Texas Issued New Abortion Guidance for Doctors. Questions Remain.

A group of Texas women denied life-saving healthcare during their wanted pregnancies are feeling “cautiously optimistic” and “hopeful” after meeting with state legislators and urging changes to an abortion-related bill currently working its way through the legislature.

These women have been telling their devastating stories of life and loss for years. So why are they just starting to break through and spur legislative action from Republican lawmakers now?

“You have to keep repeating it. And so as painful as it is for me to relive those days and to relive my story, I will continue to do it for my daughter.”

Medicaid Insures Half of U.S. Children. ‘Pro-Life’ Republicans Are Trying to Cut the Entire Program.

Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts would strip healthcare from millions, including half of U.S. children, one in five Americans, and 40 percent of all pregnant women.

With so much at stake for America’s women and families, representatives in Congress should be working to strengthen and expand Medicaid and the coverage it provides, rather than decimate a program that touches the lives of over two-thirds of this country. The fact that these cuts are even proposed, let alone have passed, is a sign that we are in an unprecedented moment of extremism.

Trump Administration Actions Are Sparking Nationwide Protests. Here’s How to Join the Next One.

Less than a month into Trump’s second term, tens of thousands across the country have taken to the streets to protest his administration’s anti-democratic policies. From major cities to small towns, demonstrators are rallying against mass layoffs in government watchdog agencies, the implementation of Project 2025, and pardons for Jan. 6 participants. The protests, largely organized by the grassroots group 50501, began on Reddit and have rapidly gained momentum, with more marches planned in the coming weeks. Here’s how you can get involved.

Pa. Court to Hear Arguments *Feb. 5* on State Ban on Medicaid Coverage for Abortion and Equal Rights Amendment

In January 2024, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that abortion providers can challenge the Pennsylvania’s Medicaid coverage exclusion on abortion for violating the state’s Equal Rights Amendment and Non-Discrimination Clause of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, lawyers for Pennsylvania’s freestanding abortion clinics will argue before the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court that the ban discriminates on the basis of sex in violation of these constitutional provisions.

The case is the first Pennsylvania state court proceeding challenging an abortion restriction since the state Supreme Court restored the Pennsylvania Equal Rights Amendment last year.

For the First Time in History, Women Will Have Serious Philanthropic Power. Will They Choose to Use It?

Women are at a historic moment financially. In 2020, McKinsey reported that by 2030, $30 trillion of assets would be passed down into the hands of women—called “The Great Wealth Transfer.” For the first time in history, women will have a serious seat as a cohort to make financial decisions and donations.

As wealth and power increasingly grow in the hands of a few, it is clear how the world of philanthropy has been overwhelmingly shaped and guided by men. However, with today’s pressing global challenges—from economic inequality to climate change—if women philanthropists don’t step up now, when will they? It’s time for women to not just participate, but to lead with bold, transformative giving.

Nasrin Sotoudeh Speaks Out: Husband Reza Khandan Sits in Evin Prison for Supporting Women’s Freedom in Iran

Amid Iran’s oppressive crackdown on dissent, activist and artist Reza Khandan, husband of human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, faces brutal imprisonment for championing women’s rights and freedom of choice.

On Dec. 20, Reza called from Evin Prison to leave this message with a surprisingly strong voice: “I continue to stay true to my pledge of defending women and human rights. I continue to oppose the heavy and unjust sentences given to my wife and the difficult circumstances brought on my children, whose grace and patience through the ordeals have given us strength and peace of mind. I wish you a happy Yalda [Winter Solstice] and hope for better days.”

Free Screening: World War I Documentary ‘The Hello Girls’ Introduces the First Women Allowed to Serve in the U.S. Military

In honor of Veterans Day (celebrated each year on Nov. 11), the nonprofit organization Foundation for Women Warriors is set to host a screening of the powerful documentary The Hello Girls on Nov. 6, 2024. This screening aims to shed light on the extraordinary stories of women who broke barriers and paved the way for women’s role in the military.

The documentary tells the inspiring tale of 223 women who answered President Woodrow Wilson’s call to serve their country during World War I. The Nov. 6 event will feature a screening of the documentary, followed by a panel discussion with experts on women’s history and feminism. Attendees will gain insights on the Hello Girls’ experiences and their enduring impact on society.

Give the Gift of Ms. Magazine to Women in Prison and Domestic Violence Shelters

We send Ms. to 5,547 federal, state and county prisoners, and hundreds of shelters across the country. That’s a fraction of the total, but it’s a number we’re very proud of and hope to keep growing. Over the 19 years since this program’s birth, we’ve discovered that even this small gesture of recognition, support and information means a lot.

For Three Decades, ‘Remember My Name’ Has Memorialized Those Lost to Domestic Violence

Created in 1994 in partnership with the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) and Ms. magazine, the “Remember My Name” project continues to raise awareness of individuals who have died from domestic violence.

We owe it to those who have died because of domestic violence, to every survivor, and every person actively planning for their safety, to do better. As we near the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and reflect on the 30 years since “Remember My Name” launched, we remember the people who have died because of domestic violence by saying their names. Loudly. Often. We need people to hear their stories, demand better tracking and reporting at all levels to fully understand this crisis, and work towards a day where we can stop adding names to the list.