Arizona Repeals Extreme Abortion Ban From 1864

PUBLISHED 2/12/2024 by

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled to let a law banning almost all abortions in the state go into effect. The justices ordered the state to wait 14 days before beginning to enforce the ban, to give advocates time to ask a lower court to pause it again.

Voters may be able to weigh in on the issue this November: Last week, Arizona for Abortion Access, a coalition of abortion rights organizations, announced it had gathered enough signatures for a ballot measure that would ask voters to enshrine abortion rights in the state’s Constitution.

The Three Genders, Per One GOP Super PAC: ‘Male,’ ‘Working Woman’ and ‘Homemaker’

PUBLISHED 2/12/2024 by

How many genders are there, according to one GOP Super PAC? Three: “Male,” “working woman” and “homemaker.” Those are the categories given in a survey sent out to Montanans on behalf of the super PAC More Jobs, Less Government, which is supporting Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy.

It could more broadly speak to how antiquated views of women’s roles persist in parts of the Republican electorate. 

Embracing a ‘Soft Life’: Redefining Strength and Identity for Black Women

PUBLISHED 2/10/2024 by

As enticing as the idea of the “strong Black woman” sounds, this myth of fierceness, fearlessness and resilience doesn’t hold up under the weight of the racism and sexism Black women face in trying to thrive daily. 

Enter the “soft life.” Soft life intentionally pursues an easy and peaceful life. A soft life is a lifestyle of comfort and relaxation with minimal challenges and stress. Black women rarely get to experience that and often are expected to be the backbone of their families. The ultimate goal is to thrive and enjoy life without having to endure hardships, pain or burdens. 

Taylor Swift Is a Threat to the Right—and So Is Travis Kelce

PUBLISHED 2/9/2024 by

The right is worried about Taylor Swift—and they are right to be. Her influence on millions of young women is legendary, and the way she chooses to wield this influence could make a difference in a close presidential election this November, not to mention electoral battles in years to come.

But there’s another reason MAGA should fear Swift’s cultural power in this volatile political moment. It has to do with Kelce, and the impact he could possibly have on young men.

Travis Kelce, especially if he votes Democratic, profoundly disrupts the right-wing appeal to (white) male identity.

Weekend Reading on Women’s Representation: Katie Porter’s Single Parenting and Politicking; Black Women’s Leadership in Early Primary States

PUBLISHED 2/9/2024 by

Weekend Reading for Women’s Representation is a compilation of stories about women’s representation. 

This week: Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has hired an all-women team as his senior leadership staff; the impact of gender quotas in Burundi; the state of ranked-choice voting; the power of Black women’s leadership in early primary states; and more.

Reads for the Rest of Us: The Most Anticipated Feminist Books of 2024

PUBLISHED 2/9/2024 by

Books can be a comfort in dark times. They can provide understanding and light. They provide ideas, knowledge and the bravery to speak up when others cannot and to act on their behalf. 

So I read to feel. Read and reflect. Read and take action. We all have gifts to share and strengths to utilize for others who need our help. Let books inspire you to find and develop your own power and courage to be a support through someone’s dark time. Let them relax you so you can get up and fight another day. I am looking for these 100 books to be of service to me so that I might be of service to others. I hope you’ll find some here that will do the same for you. 

So, let’s read. Read and encourage others to do so. Gift books to others. Read one and pass it on. Visit and support your local libraries. But please read. Read as though your life (or someone else’s) depends on it. Because it just might.   

Project 2025: The Right’s Dystopian Plan to Dismantle Civil Rights and What It Means for Women

PUBLISHED 2/8/2024 by

Wealthy right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation has published a detailed plan for the next Republican president to use the executive branch of the federal government to attack the rights of women, LGBTQ people and the BIPOC community, by eliminating the agencies and offices responsible for enforcing civil rights laws and placing trained right-wing ideologues in staff positions throughout the federal government. 

To develop this plan, the Heritage Foundation organized a broad coalition of over 90 conservative organizations—a who’s-who of groups that have led attacks on reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, gender studies, the Equal Rights Amendment and #MeToo initiatives.

Abortion Provider Vows to Fight On After Extremist Sentenced to Five Years for Violent Clinic Attack

PUBLISHED 2/8/2024 by

On Monday, Feb. 5, anti-abortion extremist Philip Buyno was sentenced to five years in prison for attacking the site of Affirmative Care Solutions (ACS), an abortion clinic planning to open in Danville, Illinois.

ACS owner and director, LaDonna Prince purchased the Illinois property last spring to open a new comprehensive reproductive healthcare facility in an abortion-access state following the Dobbs decision. ““This terrorist attack was intentionally timed to prohibit us from opening our doors. It delayed our opening by at least a year, perhaps more,” she testified.

A Once-a-Week Contraceptive Pill, Without Side Effects? Yes, Mifepristone.

PUBLISHED 2/8/2024 by

Research has for decades indicated that mifepristone may be a safe and effective contraceptive, but no one has conducted a large clinical trial to produce the proof that could form the basis for government approval of the drug for this use. Until now.

Pioneering reproductive health advocate Dr. Rebecca Gomperts is now leading a clinical trial of a low dose of the abortion medication mifepristone for use as a weekly contraceptive pill. 

The U.S. Can Create True Wealth by Giving Cash to Parents Who Need It

PUBLISHED 2/8/2024 by

In 2018, we launched the Magnolia Mother’s Trust, the United States’ first modern-day guaranteed income program and the first in the world to focus solely on low-income Black mothers. 

Our goal is simple: Provide the financial capital necessary for these mothers to dream a little bigger and breathe a little easier. We can give everyone that kind of wealth. And yes, I will play on the word here—we can guarantee it. If we are willing to understand, a little financial investment can change someone’s life, and allow them the flexibility, heart, and mind to build and define true wealth—equity, delight, honor and love.