH Reality Check: In response to a blog post by Catholics for Choice's Jon O'Brien, advocates led by Marlene Fried of Hampshire College describe their views on the history and goals of the reproductive justice movement. They write that historically, the "pro-choice" movement has not advocated for full reproductive autonomy for women of color. By contrast, the reproductive justice movement brought to the abortion-rights movement "an understanding and urgency that is grounded in the experiences of women in their communities who have always borne the brunt of bans on abortion funding, as well as all other restrictive laws and policies." Although O'Brien's post expresses concern that the push for reproductive justice "does not allow for focused advocacy," the authors contend that the movement has the "potential to revitalize all of our advocacy and enable us to create the large and motivated base of support required to secure reproductive rights, health, and justice for all" (Fried et al., RH Reality Check, 5/8).

WORKING FAMILIES FLEXIBILITY ACT: "Congress's Doomed, Misguided Attempt to Help Working Families," Nanette Fondas, The Atlantic: The House on Wednesday passed the Working Families Flexibility Act, which "allows employers to offer compensatory time off ... to employees who work overtime, instead of paying time-and-a-half when a worker's weekly hours exceed forty," Fondas writes. Since the bill has little chance of passing through the Senate, Fondas writes that the measure was "doomed from the start" and "seems destined only to voice concern for working mothers ... rather than offer tangible solutions." She highlights an upcoming book that "probes the types of workplace flexibility options mothers envision in 'ideal jobs,'" such as flexible start and stop times, compressed workweeks, advance knowledge about schedule changes and extended time off (Fondas, The Atlantic, 5/9).

FEAR OF WOMEN'S BODIES: "Half of People in the World Have a Vulva -- Can We Please Get Over Our Fear of the Word?" Martha Kempner, RH Reality Check: Kempner writes about a Michigan woman who complained that The Diary of Anne Frank is "pornographic" and inappropriate for school because of a newly-edited version that includes a paragraph describing female genitalia. "Are we really so obsessed with women's body parts that one paragraph about them is enough to cause a panic even when it's in a book about far more serious issues?" Kempner writes. "[T]he passage provides a spot-on description of where everything is and what it looks like. ... Unfortunately, many women growing up some 70 years later do not have" the same knowledge of the female body as Frank did, Kempner writes, adding, "The solution is to make vulvas about as mysterious as elbows." She concludes, "Call it by its proper name, define it clearly and accurately in school, and stop freaking out" (Kempner, RH Reality Check, 5/9).

White House officials and congressional lawmakers on Thursday met to discuss a legislative strategy to curb the growing number of sexual assaults in the military, the New York Times reports.

White House, Congressional Lawmakers Meet To Discuss Sexual Assaults in Military

May 10, 2013 — White House officials and congressional lawmakers on Thursday met to discuss a legislative strategy to curb the growing number of sexual assaults in the military, the New York Times reports (Steinhauer, New York Times, 5/9).

The meeting follows the Pentagon's release this week of a report showing that military sexual assaults have increased by 35% to 26,000, up from 19,300 in 2010. It also noted that only a fraction of victims report their assault.

The report led the Pentagon to call for a series of initiatives to foster a climate in the military that deters sexual assault and properly cares for victims. President Obama also reacted to the new figures by calling for a "no tolerance" approach to sexual crimes in the military (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/8).

Details of Thursday's Meeting

Sixteen bipartisan House and Senate lawmakers met with Obama senior adviser Valerie Jarrett; Tina Tchen, chief of staff to first lady Michelle Obama; and Lynn Rosenthal, White House adviser on violence against women (Summers, Politico, 5/9). The group discussed various proposals that aim to hold offenders accountable, improve the reporting process and support victims, an official said after the meeting (Rampton, Reuters, 5/9).

So far, the Obama administration has not embraced a specific bill; rather, the meeting "was more one of information-gathering rather than any sort of endorsement of specific legislation," a Democratic aide said. Still, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said the conference is a sign the administration is taking the issue "very seriously." The White House has "put their top people on this, and it's very impressive," she added (Politico, 5/9).

Legislation Under Consideration

There are several pending bills that would address sexual assault in the military, Reuters notes. Murray and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) introduced a bill this week that would provide survivors with a military lawyer and would refer such cases to the court-martial level. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House (Reuters, 5/9).

In addition, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) -- who co-chair the House Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus -- introduced a bill that would curb the authority of military commanders to overturn jury convictions in sexual assault cases. The bill also would require service members found guilty of committing or attempting sexual assault to be dismissed from the service or dishonorably discharged.

Meanwhile, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) is preparing to introduce legislation that would give military prosecutors, rather than commanders, the authority to decide which cases to try. Top military officials are expected to resist the measure. When asked about a similar proposal this week, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that removing authority from military commanders would "weaken the system" (Politico, 5/9).

Washington Post Editorial Urges Fundamental Change

"It is time for fundamental change in how the military investigates and prosecutes these pernicious crimes," a Washington Post editorial states, noting that despite repeated promises from the military to take action against sexual assault, "abuse and a culture of impunity persist."

The editorial notes that senior military officials are reluctant to take military justice out of the chain of command for "fear that it will erode order and discipline." However, U.S. allies -- including Australia, Britain, Canada and Israel -- all operate systems in which prosecuting authorities make decisions about crimes. "A new approach is needed," the editorial argues, adding that now is the "opportunity to examine those models" (Washington Post, 5/9).

President Obama on Friday will host a White House Mother's Day-themed event to promote some of the Affordable Care Act provisions that benefit women and families, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports.

White House Event To Focus on Benefits of Affordable Care Act for Women

May 10, 2013 — President Obama on Friday will host a White House Mother's Day-themed event to promote some of the Affordable Care Act provisions that benefit women and families, The Hill's "Healthwatch" reports (Baker, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 5/9).

A White House official said several women and their families whose "health, lives and pocketbooks" have already benefited from the provisions have been invited to join Obama at the event. Other attendees at Friday's event are expected to include representatives of liberal and feminist organizations (Crabtree, Washington Times, 5/9).

