Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
Updating Our Symbol
Click on the following link to watch a video of Jennifer Baumgardner reading from her book "Abortion & Life". Click here! The part that really stuck out to me was around 5:50 in the video. Baumgardner asks "A current symbol of reproductive freedom, what would that be?" and follows with a few thought provoking ideas. What are your thoughts? We'd love to hear!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Hell No We Won't Go.
Did you see this drama on 'The View' the other day? While watching the fiasco, I couldn't help but wonder where I would have been in this situation. Would I have joined in with Whoopi and Joy marching off the stage, or would I have nodded my head agreeing with Barbara's speech about "being able to have discussions without washing our hands and screaming and walking off stage"? It's going to be a tough four years for reproductive health Oklahoma, simply put. Now is the time to consider how you will respond. Will you march off the stage? Give up? Play the peace-keeper? Attempt to discuss your point of view with those who differ? Or will you come up with something entirely new and orignial to make sure your voice is heard? We are marching on, looking forward to four creative, dedicated, passionate, educated years ahead of us. Where will you be? Play your part, whatever that may be.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
"Abstinence-Only: The Video Game"
Federal Government: We gave you $434,000 in taxpayer money, and all we got was this lousy abstinence-only video game featuring creepy purple avatars.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Good News...
As part of President Obama's Teen Pregnancy Prevention Initiative, three organizations in Oklahoma will receive Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP)funding, which is designed to reduce adolescent pregnancy and help youth to develop important life skills.
The evidence is undeniable — when young people get programs that give them the skills they need to make responsible decisions and take care of themselves, they avoid early pregnancy.
Good job everyone!!!!
The evidence is undeniable — when young people get programs that give them the skills they need to make responsible decisions and take care of themselves, they avoid early pregnancy.
Good job everyone!!!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Tough times for choice
As you can tell, Pro-choice Oklahoma will be taking a huge hit for the next few years. Both of Oklahoma's Gubernatorial candidates have stated they are anti-choice with the exception of one candidate who believes its okay for a woman to terminate a pregnancy in the case of rape and incest or for the health of the mother.
This year, we've learned an important lesson...the more horrendous the bill coming out of our Oklahoma legislature, the worse we look. AND the worse we look, the more Oklahomans speak out! Thank goodness women and men across our state are forming their own groups to counter attack the war on women in Oklahoma and elect pro-choice legislators!
We've heard and seen just about every kind of anti-choice legislation created and the worst is yet to come. That said, prevention legislation is going to be key in lowering the abortion rate in Oklahoma.
So lets focus our energy on something that will create positive change in our state.
Look out for those education bills which support teaching our children age appropriate medically accurate sexuality education. Support programs that teach not only abstinence but educate on contraception. Watch for those bills which would require emergency contraception be offered at every Oklahoma hospital no matter what the church affiliation.
Prevention should be the focus for 2011-2012. We may not have much to stop anti-choice legislation but we can darn sure support any preventative legislation to help lower the rate of unintended and unwanted pregnacies in Oklahoma. Lets work together to get the word out, support our friendly lawmakers and make help these bills become law!
This year, we've learned an important lesson...the more horrendous the bill coming out of our Oklahoma legislature, the worse we look. AND the worse we look, the more Oklahomans speak out! Thank goodness women and men across our state are forming their own groups to counter attack the war on women in Oklahoma and elect pro-choice legislators!
We've heard and seen just about every kind of anti-choice legislation created and the worst is yet to come. That said, prevention legislation is going to be key in lowering the abortion rate in Oklahoma.
So lets focus our energy on something that will create positive change in our state.
Look out for those education bills which support teaching our children age appropriate medically accurate sexuality education. Support programs that teach not only abstinence but educate on contraception. Watch for those bills which would require emergency contraception be offered at every Oklahoma hospital no matter what the church affiliation.
Prevention should be the focus for 2011-2012. We may not have much to stop anti-choice legislation but we can darn sure support any preventative legislation to help lower the rate of unintended and unwanted pregnacies in Oklahoma. Lets work together to get the word out, support our friendly lawmakers and make help these bills become law!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Certainly a wake-up call...
