A recently released Guttmacher Institute study has found that the nearly 7 million women using publicly funded family planning services have, in one year, avoided 1.4 million unplanned pregnancies, resulting in the prevention of 600,000 abortions and saving the government an estimated 4.3 billion dollars: (via
NationalPartnership.org).
Another study by Guttmacher finds that the amount of women seeking contraceptive services in private and public clinics is increasing, with about 1 in 4 seeking reproductive health services at a publicly funded clinic where over 69% are specifically requesting contraception: (via NationalPartnership.org).
A new book called Abortion and Life, which puts a face on women who have had abortions and tells their stories, intends to de-stigmatize the experience and allow the sometimes complex emotions surrounding abortion to be shared: (via The Phoenix).
In response to the book, an anonymous writer discusses her abortion experience and why it is important for ordinary women who have had abortions to not be ashamed of their decision: (via The Phoenix).
Gloucester, Mass. Mayor and School Committee Chairman are encouraging School Committee members to allow the high school health center to dispense contraception to its students after the high school was embroiled in a pregnancy scandal earlier this year that garnered extensive media coverage and caused the resignation of many top school officials: (via Boston.com).
The LA Times published an editorial against California's parental notification proposition (Prop 4), saying the law would hinder abortion rights and possibly, contrary to its supposed goal, put pregnant underage girls in greater endangerment.
Thirteen state attorneys general and several medical associations have come out in opposition to the proposed HHS rule that extends the abilities of health care workers to deny services based on their personal beliefs, saying the rule would "obliterate the rights of patients": (via AP/Google).
The Republican Majority for Choice will not be nominating a candidate in the presidential election, citing an "outpouring of concern from our members" over McCain's selection of adamantly anti-choice Gov. Sarah Palin for his running mate: (via RH Reality Check).
