Women are the last remaining voting majority who are treated like a splinter group. It will stay that way until we stand up for ourselves, together, and demand power.
The Democrats drove us away from the polls in 2010, and they're getting ready to do it again. It's okay, though. They need to focus on creating jobs. We don't want to disturb them with anything controversial.
The Republicans don't care whether or not we experience regret after our abortions. They want to pump up the fanatic religious extremists who they hope will give them control of the Senate and the White House in 2012.
The pediatricians, gynecologists, and adolescent medicine doctors deplore the decision yesterday by the secretary of Health and Human Services to override:
"An evidence-based decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve an application for over-the-counter access without age restriction to the emergency contraception (EC) product Plan B One-Step.This move defies the strong data that EC is safe and effective for all females of reproductive age. As advocates for the health and well-being of all young people, the AAP recommends that adolescents postpone sexual activity until they are fully ready for the emotional, physical, and financial consequences of sex," said Robert Block, MD, FAAP, American Academy of Pediatrics president.
"However, as physicians who care for our nation's children, it is our responsibility to protect the health of our teenage patients, and an unintended pregnancy can have significant implications for adolescents' physical and emotional health."
Presumably Sec. Sebelius was following orders from her boss, already jittery because the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is offended that HHS has had the temerity to acknowledge that contraception is a preventive medical service, and should be covered without additional co-payments just like pap smears.
You can join lots of important efforts to call the White House or sign petitions, including sites for NARAL, the National Women's Health Network, and the Feminist Majority.
Maybe, also, we can snatch some tactics from AIDS activists. Maybe we need to start bird-dogging policy-makers who have difficulty living up to their promises. And working in communities where people don't have jobs are being convinced to turn their anger against women who don't have rights.
Follow Ellen R. Shaffer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ershaffer
David Katz, M.D.: How About Plan 'D, For Data' For Plan B?
If, I am correct. Would you please consider voting for him to be our next President.
I believe,that he is the candidate with the most potiental to turn this country around, so that this kind off Federal control stops.
http://www.salon.com/2011/12/08/obamas_phony_paternalism/
Kathleen Sebelius' lame excuse was that an 11 year old may not understand these instructions:
"Take the first tablet as soon as possible within 72 hours of unprotected sex. The sooner you take the first tablet, the more effective Plan B will be. Take the second tablet 12 hours later."
If this is too complicated to understand, just how is that young girl going to manage mixing baby formula for her unplanned infant, or worse yet, give that baby medicine without overdosing it???
I want President Obama to know how absolutely furious I am about his support of Kathleen Sebelius' decision about Plan B, although the decision likely came directly from him. How obvious is that, since his meeting with the Catholic bishops in November, eh? But I just can't understand why he would appease, yes, I said appease, the Religious White with this unscientific decision, when there is no way any of them will vote for him or donate to him. They will run their ugly attack ads no matter what. His loyal supporters were kicked in the gut for no apparent reason, and against all reason.
His campaign war chest is sufficient that he no longer needs contributions from the millions of ProChoice women who donated and voted for him in 2008. We'll still vote for him. We know we can't stay home on election day.
...and there you have it.