Pro-ana (anorexic) websites are very popular among young women. This story from NBC is definitely a wake-up call for everyone!
Can't seem to get the video downloaded so click here to see the whole story...
Can't seem to get the video downloaded so click here to see the whole story...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Loaded Terms
There is a new study out claiming that heterosexual teens who have sexual intercourse (meaning vaginal intercourse in this context) within romantic relationships perform academically at the same level as their abstinent counterparts.
Heather Corinna and the Scarleteen team have given the study a pretty firm critique, and the media sensationalising of the study an even bigger one. Various news reports are stating that committed relationships do less damage than casual sexual relationships or "hooking up." The study only used the terms romantic and non-romantic, which are loaded terms in and of themselves. What constitutes either to adults, let alone teenagers? The study also only suggests a correlation, not cause. There are of course, many environmental and social factors beyond sexual relationships that effect someones academic performance.
Heather Corinna and the Scarleteen team have given the study a pretty firm critique, and the media sensationalising of the study an even bigger one. Various news reports are stating that committed relationships do less damage than casual sexual relationships or "hooking up." The study only used the terms romantic and non-romantic, which are loaded terms in and of themselves. What constitutes either to adults, let alone teenagers? The study also only suggests a correlation, not cause. There are of course, many environmental and social factors beyond sexual relationships that effect someones academic performance.
Friday, August 6, 2010
We like nice letters...
PPCO's outgoing summer intern wrote us a lovely note, thought we would share...
Two and a half months ago I began a journey that led me to a new way of thinking, seeing, and understanding the world and the relationships of the people within it. I had been poking at the surface of this path for a while now, but was submerged and immersed within it this summer. What started it all? My internship at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma.
I expected to learn a lot about how a non-profit works and a bit about what Planned Parenthood does and yada yada. I, however, did not expect to become truly passionate about and involved in protecting women’s rights and Planned Parenthood’s role within that. I’m not saying I didn’t feel strongly about women having the right to choose, or just rights in general, because I did. But I now have much stronger and more solid understanding and reasoning behind it. Before, I knew people should have the right to make choices, whether the choices revolve around their sexual orientation, parenthood, etc, but I didn’t feel as closely connected to that belief or as involved in it as I do now. After listening to people’s stories, seeing the strength and dedication of women who fight for each other’s rights, and experiencing the majority of the state government’s frustrating resistance I truly feel a part of and connected with my belief that everyone needs the right to make decisions in their lives. Without decisions, what are we? Choices define who we, as individuals and as communities, are. If our right to make choices about life-altering situations and events is stolen from us, how would we know who we are and what would we, as a country, become?
My incredible experience at Planned Parenthood and the amazing, passionate people there have given me the tools and strength I need to grow and expand as a woman and as a pro-choice supporter. I had a choice to intern at Planned Parenthood and I am so thankful for that choice and opportunity. I learned invaluable lessons and information, met some awesome people, and loved every minute of it.
Thanks Laura, we appreciate all your help this summer!
Two and a half months ago I began a journey that led me to a new way of thinking, seeing, and understanding the world and the relationships of the people within it. I had been poking at the surface of this path for a while now, but was submerged and immersed within it this summer. What started it all? My internship at Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma.
I expected to learn a lot about how a non-profit works and a bit about what Planned Parenthood does and yada yada. I, however, did not expect to become truly passionate about and involved in protecting women’s rights and Planned Parenthood’s role within that. I’m not saying I didn’t feel strongly about women having the right to choose, or just rights in general, because I did. But I now have much stronger and more solid understanding and reasoning behind it. Before, I knew people should have the right to make choices, whether the choices revolve around their sexual orientation, parenthood, etc, but I didn’t feel as closely connected to that belief or as involved in it as I do now. After listening to people’s stories, seeing the strength and dedication of women who fight for each other’s rights, and experiencing the majority of the state government’s frustrating resistance I truly feel a part of and connected with my belief that everyone needs the right to make decisions in their lives. Without decisions, what are we? Choices define who we, as individuals and as communities, are. If our right to make choices about life-altering situations and events is stolen from us, how would we know who we are and what would we, as a country, become?