Obama is expected to discuss some of the key benefits that the ACA provides to women, such as access to cancer screenings and contraceptives without additional cost-sharing. Also, Obama is expected to reiterate his recent call to women to encourage their adult children to sign up for insurance through the state health insurance marketplaces under the ACA (Pace, AP/Sacramento Bee, 5/10).

During a recent speech at a Planned Parenthood event, Obama urged the organization -- a key advocate of the ACA and women's health -- to help with outreach efforts (Radnofsky, "Washington Wire," Wall Street Journal, 5/9). Specifically, he called on Planned Parenthood supporters to help raise awareness about "quality, affordable health insurance" that will be offered through the marketplaces, as well as health care plans "out there ... that cover the cost of contraception and [preventive] care free of charge" (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/29).

The White House official noted, "Mothers are the number one validator for the young and uninsured and will be critical in the effort to encourage their kids to enroll for insurance in the fall" ("Healthwatch," The Hill, 5/9). "Mothers are still the primary caregivers for kids and for aging parents," the official added (Washington Times, 5/9).

Even when given access to no-cost contraceptives, young women have a higher risk for unintended pregnancy if they used refillable methods rather than long-acting reversible contraceptives because they are more likely to have gaps in use, according to a study presented at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists conference, MedPage Today reports.

Gaps in Contraceptive Use Less Common for Women Using Long-Acting Methods, Study Finds

May 10, 2013 — Even when given access to no-cost contraceptives, young women have a higher risk for unintended pregnancy if they used refillable methods rather than long-acting reversible contraceptives because they are more likely to have gaps in use, according to a study presented at the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists conference, MedPage Today reports.

The research involved 7,843 women enrolled in the CHOICE Project, a prospective cohort study that provides women with access to contraception at no cost. Most of the women in the project selected LARC methods, such as intrauterine devices and implants. Fourteen percent selected refillable methods, such as oral contraceptives, patches or vaginal rings.

The study found that 30% of the women experienced a gap in contraceptive use of at least two weeks during a one-year follow-up, but gaps were more common among women using refillable contraceptives (55%) than those using LARC methods (45%). Women who experienced a gap were 16 times more likely than those who did not to have an unintended pregnancy -- a difference of 1.6% to 20.3%.

The study also found that women who were younger than age 21, black and single were more likely to experience a gap in contraceptive use and were more likely to select refillable rather than LARC methods.

Lisa Callegari at the University of Washington said the study "highlights yet another important benefit of LARC contraception" and demonstrates that "women at the highest risk of unintended pregnancy ... should be targeted for efforts to promote LARC use" (Struck, MedPage Today, 5/8).

House and Senate Democrats have proposed bills (HR 1845, S 870) that would provide at least $85 million in grants over five years for programs to help pregnant and parenting teenagers continue high school, The Hill's "Floor Action Blog" reports.

Bills Would Provide Federal Grants To Help Teen Parents Complete High School

May 10, 2013 — House and Senate Democrats have proposed bills (HR 1845, S 870) that would provide at least $85 million in grants over five years for programs to help pregnant and parenting teenagers continue high school, The Hill's "Floor Action Blog" reports.

The bills' supporters said that 750,000 teenagers become pregnant each year and that many of those drop out of school.

Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) -- sponsor of the House measure -- said, "[P]regnancy and parenting responsibilities significantly increase a student's risk of dropping out of school," adding, "Achieving a high school diploma is critical to young peoples' ability to succeed in the workforce."

The legislation would provide states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories with minimum grants of $300,000 (Kasperowicz, "Floor Action Blog," The Hill, 5/8).

Our monthly quote round up compiles notable comments from key stakeholders in women's health. In today's edition, we feature quotes on efforts to expand access to emergency contraception and birth control pills, curb sexual assaults in the military, and more.

Quote Round Up: The Buzz on Emergency Contraception, Maternity Care Research, Ending Sexual Assault and More

May 9, 2013 — Our monthly quote round up compiles notable comments from key stakeholders in women's health. In today's edition, we feature quotes on efforts to expand access to emergency contraception and birth control pills, curb sexual assaults in the military, and more.

"[E]asy access to Plan B should be Plan A." -- Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus, criticizing the Obama administration's appeal of a judge's order that FDA make emergency contraception available over-the-counter to people of all ages (Washington Post, 5/7). At a hearing this week, the judge said the requirement to show proof of age before purchasing EC places an "impossible burden" on groups that are less likely to have IDs (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/8).

"Our maternity system is failing to provide care that many mothers told us they want and that is in the best interest of themselves and their babies." -- Researchers from Childbirth Connection in their latest Listening to Mothers survey, which examined women's experiences with care during pregnancy and childbirth (Childbirth Connection, 5/9). The survey found that health care for pregnant women often fails to follow established guidelines, contributing to high rates of interventions like induced labor and caesarean sections (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/9).

"It's totally off track with the rest of Europe." -- Johanna Westeson -- a regional director with the Center for Reproductive Rights -- on the Irish government's proposal to codify provisions allowing abortions when a woman's life is at risk. Westeson noted that the bill "creates no new rights," adding that Ireland remains "in absolute violation of international human rights norms on women's rights to health and dignity" (The Guardian, 4/30).

"The answer to the question 'Is It Time for Off-the-Shelf Birth-Control Pills ?' is a resounding yes." -- Douglas Laube, chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health, in a letter to the editor of the New York Times, responding to a recent Times news analysis on the subject (New York Times, 4/23). Attention to the issue has mounted since the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists last year released an official position paper recommending that birth control pills be sold without a prescription (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/22).

"We're talking about really vital services to people who are already in a terrible situation and really in need of emergency services -- and there aren't alternatives." -- Kim Gandy, president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, on the impact of sequestration on programs for domestic violence survivors. Shelters and other support services are losing $20 million in federal funding under cuts mandated by sequestration, which came shortly after lawmakers finally passed a much-delayed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (PL 113-4) (Mother Jones, 5/6).

"Anti-choicers are exploiting the tortures and deaths of women and babies in order to justify policies that will lead to more suffering, more torture, and more death." -- Author and blogger Amanda Marcotte, on abortion-rights opponents' attempts to use the case of illegal abortion provider Kermit Gosnell to justify misguided regulations on legitimate abortion clinics (RH Reality Check, 4/14). Jurors are deliberating hundreds of charges in the case, including allegations that Gosnell killed a woman and several infants born alive during abortion procedures (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/30).

