The Constitutional Right to Privacy

From the New Yorker Online: Since Ronald Reagan, Republican Presidents (and Presidential nominees) have been committed to overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court’s abortion-rights landmark from 1973. But as the debates last weekend in New Hampshire suggested, the G.O.P. appears to have taken a more extreme step in terms of rolling back the Constitutional right to privacy... Read the full article here.

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The "right to privacy," "unenumerated rights," and similar terms have become so associated with the right to obtain an abortion that many members of the GOP have begun to have a knee-jerk opposition to these rights and precedents.

But unenumerated rights, including a right to privacy, secure much more than the right to obtain an abortion. They secure the right to vote, to control the upbringing of one's children (by sending them to religious school or schools that teach foreign languages, for instance), the right to use contraception, and the right of consenting adults to engage in sexual activity.

It's one thing to sincerely believe that abortion is murder, but it is another thing entirely to reject constitutional protection of this entire list of freedoms.

-- Gowri Ramachandran, Constitutional Law Professor

A Woman’s Choice – The Road to the White House

by Nicole Carcel, NWPC LA Westside Board Member

President Barack Obama released a statement on Sunday, January 22, 2012, reaffirming his commitment to protect a woman's right to choose.

His moving statement was delivered on the 39th anniversary of the landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court on the issue of abortion, Roe v. Wade.

“As we mark the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we must remember that this Supreme Court decision not only protects a woman’s health and reproductive freedom, but also affirms a broader principle: that government should not intrude on private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and this fundamental constitutional right. While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue -- no matter what our views, we must stay united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, support pregnant woman and mothers, reduce the need for abortion, encourage healthy relationships, and promote adoption. And as we remember this historic anniversary, we must also continue our efforts to ensure that our daughters have the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities as our sons to fulfill their dreams” 

    –President Barack Obama

2012 will undoubtedly be one of the most watched political years in our nation’s history.  As we look to the future it is imperative that we choose a leader who believes in equality, period.

In my opinion there is a clear champion in the 2012 Presidential Election.  Here are a few facts and statements about two of our Presidential hopefuls:

Current President and Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, has proven time and again he stands with NWPC on a woman's right to choose.  

Within the first ninety days in Office, President Barack Obama released a statement restating support for Roe v. Wade decision that allowed virtually unlimited abortions and has resulted in at least 50 million abortions since 1973.  He also implemented funding for pro-abortion groups that either promote or perform abortions in other nations. As a result a decision to overturn Mexico City Policy sends part of $457 million to pro-abortion organizations.  Additionally he nominated pro-abortion Kathleen Sebelius to become Secretary of Health and Human Services.  Kathleen Sebelius has been instrumental on health care reform and protecting a woman's right to choose.  Watch YouTube Clip.

Barack Obama has demonstrated that a woman’s right to choose is a freedom that every woman should be granted.  During his first year he appointed appeals court judge Sonia Sonotmayor as a Supreme Court nominee. Sotomayor agrees that the courts should make policy, such as the Roe v. Wade case. Sotomayor was later opposed by pro-life groups and supported by pro-abortion groups and those who know her say she will support abortion on the high court.  He also signed a bill that overturned the 13-year-long ban on funding abortions with tax dollars in the nation’s capital.

In 2010 he signed the pro-abortion health care bill into law that contains massive abortion funding, no conscience protections and rationing.  In the same year, Obama named pro-abortion activist Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court; she is strongly opposed by pro-life groups.

In 2011 he refused Speaker John Boehner’s request to cut taxpayer funding to the Planned Parenthood abortion business.  Most recently, Barack Obama forced insurance companies to pay for abortion drugs under Obamacare.

While Barack Obama supports pro-choice, his Presidential opponents support pro-life. Rick Santorum, a 2012 Republican Presidential candidate, caused quite a stir on Piers Morgan Tonight when he inferred that rape victims should accept their babies as gifts from God.  During the interview, the most socially conservative hopeful remained steadfast in his opposition to abortion, even in cases where rape is involved.

Morgan pressed Santorum on the issue and asked how the right-wing candidate would feel if his daughter came to him begging for an abortion after being raped. Santorum said, “I think the right approach is to accept this horribly created — in the sense of rape — but nevertheless a gift in a very broken way, the gift of human life, and accept what God has given to you.” He added that rape victims ought to “make the best of a bad situation.”

I don’t know about you but this is not what I want in the White House.

39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade - "March" online

"March" online with the Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign, MoveOn, and over 70 other groups to let legislators know that reproductive health, reproductive justice and reproductive rights are at the top of our agenda, and should be at the top of theirs.

To celebrate the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade NWPC joined with 50 other organizations nationwide for the first-ever Trust Women Week.

Let Gov. Jerry Brown and California legislators know that you believe in a woman’s right to make personal and private reproductive health decisions, and they should be too!

Thousands of Americans have already signed up for the online march.

Just a few short years ago Dr. Sophia Yen, a women's health activist and pediatrician, asked President Barack Obama (at that time running for Senator of Illinois) where he stood on reproductive rights. To that question, he responded, “I trust women. Period." 