My incredible experience at Planned Parenthood and the amazing, passionate people there have given me the tools and strength I need to grow and expand as a woman and as a pro-choice supporter. I had a choice to intern at Planned Parenthood and I am so thankful for that choice and opportunity. I learned invaluable lessons and information, met some awesome people, and loved every minute of it.
Thanks Laura, we appreciate all your help this summer!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Too Many Hoops
Steph Harold over at RH Reality Check has an article up about why some women obtain second trimester abortions. No surprises here. They do it because they have too...raising money, arranging travel and childcare, and jumping through the many legal hoops that anti-choice legislators raise up high (and set on fire) take a lot of time. Also, thanks to the lack of sexual education being taught, many young women take longer to realize they're pregnant, either because they don't recognize the symptoms or go by certain myths that say they can't possibly be pregnant. Sigh...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Tons New to Be Said
Frances Kissling of RH Reality Check asks us, "Abortion: Anything New to Be Said?" in response to registration opening up for the Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Fair Minded Words conference at Princeton coming up in October. The answer is yes, there is still plenty to be said. Now, will both sides be able to hold it together without flying off the handle? I hope so. Either way, you should totally go to the conference if you can at all make it. And you should tell us all about it when you get back, because some of us are broke non-profit workers.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
January Y'all, Be There.
The temporary injuction has been extented for the mandatory ultrasound law. Pay special attention to the ladies in pink in that video (the link), because they all rock.
Friday, July 16, 2010
We Love Us Some Pro-Choice Muckraking
So by now everyone should have heard of the awesome documentary 12th and Deleware coming to HBO on August 2nd. If not, the link goes to the trailer, and the documentary is about crisis pregnancy centers and how evil and manipulative they are, to put it a blunt and concise way.
In the same vein NARAL of California has released an awesome report on CPCs in the California area. (Warning: the link opens to a PDF).
And lastly, RH Reality Check's Charlotte Taft details her dealings with a CPC calling itself The White Rose (named after an anti-Nazi resistance group, isn't that classy) when she ran a clinic in Texas in the 80's.
In the same vein NARAL of California has released an awesome report on CPCs in the California area. (Warning: the link opens to a PDF).
And lastly, RH Reality Check's Charlotte Taft details her dealings with a CPC calling itself The White Rose (named after an anti-Nazi resistance group, isn't that classy) when she ran a clinic in Texas in the 80's.
NARAL has a letter to superpages.com and yellowpages.com that everyone can sign, asking the websites to take down any and all CPC advertising that misleads consumers into thinking they provide abortion services, thus violating terms of service for the websites.
Just by looking under Abortion Alternatives (unfortunately, this category doesn't seem to be against TOS policy) in Oklahoma on Yahoo Local, there are 10 listings just within Central Oklahoma. One group has almost as many locations as Planned Parenthood does. Not cool.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Voting?
Well, it's that time of year...candidates are hitting the trail trying to win your all important vote! Now as Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma is a non-profit we can't be involved in any election or electioneering process...we do however want to encourage you...private pro-choice citizen... to make an effort to find out not only how your candidates feel about choice but about women's health and contraception.
In 2008, the world celebrated the election of our current President...in Oklahoma we were mourning our ability (enough Senate votes) to stop any anti-choice legislation for two years. It's been tough.
Vote wisely my friends...
In 2008, the world celebrated the election of our current President...in Oklahoma we were mourning our ability (enough Senate votes) to stop any anti-choice legislation for two years. It's been tough.
Vote wisely my friends...
Friday, June 25, 2010
Possible Good News for Military Women
RH Reality Check's MakoSharkEsq has written a very interesting article on the history of the abortion ban in the military, and provides some good information on the awesomeness of the Burris Amendment...which has a very good chance of getting the ban lifted.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Limiting choice holds back society
People often talk about how youth are the change of today and the hope for the future. So much change comes from college campuses and young people getting involved in their communities, locally, nationally, and internationally. We’re following in the footsteps of those who have made changes and continue to do so. They have been fighting a long hard battle for women’s rights against those who are hypocritical and do not seem to care about those outside their small, exclusive bubble.