"There isn't a climate by which they can receive justice in this system." -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), on how the fear of retaliation from officers prevents military service members from reporting sexual assaults. Gillibrand and other lawmakers have urged the Pentagon to end commanders' power to make prosecution decisions and instead give the authority to unbiased attorneys (Wall Street Journal, 5/7).

Our monthly quote round up compiles notable comments from key stakeholders in women's health. In today's edition, we feature quotes on efforts to expand access to emergency contraception and birth control pills, curb sexual assaults in the military, and more.

Quote Round Up: The Buzz on Emergency Contraception, Maternity Care Research, Ending Sexual Assault and More

May 9, 2013 — Our monthly quote round up compiles notable comments from key stakeholders in women's health. In today's edition, we feature quotes on efforts to expand access to emergency contraception and birth control pills, curb sexual assaults in the military, and more.

"[E]asy access to Plan B should be Plan A." -- Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus, criticizing the Obama administration's appeal of a judge's order that FDA make emergency contraception available over-the-counter to people of all ages (Washington Post, 5/7). At a hearing this week, the judge said the requirement to show proof of age before purchasing EC places an "impossible burden" on groups that are less likely to have IDs (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/8).

"Our maternity system is failing to provide care that many mothers told us they want and that is in the best interest of themselves and their babies." -- Researchers from Childbirth Connection in their latest Listening to Mothers survey, which examined women's experiences with care during pregnancy and childbirth (Childbirth Connection, 5/9). The survey found that health care for pregnant women often fails to follow established guidelines, contributing to high rates of interventions like induced labor and caesarean sections (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/9).

"It's totally off track with the rest of Europe." -- Johanna Westeson -- a regional director with the Center for Reproductive Rights -- on the Irish government's proposal to codify provisions allowing abortions when a woman's life is at risk. Westeson noted that the bill "creates no new rights," adding that Ireland remains "in absolute violation of international human rights norms on women's rights to health and dignity" (The Guardian, 4/30).

"The answer to the question 'Is It Time for Off-the-Shelf Birth-Control Pills ?' is a resounding yes." -- Douglas Laube, chair of Physicians for Reproductive Health, in a letter to the editor of the New York Times, responding to a recent Times news analysis on the subject (New York Times, 4/23). Attention to the issue has mounted since the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists last year released an official position paper recommending that birth control pills be sold without a prescription (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/22).

"We're talking about really vital services to people who are already in a terrible situation and really in need of emergency services -- and there aren't alternatives." -- Kim Gandy, president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, on the impact of sequestration on programs for domestic violence survivors. Shelters and other support services are losing $20 million in federal funding under cuts mandated by sequestration, which came shortly after lawmakers finally passed a much-delayed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (PL 113-4) (Mother Jones, 5/6).

"Anti-choicers are exploiting the tortures and deaths of women and babies in order to justify policies that will lead to more suffering, more torture, and more death." -- Author and blogger Amanda Marcotte, on abortion-rights opponents' attempts to use the case of illegal abortion provider Kermit Gosnell to justify misguided regulations on legitimate abortion clinics (RH Reality Check, 4/14). Jurors are deliberating hundreds of charges in the case, including allegations that Gosnell killed a woman and several infants born alive during abortion procedures (Women's Health Policy Report, 4/30).

"There isn't a climate by which they can receive justice in this system." -- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), on how the fear of retaliation from officers prevents military service members from reporting sexual assaults. Gillibrand and other lawmakers have urged the Pentagon to end commanders' power to make prosecution decisions and instead give the authority to unbiased attorneys (Wall Street Journal, 5/7).

An announcement by an Orange County, Calif., hospital that it will no longer permit elective abortions is drawing surprise and some criticism from ob-gyns who thought services would not change after the hospital merged with a Catholic health system, the Orange County Register reports.

Calif. Hospital Ends Abortion Services After Merger With Catholic Health System

May 7, 2013 — An announcement by an Orange County, Calif., hospital that it will no longer permit elective abortions is drawing surprise and some criticism from ob-gyns who thought services would not change after the hospital merged with a Catholic health system, the Orange County Register reports.

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian made the announcement in a letter to physicians last week -- two months after it finalized a partnership with the St. Joseph Health System, a Catholic hospital group. The merger makes Hoag and St. Joseph the provider of about one-third of health care services offered in Orange County, where the organizations control a network of six hospital facilities and their affiliated practices.

When officials from Hoag and St. Joseph formally announced the merger, they said that the hospitals would retain their respective religious traditions, including those regarding women's reproductive health care. However, Covenant Health Network -- the umbrella group created to oversee the combined hospital systems after the merger -- later endorsed St. Joseph's statement of common values for Hoag.

Hospital Defends Decision

Hoag CEO Robert Braithwaite said the end of abortion services "was not a religious decision" and emphasized that St. Joseph "did not try at any time to impose a Catholic belief or principal on the Hoag board's decision process." He said Hoag decided to end elective abortions because the hospital performs a low volume of them, fewer than 100 annually, adding that there is a correlation between low volume and low quality of care.

Allyson Brooks -- head of the Women's Health Institute at Hoag -- said abortions needed to save a woman's life would "absolutely" remain available at Hoag.

Several affiliated physicians expressed skepticism about the assertion the new directives were not related to the merger, according to the Register. Jeffrey Illeck, a Hoag-affiliated ob-gyn, said the decision is an example of "the Catholic agenda that is slowly permeating the whole country to take away a women's right to choose" (Wolfson, Orange County Register, 5/3).

We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from the Huffington Post, Feministing and more.

Blogs Comment on Need for Legal Abortion, Rape Culture, Pregnancy Discrimination, More

May 3, 2013 — We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from the Huffington Post, Feministing and more.