From this answer stemmed a campaign for reproductive health, rights, and justice. Founder, Dr. Yen, states, "I wanted to show that this country believes that abortion is a private issue and that we as a nation trust women to make reproductive health decisions."

The main goals of the Silver Ribbon Campaign are:

• Support reproductive rights
• Support free access to birth control.
• Support keeping abortion legal and accessible.

Dr. Yen named this movement the Silver Ribbon Campaign. Why silver? “Silver symbolizes science over ideology. Silver is clean and sharp, and as an M.D. silver is the color of medicine,” she says. The Trust Women/Silver Ribbon Campaign is a coalition of 42 national and local organizations that believe in trusting women to protect reproductive rights. 

The NWPC supports this campaign as they work to provide access to abortion across the country. Although we celebrate nearly 40 years of legalized abortions, 89% of counties nationwide have no abortion provider. 

Join us in supporting reproductive rights and trusting women to do so!

Board Member Spotlight: Serena Josel

Serena Josel serves as the Director of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and Deputy Director of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County—a 501(c)4 advocacy organization that works to elect candidates and enact public policies that protect sexual health care and education.

Since joining Planned Parenthood in 2005, Serena has worked to defeat anti-choice ballot measures and elect champions of women’s health in several states, including California, Alaska, Virginia, and Mississippi.

Serena's commitment to reproductive freedom began in college when she interned at NARAL Pro-Choice New York, helping to pass the Women’s Health & Wellness Act and elect Senator Hillary Clinton.

Originally from New York, Serena graduated cum laude from New York University with a B.A. in Politics.  In 2010 she joined the Board of the National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) L.A. Westside chapter and currently serves as the organization’s PAC Chair.

Why VOTE?

Why it matters that mothers be engaged in the political process.
By Robyn Ritter Simon

So you think the local Water Board’s decisions don’t affect you?  Or how about the local planning commission that votes on everything built in your communities?  From Water Boards, to Pension Commissions, to Community College Trustees; from State and Federal Judges to Congressional Committees and the Supreme Court decisions, every outcome of these governing bodies impacts our lives.  So how come so few get involved and cast a vote on Election Day?

If I had the answer to this question, I’d be one sought after woman.

In March 2009, the year I ran for Los Angeles City Council (D-5), with close to 1.6 million eligible voters, only 17 % went to the polls to exercise their voice. What a shame. Countries worldwide are fighting to have their voices heard, even dying for the right.  And many women are still denied the right to vote, yet here in America so many have adopted the “what does it matter who gets elected” attitude.

Here’s just a sampling of countries denying women an opportunity to elect their leaders:
Brunei and Saudi Arabia do not allow women to vote at all. Lebanon requires proof of education for women to vote. United Arab Emirates has limited voting for women and the state of Vatican City does not allow women to vote.

Harrison, Brandon & Spencer Simon

As an engaged civic participant, and a mother raising three teenage sons, it matters a great deal that we weigh in.  All of it from water, to planning, to school board trustees to judges. The decisions made at each level of government shape the policies that we will live with and many directly impact services and choices for women.  From health care to jobs to schools, we should not sit idle and let others make the decisions about our lives and futures.

The greatest power we have as mothers and women is to lead by example. We must teach our children the importance of voting and participating.  You have the power as a mom to show your children why it matters.

My sons have grown up in a political household.  From countless “meet & greets” for candidates to fundraisers for causes and people we support, to housing my own political campaign in our family dining room, my sons have witnessed what it takes to be an active participant in the political decision making process.  Whether they pursue careers in politics is not the point. The point is: they will know the value of voting, of being engaged and of making a difference in their communities.

I have never taken my responsibility of an involved community member or my parenting role lightly; in fact it is what defines me.  I care deeply and sometimes too passionately about causes and about electing people who mirror me and my political leanings.  I have gone out of my way to ensure that not just my sons, but all their friends too understand the responsibility we have as Americans to get involved.

Motherhood is all about raising healthy, responsible children. But it also about preparing your children to grow into civically-minded and active adults.  We need to do our job as parents so that when they reach the voting age, they will be a conscious and proud voter -- a person who recognizes how important it is to get to the polls and make their voices heard.

---
Robyn Ritter Simon is a former candidate for Los Angeles City Council; a former Los Angeles City Planning Commissioner; a current Board member on the Los Angeles City College Foundation Board; a Board member on the National Women’s Political Caucus, LA Westside; and a devoted mother to three sons.

Obama Administration Approves Rule That Guarantees Near-Universal Contraceptive Coverage

Today, in a huge victory for women’s health, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that most employers will be required to cover contraception in their health plans, along with other preventative services, with no cost-sharing such as co-pays or deductibles. This means that after years of trying to get birth control covered to the same extent that health plans cover Viagra, our country will finally have nearly universal coverage of contraception.