Such people want young people to change the world, but within certain boundaries. The world is at your fingertips, they may tell us, but then they take away a woman’s right to make her own choices and choose her destiny. Where is the world for her? If a woman cannot have control over her own body, then how can she have control over what she wants to do? The U.S. has made large strides in regards to women’s rights. We have the opportunity and choice to vote, go to college, and pursue nearly any career. Why can’t we have a choice over our own bodies already?
I wish people could open their eyes and minds, step into the present, and let women make choices of their own instead of micromanaging or scaring women away from what they feel they need to do. Women are fully capable of making decisions for themselves and do not need others telling them what they can and cannot do. We have been through that enough. Does anyone like to be limited from choices and opportunities? If limits like this were placed on everyone, we would not have any kind of advanced technology and would not understand the capacities of the human brain. Why open doors for things like nuclear weapons that destroy people and the world and limit a woman’s right to choose her destiny? We cannot change the world when others hold us back.
Comments from guest blogger Laura Davis
Such people want young people to change the world, but within certain boundaries. The world is at your fingertips, they may tell us, but then they take away a woman’s right to make her own choices and choose her destiny. Where is the world for her? If a woman cannot have control over her own body, then how can she have control over what she wants to do? The U.S. has made large strides in regards to women’s rights. We have the opportunity and choice to vote, go to college, and pursue nearly any career. Why can’t we have a choice over our own bodies already?
I wish people could open their eyes and minds, step into the present, and let women make choices of their own instead of micromanaging or scaring women away from what they feel they need to do. Women are fully capable of making decisions for themselves and do not need others telling them what they can and cannot do. We have been through that enough. Does anyone like to be limited from choices and opportunities? If limits like this were placed on everyone, we would not have any kind of advanced technology and would not understand the capacities of the human brain. Why open doors for things like nuclear weapons that destroy people and the world and limit a woman’s right to choose her destiny? We cannot change the world when others hold us back.
Comments from guest blogger Laura Davis
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
VETO OF HB 3290 STANDS!
Thanks to the pink brigade and all the pro-choice advocates in the state, the veto of HB 3290 stands!
November is the single most important month for reproductive rights in Oklahoma. It matters who you vote for...ask the questions and get the answers...
November is the single most important month for reproductive rights in Oklahoma. It matters who you vote for...ask the questions and get the answers...
Thursday, May 27, 2010
VETO NUMBER FOUR!
Late yesterday Governor Henry vetoed HB 3290! VETO NUMBER FOUR, can you believe it? Call, email, fax your senator today and ask him/her to sustain the Governor's veto!
Click here to find your legislator's contact information...
Click here to find your legislator's contact information...
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Senate overrides Governor Henry's Veto of HB 3284
Exhausting. Once again, anti-choice/anti-woman legislators have overridden yet another veto from Governor Henry. Debating to sustain the veto on HB 3284 were Senators Rice, Wilson, Eason McIntyre, C. Johnson and Adelson. Suprise of the day was the addition of Republican Senator Jim Reynolds to the debate reiterating the fact the goverment should be staying out of personal healthcare decisions.
The gallery was a sea of pink thanks to many pissed off women and men who made their voices not only heard but seen today and yesterday. You betcha we're pissed.
Please thank Senators: Adelson, Ballenger, Crutchfield, Easley, Eason McIntyre, C. Johnson, Laster, Leftwich, Lerblance, Paddack, Reynolds, Rice, Sparks, Sweeden, and Wilson for standing up for reproductive rights in Oklahoma!
There's one more bad bill we want Governor Henry to veto and that's HB 3290 which bans insurance coverage for abortion. Make your calls today, keep up the pressure...
The gallery was a sea of pink thanks to many pissed off women and men who made their voices not only heard but seen today and yesterday. You betcha we're pissed.
Please thank Senators: Adelson, Ballenger, Crutchfield, Easley, Eason McIntyre, C. Johnson, Laster, Leftwich, Lerblance, Paddack, Reynolds, Rice, Sparks, Sweeden, and Wilson for standing up for reproductive rights in Oklahoma!
There's one more bad bill we want Governor Henry to veto and that's HB 3290 which bans insurance coverage for abortion. Make your calls today, keep up the pressure...
Monday, May 24, 2010
GOVERNOR VETOES HB 3284!