NEED FOR LEGAL ABORTION: "The Importance of Roe vs. Wade," Joseph Blady, Huffington Post blogs: "When abortion became legal in this country, its benefits to society were so obvious that one could be deluded into thinking that the issue was settled," Blady writes. "Since there is no scientific basis for declaring a six-week-old fetus a person, the obvious origin of the laws that have recently cropped up in North Dakota and four other states is religious," he argues, adding, "These states are rampaging against birth control for the same reason." He adds, "The answer to the abortion issue is so simple that it beggars belief that we haven't gotten to that place." Blady continues, "If you don't want an abortion, don't have one," but "leave the less pious of us alone to do what, unfortunately, has to be done to make more livable the lives of women who have to make the terrible decision to have an abortion" (Blady, Huffington Post blogs, 5/1).

What others are saying about the need for legal abortion:

~ "We Already Lost Savita in Ireland. Don't Let Beatriz Die in El Salvador," Maya Dusenbery, Feministing.

~ "Care2 Bloggers' Book Shows How GOP Shoves Women Toward Back Alley Abortions," Jeff Fecke, Care2.

RAPE CULTURE: "UConn Student Receives Rape Threats After Suggesting School Address 'Frightening' Atmosphere for Women," Soraya Chemaly, RH Reality Check: "Recently, University of Connecticut undergraduate student Carolyn Luby published an open letter to the school's president, Susan Herbst," urging the school to "re-prioritize" and consider "ways to remodel the behavior of athletes and create a less violent environment," Chemaly writes, adding, "Now, Luby is receiving rape threats." Chemaly highlights other cases of "institutional tolerance" of sexual assault -- including incidents at Amherst College, Indiana University and several other colleges -- and explains that schools are required to protect students from discrimination and respond to crimes under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Act. Chemaly writes, "It's important to make sure this conversation continues in context," adding, "What is happening at UConn ... [is] about the school, the usefulness and profitability of aggressive and heroic athletes, and the acceptance of violence against girls and women" (Chemaly, RH Reality Check, 5/1).

What others are saying about rape culture:

~ "Awareness is Not Enough," Michelle Seyler, Law Students for Reproductive Justice's "RepoRepro."

PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION: "The Face of Pregnancy Discrimination," Annamarya Scaccia, RH Reality Check: Scaccia explains the meaning of the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act and details several pregnancy discrimination cases, including a case Young v. UPS that "is currently on appeal to the Supreme Court." She writes, "For many individuals, pregnancy discrimination can have an astounding financial impact," adding, "If fired or pushed to take unpaid leave, it can be difficult for the pregnant person to support herself and her family." Scaccia cites EEOC data that show 3,745 pregnancy discrimination charges were filed with the agency in 2012. Scaccia notes, "Many of [the] loopholes and discriminatory practices would close if the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) were to pass in this new Congress" (Scaccia, RH Reality Check, 5/1).

What others are saying about pregnancy discrimination:

~ "Stephanie Stewart, My Hero!" Becka Wall, National Women's Law Center's "Womenstake."

~ "New Lawsuits Shine a Light on Pregnancy Discrimination," Jessica Grose, Slate's "XX Factor."

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION DECISIONS: "Obama Administration Throws Science and Public Health Out the Window in Appeal of Plan B Ruling," Jessica Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check: The Obama administration has "capitulated further to anti-choice conservatives" by announcing that it will appeal a court decision requiring FDA to make emergency contraception available over the counter without age restrictions, Mason Pieklo writes. The court ruling was "a significant victory for science-supported public health policy," but the administration's reasons for challenging the decision are "unclear," she adds. "The science is not on the administration's side in this decision, and the politics shouldn't be either," she concludes (Mason Pieklo, RH Reality Check, 5/1).

What others are saying about emergency contraception decisions:

~ "Hey, FDA: Drop the Plan B Age Restriction," Jessica Valenti, The Nation.

~ "Federal Government Continues Politicization of Health Care," Below the Waist.

~ "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: The Week in Over-the-Counter Emergency Contraception," Rachel Walden, Our Bodies, Our Blog.

~ "Morning-After Pill Age Lowered, But Obama Will Appeal FDA Decision," Michelle Cottle, Daily Beast.

ABORTION IN POLITICS: "How Abortion Stigma Impacts Our Politics," Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress": Culp-Ressler reports that conservative polling group SSI Group is reportedly making phones calls to South Carolina voters under the guise of conducting a survey, but the questions are worded to dissuade people from supporting Elizabeth Colbert Busch's (D) congressional bid. People who received the calls said one of the questions was, "What would you think of [Busch] if I told you she had had an abortion?" Culp-Ressler writes, "[W]omen's personal experiences with abortion have certainly been used as a method of dissuading popular support from female candidates before," such as the recent case of a Nevada state representative who received death threats after stating that she had an abortion as a teen. Abortion stigma "impacts the way that politicians talk about it, and ultimately the way that they legislate it," Culp-Ressler writes, adding, "Abortion policy likely won't drastically shift until that stigma is lessened" (Culp-Ressler, "ThinkProgress," Center for American Progress, 5/1).

ABORTION-RIGHTS DEBATE: "Kevin Drum Asks Pro-Choicers if They Would Accept Roe. The Answer is Yes." Amanda Marcotte, Slate's "XX Factor": "Asking pro-choicers if we would accept what amounts to Roe plus funding and better availability than we have now -- as if that wasn't already our loud and proud and frequently stated preference -- serves no other purpose than to distort the debate," Marcotte writes about Mother Jones contributor Kevin Drum's recent posting of a hypothetical question about reaching a compromise in the abortion-rights debate. Drum wrote in his post, "Basically, the deal is (a) abortions up to, say, 22 weeks or so, would be legal and easily available, (b) late-term abortions would be completely illegal unless the life of the mother were clearly and directly threatened, and (c) this put an end to the whole issue." In response, Marcotte writes that Drum's suggestion "implies that late term abortions are more common than they are," adding, "Abortions after 24 or 25 weeks are so rare they don't even show up in the official statistics compiled either by the Guttmacher Institute or the CDC." She writes, "The real issue here is" that "[a]nti-choicers focus on these exceedingly rare abortions to demonize the everyday providers, such as Planned Parenthood, offering early terminations and contraception" (Marcotte, "XX Factor," Slate, 4/30).

