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The Black Women’s Health Imperative is pleased that the President, in his 2014 budget, lifts the ban on the District of Columbia using its own funds to provide abortion care for women who most need coverage. Easing restrictions on abortion coverage in instances of rape for Peace Corps volunteers is equally important.
U.S. District Court Judge Edward Korman ruled in the Center for Reproductive Rights case that emergency contraception (EC) should be available over-the-counter without any restrictions within 30 days.
During this last week of Women’s History Month the Imperative is celebrating the lives of four Black women who are trailblazers in their fields. These four women continue to document that Black women’s health matter and inspire generations to come with their outstanding legacies.
In the words of Fran Dory Jemmott and Catherine Lamkin, “Gwen’s life was fueled by courage and determination; her story is one that was always told in a remarkably clear and authentic voice. She modeled truth-telling in a way that shaped our world view and strengthened our voice for “Empowerment through Wellness.” We salute a women’s health warrior!
African Americans overwhelmingly support keeping abortion legal, ensuring access to affordable contraceptives and teaching comprehensive sex education. Strong majorities also believe that publicly-funded contraception should be available to those who need it and that abortion should be available from health care providers in their communities.
The finding is likely to add to the public debate over rules issued by the Obama administration under the new health care law that require most employers to provide free coverage of birth control, including morning-after pills, to female employees. Some religious institutions and some employers have objected to the requirement and filed lawsuits to block its enforcement.
"Roe v. Wade guarantees women the right to make decisions that involve body integrity, privacy and reproductive control. Our bodies are one of the few things we own and have control over. We live in a complex society that requires families to be prepared to rear children who can become responsible and productive members of society."
Today, we mark the 40th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which set the standard for safe, legalized abortion. Yet for the past 40 years, we have seen continuous and virulent attacks on the fundamental right for women to make a very personal decision--to choose whether or not to have an abortion.