Governor Henry vetoed HB 3284 over the weekend! Call your senator and ask him/her to sustain the veto today! An override attempt can happen anytime this week so be aware and we'll keep you posted!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
PLEASE VETO HB 3284
HB 3284 is currently sitting on Governor Brad Henry's desk awaiting a veto (we hope)! Please contact the Govenor and ask for his veto...then call your SENATOR to ask for a vote to support the Govenor's veto effort.
More than 30 questions to be asked before you receive a legal medical procedure...ARGH! Here is one question that really puts the "what the hell" question in the minds of every pro-choice person in America, the infamous question #15:
15. Unless a medical emergency, as defined in Section 1-738.1 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, exists, the abortion provider or agent shall ask the pregnant female to provide, orally or in writing, the reason(s) she is seeking the abortion. If such a medical emergency exists, the abortion provider or agent shall specify on the form the condition which necessitated the immediate abortion: ___________________
REASON GIVEN FOR ABORTION (check all applicable):
Having a baby:
Would dramatically change the life of the mother: _________
Would interfere with the education of the mother: _________
Would interfere with the job/employment/career of the mother: ______
Mother has other children or dependents: ________
Mother cannot afford the child: ______
Mother is unmarried: ________
Mother is a student or planning to be a student: ________
Mother cannot afford child care: _______
Mother cannot afford the basic needs of life: ________
Mother is unemployed: _________
Mother cannot leave job to care for a baby: _________
Mother would have to find a new place to live: _________
Mother does not have enough support from a husband or partner: _____
Husband or partner is unemployed: _______
Mother is currently or temporarily on welfare or public assistance: _________
Mother does not want to be a single mother: _______
Mother is having relationship problems: ________
Mother is not certain of relationship with the father of the child: ________
Partner and mother are unable to or do not want to get married: _______
Mother is not currently in a relationship: _______
The relationship or marriage of the mother may soon break up: _______
Husband or partner is abusive to the mother or her children: _______
Mother has completed her childbearing: ________
Mother is not ready for a, or another, child: _______
Mother does not want people to know that she had sex or became pregnant: ________
Mother does not feel mature enough to raise a, or another, child: _______
Husband or partner wants mother to have an abortion: ______
There may be possible problem affecting the health of the fetus: ________
Physical health of the mother is at risk: ________
Parents want mother to have an abortion: _________
Emotional health of the mother is at risk: ________
Mother suffered from a medical emergency as defined in Section 1-738.1 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes: ______
Mother wanted a child of a different sex: ______
Abortion is necessary to avert the death of the mother: ______
Pregnancy was a result of forcible rape: ______
Pregnancy was a result of incest: ______
Other (specify): ______
Patient was asked why she is seeking an abortion, but she declined to give a reason: _______
PLEASE CONTACT THE GOVERNOR TODAY! OKLAHOMA CAN NOT LET THIS BILL BECOME LAW!
More than 30 questions to be asked before you receive a legal medical procedure...ARGH! Here is one question that really puts the "what the hell" question in the minds of every pro-choice person in America, the infamous question #15:
15. Unless a medical emergency, as defined in Section 1-738.1 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes, exists, the abortion provider or agent shall ask the pregnant female to provide, orally or in writing, the reason(s) she is seeking the abortion. If such a medical emergency exists, the abortion provider or agent shall specify on the form the condition which necessitated the immediate abortion: ___________________
REASON GIVEN FOR ABORTION (check all applicable):
Having a baby:
Would dramatically change the life of the mother: _________
Would interfere with the education of the mother: _________
Would interfere with the job/employment/career of the mother: ______
Mother has other children or dependents: ________
Mother cannot afford the child: ______
Mother is unmarried: ________
Mother is a student or planning to be a student: ________
Mother cannot afford child care: _______
Mother cannot afford the basic needs of life: ________
Mother is unemployed: _________
Mother cannot leave job to care for a baby: _________
Mother would have to find a new place to live: _________
Mother does not have enough support from a husband or partner: _____
Husband or partner is unemployed: _______
Mother is currently or temporarily on welfare or public assistance: _________
Mother does not want to be a single mother: _______
Mother is having relationship problems: ________
Mother is not certain of relationship with the father of the child: ________
Partner and mother are unable to or do not want to get married: _______
Mother is not currently in a relationship: _______
The relationship or marriage of the mother may soon break up: _______
Husband or partner is abusive to the mother or her children: _______
Mother has completed her childbearing: ________
Mother is not ready for a, or another, child: _______
Mother does not want people to know that she had sex or became pregnant: ________
Mother does not feel mature enough to raise a, or another, child: _______
Husband or partner wants mother to have an abortion: ______
There may be possible problem affecting the health of the fetus: ________
Physical health of the mother is at risk: ________
Parents want mother to have an abortion: _________
Emotional health of the mother is at risk: ________
Mother suffered from a medical emergency as defined in Section 1-738.1 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes: ______
Mother wanted a child of a different sex: ______
Abortion is necessary to avert the death of the mother: ______
Pregnancy was a result of forcible rape: ______
Pregnancy was a result of incest: ______
Other (specify): ______
Patient was asked why she is seeking an abortion, but she declined to give a reason: _______
PLEASE CONTACT THE GOVERNOR TODAY! OKLAHOMA CAN NOT LET THIS BILL BECOME LAW!