ABORTION OPPONENTS: "A Gosnell Amendment? Jennifer Rubin Plays Doctor and Legislator -- and Fails," Jodi Jacobson, RH Reality Check: "In their quest to make safe, legal abortion care as inaccessible as possible, anti-choicers are now seeking to sway public policy by conflating safe abortion care with [Kermit] Gosnell's atrocities, to tar all legitimate providers of safe abortion care as Gosnell clones, and to use a criminal case as a justification to drive legitimate providers out of business," Jacobson writes. She cites one recent example of this effort "courtesy of Washington Post contributor Jennifer Rubin, who, in a column Wednesday, suggested several ways to further diminish access to safe, legal abortion care in the United States through what she calls a 'Gosnell amendment.'" Jacobson writes, "The inconvenient truth here is that the very policies anti-choicers espouse are the ones that create the conditions in which Gosnells thrive: limiting access to safe abortion care by closing clinics, driving up the costs, requiring women to go through innumerable unnecessary hoops to secure an abortion, and driving them later in the process -- denying women living in poverty public support for safe abortion care" (Jacobson, RH Reality Check, 5/2).

What others are saying about abortion opponents:

~ "How State Lawmakers Are Working To Make Abortion Too Expensive for Low-Income Women,"Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress."

~ "The Missionary Movement To 'Save' Black Babies," Akiba Solomon, Colorlines/RH Reality Check.

The number of births to unmarried women in the U.S. increased from 30.6% in 2005 to 35.7% in 2011, according to a report by the Census Bureau, the New York Times "Economix" reports.

Births Increasing Among Unmarried Women, Census Report Finds

May 6, 2013 —The number of births to unmarried women in the U.S. increased from 30.6% in 2005 to 35.7% in 2011, according to a report by the Census Bureau, the New York Times "Economix" reports.

Among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., the district had the highest rate of births to unmarried women at 51%, followed by Louisiana at 49%, and Mississippi and New Mexico at 48% each. The lowest rates were New Hampshire at 20% and Utah at 15%.

Rates of births outside of marriage varied by age, education level and race. In general, rates were lower among women who were older, more highly educated or had higher incomes.

Specifically, unmarried women accounted for 62% of all births to women ages 20 to 24, compared with 17% of births among women ages 35 to 39, the report found. Among women who had a birth in the past year, 68% of blacks, 43% of Hispanics, 26% of whites and 11% of Asians were unmarried (Rampell, "Economix," New York Times, 5/2).

Health care for pregnant women often fails to follow established guidelines, contributing to high rates of interventions like induced labor and caesarean sections, according to a survey released on Thursday by Childbirth Connection and featured in Consumer Reports.

Unnecessary Interventions Common in Maternity Care, Survey Finds

May 9, 2013 — Health care for pregnant women often fails to follow established guidelines, contributing to high rates of interventions like induced labor and caesarean sections, according to a survey released on Thursday by Childbirth Connection and featured in Consumer Reports.

The survey of 2,400 women who had recently given birth found that 41% of women had their labor induced, for reasons such as concerns that the fetus was too large or because the due date had passed. However, research indicates that neither of these reasons by itself typically merits an induction. Additionally, nearly 25% of women who were induced cited pressure from their health care provider to undergo the procedure.

Another troubling finding was that nearly half of women who had previously delivered via c-section wanted to deliver their next child vaginally but were either denied the possibility by their doctor (24%) or the hospital (15%), according to Consumer Reports. Guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourage women to attempt vaginal deliveries after c-sections, and research indicates potential dangers of multiple c-section births.

The survey highlighted several other findings in pregnancy and maternal care. It found that about half of women who intended to exclusively breastfeed experienced practices that undermined the process. Six months after giving birth, fewer than one-third of women were exclusively breastfeeding, the survey noted.

Additionally, the survey found that many women felt reluctant to ask questions because they thought their providers were rushed, they didn't want to be perceived as difficult or they disagreed with a provider's recommendations.

Maureen Corry, executive director of Childbirth Connection, said, "Our survey suggests that pregnant women need to take a more active role to make sure they get the care that is best for themselves and their babies." She added that pregnant women "need access to trustworthy information about the benefits and harms of interventions, to educate themselves, and be their own advocate" (Keehn, Consumer Reports, 5/8).

Tens of thousands of domestic violence survivors could lose access to programs, shelters and other support services because of a $20 million cut in federal funding over the next year mandated under sequestration, Mother Jones reports.

Programs for Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Survivors Struggle Under Sequestration

May 8, 2013 — Tens of thousands of domestic violence survivors could lose access to programs, shelters and other support services because of a $20 million cut in federal funding over the next year mandated under sequestration, Mother Jones reports.

Although lawmakers quickly passed legislation to mitigate the effects of sequestration on tuition aid for service members and staffing at the Federal Aviation Administration, they "have shown little interest" in addressing cuts to programs that help survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, according to Mother Jones. The cuts took effect "[a]lmost immediately" after lawmakers passed a much-delayed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (PL 113-4), Mother Jones notes.

Sen. Tom Harkin's (D-Iowa) office estimates that the cuts under sequestration will mean 70,120 fewer domestic violence survivors have access to recovery programs and shelters, while 35,900 fewer individuals will be able to obtain non-shelter services, such as restraining orders and sexual assault treatment.

Several Programs Already Affected by Cuts

A number of domestic violence shelters and related programs across the U.S. already are scaling back services or considering closing because of the cuts, according to Mother Jones. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has announced plans to postpone the hiring of 829 military sexual assault response coordinators.

Kim Gandy, president and CEO of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, said, "We're talking about really vital services to people who are already in a terrible situation and really in need of emergency services -- and there aren't alternatives" (Murphy, Mother Jones, 5/6).

EMILY's List has launched a multi-year campaign aimed at electing a female president in 2016, PBS NewsHour's "The Rundown" reports. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List, announced the campaign -- called Madam President -- on Thursday at the National Press Club.

EMILY's List Announces 'Madam President' Campaign

May 6, 2013 —EMILY's List has launched a multi-year campaign aimed at electing a female president in 2016, PBS NewsHour's "The Rundown" reports. Stephanie Schriock, president of EMILY's List, announced the campaign -- called Madam President -- on Thursday at the National Press Club (Burlij, "The Rundown," PBS NewsHour, 5/2).

