------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Save our Access to Birth Control! The White House is being pressured by the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops and anti-birth control groups to block access to coverage for millions of women. HHS mandated coverage of all FDA-approved methods of contraception without copays and the latest HHS regulations include a narrow exemption for religious institutions that predominantly employ people of the same faith. But that's not good enough for the bishops. Despite the fact that 98% of Catholic women use birth control, the bishops are pushing for even broader exemptions that could allow hospitals, universities, or any religious-affiliated nonprofit or service organization to block coverage.
Take Action NOW! | Bishops Controlling Women's Health HHS Secretary Sebelius Defies FDA and Rules AGAINST Emergency Contraception
Allowing politics to trump science, Secretary Sebelius overruled the FDA's recommendation to make E.C. available to all women over-the-counter. TAKE ACTION! Contact Sebelius NOW | Contact Obama NOW | Sign the Petition! Sample Message: I am extremely disappointed with your decision to ignore the scientific data and prevent over-the-counter access to Plan B - especially in an administration that has been adamant about using rational and scientifically sound research to inform decision-making. Effective use of Plan B requires timely access, and making it more readily available to young women is imperative in preventing unwanted pregnancy and its complications. Is this the best we can expect from a "pro-choice" administration? We need to do better for the women and girls of this country.
*If you can, add your own story about why Plan B is important to you.
Expanding Availability of Morning After Pill is Denied
Secretary Sebelius's Astounding Move
Bloomberg Criticizes Decision ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get Involved: Take Action NOW! House Passess "Let Women Die" Act
The House has passed an extreme anti-choice bill, H.R. 358, which would make it legal for a hospital to let a woman die in their E.R. rather than secure them a life-saving abortion. The bill The bill - co-sponsored by one of our own (Michael Grimm, SI/Bklyn) - also seeks to block preventive care coverage that was recently approved by HHS to be included in health care reform, attempts to ban all insurance coverage for abortion, and vastly expand conscience clause protections for anti-choice health and hospital workers. Let's make sure we put the brakes on this purely anti-woman bill.
Learn more and Take Action! | Read our newsletter exclusive: Letting Women Die? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Healthcare Reform & Women's HealthBig Win for Women: No More Co-Pays for Birth Control!
The U.S. Dept. of Health will make critical services for women available without co-pays including contraception, breastfeeding support, and expanded screening for STI's, gestational diabetes, and domestic violence. However, right-wing, anti-birth control extremists are calling for the rules to be rescinded.
NOW-NYC Press Release | Talk Back: Why We Need Coverage for Birth Control -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reproductive News & UpdatesGood news: Mississippi Personhood Amendment Fails but...
Still Persecution in Pregnancy | Self-Abortion a Crime
What Healthcare Reform Means for Women
The bill has its advantages in regards to providing women with better access to contraception and reproductive health care and the elimination of the "pre-exisiting condition"; however, does not favor abortion services.
How Healthcare Reform Benefits Women | How Healthcare Reform Limits Access to Abortion
Some Good News: Recent Victories for the Pro-Choice Movement
Despite the anti-choice legislation sweeping the country, there are still strong voices standing up for women's health. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Grimm Reality One of our very own, Congressman Michael Grimm (SI/Bklyn), wants to de-fund Planned Parenthood, which would result in the loss of access to vital healthcare like screenings for cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes, and contraception for millions of women.
He has signed on as a co-sponsor of The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3), an extreme anti-choice bill that will deny women insurance coverage for abortion. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Stand Up and Say: My Health Matters!Help fight against anti-woman and anti-choice proposals in Congress that would deny essential health care like cancer screenings, STI testing, and contraception to millions of women. Join the campaign to save women's health and protect choice.
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Pass the Reproductive Health Act in New York StateHelp pass the NYS Reproductive Health Act
Serious restrictions on abortion are being passed by States across the country. By passing the Reproductive Health Act in New York State we protect the rights of women and their families to make the best choices for their health and lives. Update: The RHA passes in the Health Assembly! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Keep Our Local Clinics Accessible
Learn About False Advertising, Crisis Pregnancy Centers
If you think you may be pregnant, don't be fooled by fake clinics! Defend Abortion Clinics & Be a Clinic Escort
Stand up against protesters that are trying to intimidate women outside of local women's health clinics around the city by escorting them inside and giving them support. Thank the NYC Council for Passing a Disclosure Law for Crisis Pregnancy Centers.
Crisis Pregnancy Centers across the city are misleading and lying to women, hindering their health and lives with anti-choice propaganda. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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