Hypocrisy
According to our friends at feministing: Representative Mark Souder of Indiana, a staunch abstinence only and "sanctity" of marriage advocate, is resigning after it was revealed that he was having an affair with a staff member.
So I guess as long as you have that ring on your finger, you can have sex with anyone, not just your spouse, after marriage. No wonder they like that set-up so well.
So I guess as long as you have that ring on your finger, you can have sex with anyone, not just your spouse, after marriage. No wonder they like that set-up so well.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Here It Goes Again....
Abortion info bill wins Senate OK
We need 17 votes to veto fellas! Start writing! Maybe we can get rid of this thing before we have to wait for it to be ruled unconstitutional again.
We need 17 votes to veto fellas! Start writing! Maybe we can get rid of this thing before we have to wait for it to be ruled unconstitutional again.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Tulsa Pro-Choice Advocates Organizing
A meeting protesting the recent passage of two anti-abortion bills will be held on Monday, May 10th, 7:00 p.m. at Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 So. Harvard, Tulsa.
The meeting will feature a forum entitled “Ethics, The Law and Reproductive Health."
The purpose of this meeting is to educate the public about how these bills intrude on personal privacy by putting the state between doctors and their patients, and to develop a plan of action to counter this type of legislative harassment.
In addition, a panel will discuss the only piece of legislation still waiting to be passed, House Bill 3284. This bill will jeopardize the right to privacy of women obtaining abortions in Oklahoma. If passed, House Bill 3284 will impose extensive new reporting requirements on doctors and patients. It will violate patient privacy and confidentiality by requiring doctors who provide abortions to report personal details of their patients' intimate lives to the state. It will require the state to make this information available to the public by posting it on the internet.
The meeting is sponsored by the Oklahoma Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, Oklahoma Reproductive Health Coalition, Pastors for Peace, American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, NE Okla. Chapter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Reproductive Services for Women, and Fellowship Congregational Church.
Forum participants will include:
Nancy Kachel, Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma
Linda Meek, Clinic Director
Tamya Cox, Legislative Counsel, ACLU of Oklahoma
Caroline Abbott, Attorney and Patient Advocate
Martha Hardwick, Oklahoma Counsel with the Center for Reproductive Rights
Rev. Paul Ashby, Minister of Fellowship Congregational Church
The meeting will feature a forum entitled “Ethics, The Law and Reproductive Health."
The purpose of this meeting is to educate the public about how these bills intrude on personal privacy by putting the state between doctors and their patients, and to develop a plan of action to counter this type of legislative harassment.
In addition, a panel will discuss the only piece of legislation still waiting to be passed, House Bill 3284. This bill will jeopardize the right to privacy of women obtaining abortions in Oklahoma. If passed, House Bill 3284 will impose extensive new reporting requirements on doctors and patients. It will violate patient privacy and confidentiality by requiring doctors who provide abortions to report personal details of their patients' intimate lives to the state. It will require the state to make this information available to the public by posting it on the internet.