Schriock predicted that "2013 will be the rise of the woman mayor. In 2014, we have women all over the country looking to take over governor's mansions," adding, "And, well, there's really only one place to go from there" (Weiner, "Post Politics," Washington Post, 5/2).

In reference to former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Schriock noted that "there is one name that seems to be getting mentioned more than others" as a female presidential candidate. She added, "We do not know if [she] is going to run, but we are hopeful that she may."

Schriock said the group has a "deep bench" of potential candidates, including HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), among others ("The Rundown," PBS NewsHour, 5/2).

Polls Show Support for Idea of Female President, Clinton as Democratic Nominee

EMILY's List also released the results of a poll that found that 86% of voters in battleground states believe the U.S. is ready for a female president, while 72% think it is likely that the next president will be a woman.

The poll -- conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research -- found that respondents thought female candidates are as capable or more capable than men on nearly all issues. Male candidates were viewed as slightly more capable on two issues: national security and working with U.S. allies ("Post Politics," Washington Post, 5/2).

Meanwhile, a separate Quinnipiac University poll found that Clinton is Democrats' preferred choice for the 2016 presidential ticket, the Miami Herald reports.

The poll surveyed 650 Democrats across the country. The results showed that 65% of respondents would vote for Clinton in a presidential primary, followed by 13% who would back Vice President Joe Biden and 4% who would support New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Fourteen percent of respondents were undecided.

Schriock noted that Clinton was the only female candidate mentioned in the Quinnipiac poll (Memoli, Miami Herald, 5/2).

We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from RH Reality Check, U.S. News & World Report and more.

Blogs Comment on Access to Contraception, Immigration Reform, Religious Refusal, More

May 7, 2013 — We've compiled some of the most thought-provoking commentaries from around the Web. Catch up on the conversation with bloggers from RH Reality Check, U.S. News & World Report and more.

ACCESS TO CONTRACEPTION: "10 Reasons Why the Obama Administration is Wrong on Emergency Contraception," Lisa Maatz, RH Reality Check: "Once again, politics have trumped science, and it's women and girls who pay the price," the American Association of University Women's Maatz writes in a post criticizing DOJ's appeal of a court ruling ordering FDA to make emergency contraception available over-the-counter without age restrictions. DOJ's decision to appeal "ignores [women's] needs as well as the scientific consensus that emergency contraception (the so-called morning-after pill or Plan B) is safe," she argues. Maatz lists "the top ten reasons why ... the Obama administration is wrong to deny women and girls access to this basic preventive health care," such as the need to reduce unintended pregnancies, the safety of EC and calls from medical groups to make EC available OTC (Maatz, RH Reality Check, 5/3).

What others are saying about access to contraception:

~ "This is About Health, Not Politics," Susannah Baruch, U.S. News & World Report's "Debate Club."

~ "All Women Should Have Quick, Confidential Access to Emergency Contraception," Deborah Nucatola, U.S. News & World Report's "Debate Club."

~ "It's Time To Eliminate Barriers to Safe Pregnancy Prevention," Jessica Arons, U.S. News & World Report's "Debate Club."

~ "President Obama Defends Age Restrictions on Over-The-Counter Emergency Contraception," Tara Culp-Ressler, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress."

~ "Birth Control Prices are Higher in Some Low-Income Areas," Bryce Covert, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress."

IMMIGRATION REFORM: "Feminists Must Advance Immigrants' Rights as Women's Rights," Christine Pelosi, Huffington Post blogs: "[F]eminists have to join the fight" for immigration reform and "must push for the most women-friendly immigration bill possible," writes Pelosi, chair of the California Democratic Party Women's Caucus. She notes that "many women's rights advocates don't see immigrants' rights as a 'women's issue' either out of privilege or unfamiliarity," but "you cannot call yourself a feminist if you do not advance feminism for all, regardless of color or class or creed or immigrant status." For example, she calls for policy changes to ensure "good-paying jobs for all workers" and sanctions on "exploitative employers," as well as "a path to citizenship with equal rights for [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] Americans and visas [for] battered women promised during the debate over the Violence Against Women Act" (Pelosi, Huffington Post blogs, 5/6).

ADOLESCENT HEALTH: "Elizabeth Smart Says Abstinence-Only Education Made Her Feel Like a Chewed-Up Piece of Gum," Maya Dusenbery, Feministing: Dusenbery highlights comments by Elizabeth Smart -- who was kidnapped at age 14 "and raped and held for nine months by her captor" -- during a recent forum on human trafficking. Recalling a lesson in an abstinence class that compared a woman who has had sex to a piece of chewed gum, Smart said that she felt like her life had "no value" after she had been raped and could understand why someone wouldn't try to escape a captor. Dusenbery writes that "this is yet another example" of how "[a]bstinence-only education contributes to the shame many rape survivors feel" (Dusenbery, Feministing, 5/6).

What others are saying about adolescent health:

~ "Fox News Commentator: Stop Abortions by 'Celebrating' Teen Pregnancy," Aviva Shen, Center for American Progress' "ThinkProgress."

RELIGIOUS REFUSAL: "When Health Care Providers Refuse Care, Whose Rights Are At Stake?" Marianne Møllmann, RH Reality Check: Møllmann writes that an appeals court in Scotland recently ruled that anyone involved in abortion care has a right to object to the procedure and a "wide range of services" related to abortion, unless a woman's life is in danger. The "underlying problem" with most debates over "conscientious objection clauses" is that "abortions are seen as separate from other medical care (which they are not), and that abortion providers are considered different from other medical providers (again, not true)," Møllmann writes. "[I]nternational human rights standards do not protect our right to express" objections to abortion "in a manner that infringes on other people's human rights," she continues, concluding, "Ultimately, if you don't want to provide the obstetric or gynecological services your patient needs -- which may include an abortion -- maybe you should choose another field of specialty" (Møllmann, RH Reality Check, 5/6).

