Health Care Reform Passes!

Two posts in one night... this is something new!

Four months after it passed in the Senate, the House of Representatives voted 219-212 to pass a landmark health care reform bill that will extend coverage to 30 million Americans! It includes provisions for affordable family planning and preventative care under Medicaid, greater access to reproductive care, cancer screenings, ending gender discrimination by private insurers and stopping insurers from dropping coverage due to pre-existing conditions. It's definitely something to celebrate!

It is also important to note that the Stupak abortion ban, which would have denied women coverage for abortion, even under private health insurance, was not included in the health reform bill. However, in order to secure votes from conservative Democrats like Rep. Bart Stupak, President Obama has promised to write an executive order that will reaffirm the Hyde Amendment and stop federal funding for elective abortion procedures.

Still, this is a undoubtedly a historic day for America that will hopefully bring visible change to our nation's health!

Also, check out the statement on the health care reform bill from Cecile Richards, President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

~Margaret

Awesome Newcomb Display Case/TBTN Blog

Hey guys! If you're in Newcomb over the next week, check out our amazing Vox display case! It's on the 2nd floor, next to the far entrance to the dining hall (you know, the one that's closer to the salad bar). It's bright pink so you can't miss it! Picture coming tomorrow!

Also, check out the blog for Take Back the Night, which is coming next month!

Happy Spring!

~Margaret

Spring Updates -- Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Hey Voxers! Here's what's been going on so far this semester!

-We've been discussing NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia's year-long, state-wide investigation of 52 crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) that has uncovered a number of troubling findings about the medically inaccurate information that the staff of these centers have been providing to women.

Amber Banks, a UVA alum and former president of Vox, talked to the group about the dangers posed by these centers, the vast majority (38 of 52) of which do not have medically trained staff and are not properly licensed. The centers are not regulated to ensure that patients receive correct information about reproductive-health options nor for the confidentiality of their personal information.

Virginia CPC's told undercover NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia volunteers and staff inaccuracies such as.... "All condoms have flaws of holes...", "the risk of breast cancer almost doubles after one abortion and rises even further with two or more abortions," and "Women will commit suicide post-abortions."

Furthermore, by purposely disseminating inaccurate information, many CPCs are in violation of the 'Commitment of Care' standards they agreed to in order to receive funding from the sale of Virginia's 'Choose Life' license plates. NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia is attempting to pass a bill in the General Assembly that would force the CPCs to only share information deemed medically accurate by the Department of Health, and to clearly post signs stating that they do not refer for abortions and birth control and do not always enforce HIPAA confidentiality.

For much more information, to sign the petition, and to read the complete report, visit NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Foundation's website.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you'd like your work to be included in FIFE's (Feminism if For Everyone) zine 'That's What S|he Said,' you can submit writing and artwork until February 19th at midnight. The focus this semester is 'Sex, Sexuality and Gender.' Send them to femmag@gmail.com. And take this survey.... the results will be included in the zine!

Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events!

--Emergency Contraception Scavenger Hunt with FIFE -- Tuesday, 7:30 pm in Minor 130. We'll be calling local pharmacies to learn about their policies towards carrying and dispensing EC!

-Sexual Arts and Crafts is planned for mid-March

-Take Back the Night will be the week of April 8th

-Margaret