The meeting is sponsored by the Oklahoma Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, Oklahoma Reproductive Health Coalition, Pastors for Peace, American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma, NE Okla. Chapter of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Reproductive Services for Women, and Fellowship Congregational Church.
Forum participants will include:
Nancy Kachel, Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma
Linda Meek, Clinic Director
Tamya Cox, Legislative Counsel, ACLU of Oklahoma
Caroline Abbott, Attorney and Patient Advocate
Martha Hardwick, Oklahoma Counsel with the Center for Reproductive Rights
Rev. Paul Ashby, Minister of Fellowship Congregational Church
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Thank goodness!
Judge Noma Gurich signed a temporary restraining order to halt the mandatory use of ultrasounds an hour before an abortion procedure until a hearing in July.
Thank you Judge Gurich!
Thank you Judge Gurich!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
According to NewsOK.com a hearing has been scheduled on Monday for a lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights that may block the enforcement of the ultrasound law until litigation is over.
Not suprisingly, clinics are reporting that the ultrasound has no affect on the choice women make to have an abortion, it just makes it a traumatic experience for them.
Not suprisingly, clinics are reporting that the ultrasound has no affect on the choice women make to have an abortion, it just makes it a traumatic experience for them.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
HB 2656 and HB 2780 overruled
Well, its true. We were one vote shy of sustaining the governor's veto of HB 2656 and HB 2780. Outstanding debates from Senators Adelson, Rice, Wilson, Leftwich, McIntyre, Lerblance, and Connie Johnson. Also voting with us were Ballenger, Crutchfield, Sparks, Sweeden, and Wyrick.
I have to say, these folks really have a grasp reproductive health issues and we thank them for their brave stance against these horrible bills...
Governor Henry...thank you for your veto...
It's been a tough day for reproductive rights in Oklahoma...be sure to thank Rep. Lisa Billy, author of HB 2780 and Rep. Daniel Sullivan, author of HB 2656 for their intrusion of our private lives.
Might as well email them when you have an annual exam too.
I have to say, these folks really have a grasp reproductive health issues and we thank them for their brave stance against these horrible bills...
Governor Henry...thank you for your veto...
It's been a tough day for reproductive rights in Oklahoma...be sure to thank Rep. Lisa Billy, author of HB 2780 and Rep. Daniel Sullivan, author of HB 2656 for their intrusion of our private lives.
Might as well email them when you have an annual exam too.
Monday, April 26, 2010
The count down begins...
How long will it take before the Oklahoma Senate adds a veto attempt of HB 2656 (wrongful life) and HB 2780 (ultrasound) to the calendar? The session starts at 1:30 p.m. today and you can bet attempt number one will be at 1:31 p.m.!
Contact your senator today and ask him/her to uphold Governor Henry's veto of HB 2656 and HB 2780! Click here for more information about your senator.
Please call or email today, tomorrow and all week!
Contact your senator today and ask him/her to uphold Governor Henry's veto of HB 2656 and HB 2780! Click here for more information about your senator.
Please call or email today, tomorrow and all week!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Governor Henry Vetoes HB 2656 and HB 2780
Call Governor Henry today and thank him for his veto of these bad bills!
The challenge is on to find enough votes to sustain the vetoes.
The challenge is on to find enough votes to sustain the vetoes.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A BLOW FOR OKLAHOMA
Yesterday, the Oklahoma Senate passed five onerous pieces of legislation. Four of which are extreme:
HB 2656 limits damages for wrongful life and birth actions which allows doctors to lie to patients about the status of the fetus if the physician belives you'll terminate. Also you can't sue the doc.
HB 2780 requires an ultrasound one hour before an abortion procedure with what ever type of ultrasound would give the clearest view while the provider tells the patient what he is viewing on the screen (vetoed in 2008);
HB 3284 which creates a reporting website (duplicate site) filled with private information about why a woman chose to terminate a pregnancy (vetoed in 2008); and
HB 3290 which regulates the use of RU-486 (the abortion pill) and was also amended to include a ban on insurance abortion coverage in Oklahoma. (similar to 2007's law)
Pro-choice or middle of the road alike, these are terrible bills and need to be stopped. Please contact Governor Henry today and ask him to veto these bills AGAIN!!!!!