PLANNED PARENTHOOD: "Nope, Abortion is not Planned Parenthood's 'Central Purpose,'" Amanda Marcotte, Slate's "XX Factor": Marcotte criticizes Rich Lowry, editor of the National Review, for a Politico opinion piece that tried to "hoodwink his audience into believing that abortion is the sum total of Planned Parenthood's work." Lowry, commenting on President Obama's recent speech to the group, "claim[ed] that liberals who talk about 'women's health' or 'reproductive health' are always and forever referring to abortion," Marcotte writes. However, she points out that "97 percent of Planned Parenthood's services are not abortion" and that -- because federal money cannot be used to fund most abortions -- attacks against the organization "are, by definition, largely attacks on non-abortion services," such as contraception and cancer screenings. She adds, "In fact, the group prevents over 200,000 abortions a year" through family planning services "and could do much more if the right quit attacking [it] for fulfilling [its] actual mission: dispensing routine gynecological care at a reasonable price" (Marcotte, "XX Factor," Slate, 5/6).

Although FDA last week lowered the age limit on nonprescription sales of Plan B One-Step to 15, the requirement that consumers display photo ID to purchase it continues to be an unnecessary barrier to access, according to a statement released on Friday by the Guttmacher Institute, UPI reports.

Photo ID Requirement Creates Roadblocks to Plan B Access, Guttmacher Cautions

May 6, 2013 —Although FDA last week lowered the age limit on nonprescription sales of Plan B One-Step to 15, the requirement that consumers display photo ID to purchase it continues to be an unnecessary barrier to access, according to a statement released on Friday by the Guttmacher Institute, UPI reports.

Guttmacher officials said requiring stores to require proof of age to sell the emergency contraceptive will "ensnare older teens and even women in their 20s" and "also ignores the reality that even many older adolescents, let alone 15-year-olds, do not have driver's licenses or other government-issued forms of photo ID and would be unable to meet this requirement."

The statement also cited Guttmacher research showing that while very few young adolescent girls have had sex, 8.6% of female teens are sexually active by age 14. In 2008, there were 10,200 pregnancies among 14-year-olds, the vast majority of which were unintended, according to the group. "Excluding this group from timely access to emergency contraception is counterproductive," Guttmacher said (UPI, 5/5).

Washington Post Columnist Argues Parents Should Be Involved in Teens' EC Decisions

"As so often happens in contemporary debate, arguments being proffered in support of allowing teenagers as young as 15 (and possibly younger) to buy the 'morning-after pill' without adult supervision are false on their premise," Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker writes.

She argues that the "pros" of EC "are obvious: Plan B, if taken within three days of unprotected sex, greatly reduces the chance of pregnancy." However, she asks, "What about the right of parents to protect their children?" According to Parker, "[E]veryone surely wishes to prevent children from having babies. But public policy should be aimed at involving, rather than marginalizing, parents."

She concludes, "Politics is the debate about the role of government in our lives. And the debate about Plan B is fundamentally about whether government or parents have ultimate authority over their children's well-being" (Parker, Washington Post, 5/3).

A new report showing that reported sexual assaults in the military increased by about 35% over the last two years led the Pentagon on Tuesday to outline a series of initiatives designed to address the problem, USA Today reports.

New Report Shows Rise in Military Sexual Assaults as Pentagon, President Obama Call for Changes

May 8, 2013 — A new report showing that reported sexual assaults in the military increased by about 35% over the last two years led the Pentagon on Tuesday to outline a series of initiatives designed to address the problem, USA Today reports (Zoroya/Brook, USA Today, 5/7).

The Pentagon report found that 3,374 sexual assaults were reported last year, up from 3,192 in 2011. The report noted that about 6% of servicewomen and 1% of servicemen in the survey who said they were sexually assaulted did not report the incidents to supervisors. Based on these figures, the report placed the real number of sexual assaults at an estimated 26,000, up from 19,300 in 2010. Additionally, the report noted that one in four service members who were sexually assaulted and received medical care declined to press charges, which likely reflected the victims' fear of retribution (Cloud, Los Angeles Times, 5/7).

At a news conference, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said the military "may be nearing a stage where the frequency of this crime and the perception that there is still tolerance of it could very well undermine our ability to effectively carry out the mission and to recruit and retain the good people we need."

Latest Initiatives

Hagel outlined a series of steps intended to make commanders accountable for fostering a climate in their ranks that deters sexual assault and properly cares for victims. He also called for initiatives to reduce stigma for reporting sexual assaults, as well as enhanced prevention training and education programs for officers and new soldiers (USA Today, 5/7).

However, Hagel stopped short of endorsing a proposal that would remove authority in sexual assault cases from commanders. He said that such a move would "weaken the system."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) at a Senate hearing on Tuesday said that more military sexual assault survivors would come forward only when prosecution decisions are removed from commanders and given to unbiased attorneys. Victims are "afraid of retaliation" from their colleagues and commanders, she said, adding, "There isn't a climate by which they can receive justice in this system" (Barnes, Wall Street Journal, 5/7).

Obama Calls for 'No Tolerance' Approach

President Obama on Tuesday reacted to the new figures by calling for a "no tolerance" approach to sexual crimes in the military. He also pledged to crack down on commanders who ignored the issue, saying he had spoken to Hagel and ordered that officers "up and down the food chain" get the message (Los Angeles Times, 5/7).

"I don't want just more speeches or ... awareness programs or training, but ultimately folks look the other way," Obama said. He added, "We find out somebody's engaging in this stuff, they've got to be held accountable; prosecuted, stripped of their positions, court-martialed, fired, dishonorably discharged. Period. It's not acceptable" (Epstein, Politico, 5/7).

A federal judge on Tuesday lambasted the Obama administration for appealing his ruling that ordered FDA to make emergency contraception available without age or point-of-sale restrictions, the New York Times' "The Caucus" reports.

Judge Chastises Obama Administration Over Emergency Contraception Appeal; Wash. Post Columnist Weighs In

May 8, 2013 — A federal judge on Tuesday lambasted the Obama administration for appealing his ruling that ordered FDA to make emergency contraception available without age or point-of-sale restrictions, the New York Times' "The Caucus" reports (Shear, "The Caucus," New York Times, 5/7).