Opponents of contraception had lobbied hard for a broad exemption that would have allowed any religiously-affiliated employer to opt out of providing such coverage. Fortunately, the Obama administration rejected that push and decided to maintain the narrow religious exemption that it initially proposed. Only houses of worship and other religious nonprofits that primarily employ and serve people of the same faith will be exempt. Religiously-affiliated employers who do not qualify for the exemption and are not currently offering contraceptive coverage may apply for transitional relief for a one-year period to give them time to determine how to comply with the rule.

Twenty-eight states already require employers, including most religiously affiliated institutions, to cover contraception in their health plans. The only change is that now they must cover the full cost.

Family planning results in better health outcomes for women and their children—a woman who has a planned pregnancy is more likely to be in better health when she gets pregnant and more likely to seek prenatal care, and children who are born at least two years apart are healthier. Family planning is also the most effective tool we have in reducing unintended pregnancy and the need for abortion.

An expanded religious exemption would have created an unreasonably large loophole that would have kept these benefits beyond the reach of millions of women. This decision honors the conscience of these women over that of the institutions that employ them and ensures that cost will no longer be a barrier to accessing basic and essential preventive health services.

NWPC CA Release

NARAL's take on Obama Administration Release

Board Member Spotlight: Stephanie Molen

Stephanie Molen is an activist whose passions include working toward a world without violence, protecting and preserving the earth, and civil rights.



Stephanie graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in Music, voice emphasis and now sings English Madrigals with Bridget's Daughters. She has worked in the anti-violence movement since 2000 and has been a State Certified Rape Crisis advocate since 2003. Currently, Stephanie is an active advocate with the Valley Trauma Center in Van Nuys California. She is also a board member for the San Fernando Valley Young democrats, and the Los Angeles Leauge of Conservation Voters. 



Stephanie's background also includes experience in environmental politics. She started co-directing the field canvass outreach program for the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) in December of 2004. Stephanie worked for Senator Ted Lieu when he was in the Assemblymember in the 53rd AD and for Senator Fran Pavley in the 23rd SD as Senior Field Representative. Stephanie also served as Assemblymember Betsy Butler's District Director in the 53rd AD.



Stephanie joined the State Board of the National Women Political Caucus in 2009 and currently is on the West LA Board as Director of Operations.

Maggie Gyllenhaal on Planned Parenthood: "We Have to Fight for What We Believe In"

Actress Maggie Gyllenhaal says attacks on Planned Parenthood are attacks on women's health.

Maggie Gyllenhaal on Planned Parenthood: "We Have to Fight for What We Believe In"
by Maggie Gyllenhaal

My mother was very politically active and taught both my brother and me that it is everyone's responsibility as a citizen and as a person in the world to fight for what you believe in. And what I believe very strongly is that every woman has the right to decide what she can do with her body.
That seems like a no-brainer to me, but it's not to some politicians; they're working to restrict women's access to reproductive health services—things like cancer screenings, birth control and abortion care. With jobs bills waiting on legislative calendars, the unemployment rate at a crisis level and many Americans losing their homes, I find it incredibly frustrating that we're being forced to spend so much time and energy (and, yes, money) defending something as basic as self-determination.

The assaults on women's health care have been fast and furious. Over 80 abortion restrictions were enacted in 2011—more than double the previous record, in 2005. But it's not just abortion that's under fire. Texas governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry dramatically cut funding that would have provided many low-income women with cervical cancer screenings, birth control and STD prevention and treatment. Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey slashed $7.5 million from his state's budget meant for family planning centers that provide birth control and Pap tests. And there are dozens more examples all over the country. (You can visit Planned Parenthood Action Fund's womenarewatching.org to see where some 2012 candidates stand on these issues.)

Many of these attacks are designed to shut down one provider: Planned Parenthood, the only health care provider to have been targeted by name in recent federal legislation. Restricting access to the services Planned Parenthood provides would affect millions of women—one in five American women turns to a Planned Parenthood health center at some point in her life. And more than 90 percent of these centers' services are in preventive care; 3 percent are in abortion care.

I find these restrictions dismaying because they disproportionately target women with lower incomes. Wealthy women will always be able to access the health care they need. Planned Parenthood is there for every woman. This is an organization that works in communities to provide high-quality care like cervical cancer screenings, breast exams, HIV tests and birth control—often to women who would otherwise go without. It is the place you call if you are 16 and don't know whom to ask about birth control. It's the website that has answers in the middle of the night. It's the health care resource that offers compassion and respect to women at times when they are incredibly vulnerable and afraid.
I've been a Planned Parenthood supporter my whole life—since my mom took me to a rally when I was in sixth grade. It's chilling to think of this resource being taken away. I have a five-year-old daughter, and I'm pregnant with my second child. I know when my children are older, I will be taking them to events like the one I went to with my mom. I hope we'll be celebrating our freedoms and rights, not fighting for them once again as we are now.

Oscar-nominated Maggie Gyllenhaal stars in next month's Won't Back Down.

Read More http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2012/01/maggie-gyllenhaal-on-planned-parenthood-we-have-to-fight-for-what-we-believe-in#ixzz1jDKcoFj8