Last week, the Department of Justice announced an appeal of U.S. District Judge Edward Korman's April 5 ruling and requested a stay on his court order pending results of the appeal. DOJ argued that a stay is needed "to prevent public uncertainty" about the status of EC availability during the appeal process (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/7).

Separately, FDA last Tuesday approved over-the-counter sales of the EC product Plan B One-Step to people ages 15 and older with proof of age (Women's Health Policy Report, 5/1).

Tuesday's Hearing

At the hearing, Korman called FDA's decision to lower the age limit on Plan B One-Step an attempt to "sugarcoat" the appeal in the EC case. He suggested that the appeal could have dire consequences for young women ("The Caucus," New York Times, 5/7).

Korman specifically criticized the proof-of-age requirement, arguing that DOJ is "making an intellectually dishonest argument," given that it wants consumers to show ID to buy the drugs, but the Obama administration opposes voter ID laws. "You're using these 11- and 12-year-olds to place an undue burden on women's ability to access emergency contraception. If it's an impediment to voting, it's an impediment to get the drug," Korman said (Carmon, Salon, 5/7).

The requirement places an "impossible burden" on groups that are less likely to have IDs, the judge said. "The poor, the young and African-Americans are going to be put in the position of not having access to this drug," Korman said, asking, "Is that the policy of the Obama administration?"

Korman also chastised the government for continuing to draw out the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Franklin Amanat acknowledged that "the court has been frustrated with the pace," but added, "Sometime[s] the people are better served when the government acts deliberately and incrementally" (Hays, AP/KSPR, 5/7).

Korman said he would rule on DOJ's request for a stay by Thursday evening. According to Salon, he is expected to deny the request but defer the stay's enforcement while the case is appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (Salon, 5/7).

Obama Administration 'Got it Wrong' on EC Decisions, Washington Post Columnist Says

The Obama "administration got it wrong both times" when it continued restrictions on Plan B One-Step access and decided to appeal Korman's ruling in the court case, Washington Post columnist Ruth Marcus writes. She argues that the "age-15 limit sounds more sensible than it is." Any concern about Plan B use by 11-year-olds "is a red herring," as most girls "aren't menstruating" or sexually active at that age, Marcus notes.

"The price of stopping the imaginary 11-year-old from taking Plan B is preventing the actual 14- or 15-year-old from obtaining it," since most teens that age do not have IDs, she writes.

Marcus also contends that the administration should have accepted Korman's initial ruling. "Generally, we don't want judges telling agencies what drugs to approve," but judicial intervention is warranted when an agency behaves "arbitrarily and capriciously, as FDA has done," she argues.

"[T]his debate isn't about the government coming between parents and children, or society condoning teen sex," she writes, concluding, "It's about preventing teen pregnancy" (Marcus, Washington Post, 5/7).

The North Carolina House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday passed a bill (HB 693) that would require minors to obtain notarized parental consent to receive treatment for various reproductive and mental health services, the Huffington Post reports.

N.C. Comm. Approves Parental Consent for Birth Control, STI Treatment

May 9, 2013 — The North Carolina House Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday passed a bill (HB 693) that would require minors to obtain notarized parental consent to receive treatment for various reproductive and mental health services, the Huffington Post reports (Basset, Huffington Post, 5/7). The bill now proceeds to the full House.

Under the bill, minors who are not accompanied by a parent or guardian who can give consent would have to present written permission to obtain birth control or receive care for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, substance abuse and mental illness.

The bill would allow exceptions in medical emergencies, if a minor obtained a judicial waiver from the consent requirement or if the requirement is prohibited under federal health funding regulations, according to the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

If passed, the bill would make North Carolina the first state to require parental consent for STI services (Kardish, AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/7).

Opposition From Experts

Doctors and health advocates who testified against the bill said it would discourage teens from seeking treatment for STIs and mental health issues.

"Here's the bottom line: Everybody wants teenagers to talk to their parents, but public policy is not based on ideal families," said Paige Johnson, vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood of Central North Carolina. She added that teens who cannot talk to their parents because of abuse in the home or other reasons "need to be able to access professional care" (Huffington Post, 5/7).

The North Carolina House on Tuesday approved a bill (HB 716) that would prohibit physicians from performing an abortion if they have "knowledge, or an objective reason to know" that the sex of the fetus is a "significant factor" in the woman's request for the procedure, the AP/Charlotte Observer reports.

N.C. House Passes Ban on Abortions Based on Sex of the Fetus

May 9, 2013 — The North Carolina House on Tuesday approved a bill (HB 716) that would prohibit physicians from performing an abortion if they have "knowledge, or an objective reason to know" that the sex of the fetus is a "significant factor" in the woman's request for the procedure, the AP/Charlotte Observer reports. The bill now heads to the Senate.

The bill would permit women or their relatives to sue physicians for damages for violating the ban. Physicians found to violate the requirement also could face fines. Under an approved floor amendment, physicians would not have a duty to ask a woman if she is seeking an abortion because of the sex of the fetus.

The bill's sponsor, state Rep. Pat McElraft (R), claimed that abortion is being used for sex selection in the U.S. The bill's sponsors did not provide specific evidence that the practice occurs in North Carolina, the AP/Observer reports.

Several House Democrats argued that the bill could encourage ethnic discrimination and racial profiling. State Rep. Alma Adams (D) said doctors might be reluctant to perform abortions because of the requirements. "We are putting doctors in a position now questioning the motives of these women," she said, adding, "I don't believe doctors would be willing to take that kind of risk" (Robertson, AP/Charlotte Observer, 5/7).

The Missouri Senate on Monday passed a bill (HB 400) that would require a physician to be physically present when abortion-inducing drugs are administered, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Mo. Senate Approves Bill Requiring Doctor's Presence During Medication Abortions

May 9, 2013 — The Missouri Senate on Monday passed a bill (HB 400) that would require a physician to be physically present when abortion-inducing drugs are administered, the AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. The bill now returns to the House.

Normally, a woman takes the first drug used for a medication abortion during her visit with the clinician and takes the second drug at home 24 to 48 hours later.

The bill also would require a physician or someone acting on his or her behalf to make a reasonable effort to ensure the woman comes back for a follow-up appointment, unless it has been confirmed that she is no longer pregnant (AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 5/7).