HB 2656 limits damages for wrongful life and birth actions which allows doctors to lie to patients about the status of the fetus if the physician belives you'll terminate. Also you can't sue the doc.
HB 2780 requires an ultrasound one hour before an abortion procedure with what ever type of ultrasound would give the clearest view while the provider tells the patient what he is viewing on the screen (vetoed in 2008);
HB 3284 which creates a reporting website (duplicate site) filled with private information about why a woman chose to terminate a pregnancy (vetoed in 2008); and
HB 3290 which regulates the use of RU-486 (the abortion pill) and was also amended to include a ban on insurance abortion coverage in Oklahoma. (similar to 2007's law)
Pro-choice or middle of the road alike, these are terrible bills and need to be stopped. Please contact Governor Henry today and ask him to veto these bills AGAIN!!!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
A Blow for Nebraska
Our deepest sympathies go out to Nebraskan women, reproductive rights supporters, and especially Dr. Carhart. The Nebraskan legislature passed LB1103, the "Pain Capable Unborn Child Act" virtually banning all abortion in Nebraska past 20 weeks.
This isn't just a blow for Nebraska women, but women all over the United States that seek late term abortion from one of the few providers left in the U.S. You can bet this law will be challenged in court.
The link above to an article written by Dr. Julie Burkhart explains how you can get involved.
This isn't just a blow for Nebraska women, but women all over the United States that seek late term abortion from one of the few providers left in the U.S. You can bet this law will be challenged in court.
The link above to an article written by Dr. Julie Burkhart explains how you can get involved.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Case in Point
An SMU law graduate in Dallas was arrested this morning after trying to put a restraining order on police. Why? Because he didn't want them to try to hurt him when he walked into into the Southwestern Women's Surgery Center and had to hurt others to "save innocent lives."
Wow...just...wow. Good thing this guy was too delusional to keep his plans secret. We can only hope that other anti-choicers seeking to terrorize clinics will have that level of hubris so they're caught.
Wow...just...wow. Good thing this guy was too delusional to keep his plans secret. We can only hope that other anti-choicers seeking to terrorize clinics will have that level of hubris so they're caught.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Conviction in Conviction
Scott Roeder, murderer of Dr. George Tiller, has been sentenced to the maximum 50 years without the possibility of parole. Roeder is 52 years old, so that’s pretty much it for him in terms of seeing the light of day as a free man. Justice is on our side for a change.
Roeder ranted and raved through some of the proceedings, and was led screaming from the court room. A Huffington Post article I found about the story mentioned something that I found pretty interesting concerning Roeder’s (ex, why am I not surprised) family:
{“Roeder's ex-wife said the outbursts were characteristic of the man she knew. Lindsey Roeder said she and their son, Nicholas, were relieved by the sentence.
"I think it will be a lot easier to put it behind us than it will be for the Tiller family," she said. "Their pain will continue long after ours has subsided." }
It’s quite telling that the most zealous of anti-choice activists, who supposedly cares so much for the “lives” of embryos and fetuses, potential children in their eyes, will think nothing of the suffering that they will cause their own living, breathing, perfectly personifiable children and families by their actions. It’s all about them, their ability to control others, and their self-inflicted martyrdom.
It is important to emphasize that Roeder is not a sane man in a world gone mad, as those that testified for him and many hard line anti-choicers paint him as. He is insane. He ruined his marriage and his relationship with his son persuing demons and strawmen that do not in fact exist in reality, but in his head and the heads of his ilk. Unfortunately, Dr. Tiller, through no fault of his own, was chosen to be one of those demons. This kind of behavior isn't restricted to anti-choice circles either, but runs throughout society (Solanas and Warhol, for example). Any divisive issue breeds this.
It is the hope of many that Roeder's conviction will deter zealous anti-choicers from this kind of violent behavior, but I fear it will only drive them further. Indeed I'm sure Roeder is sitting in his cell at this moment feeling quite the martyr. I can only hope along with the Tiller family that he not be allowed to, "foment hatred from his prison cell."
Roeder ranted and raved through some of the proceedings, and was led screaming from the court room. A Huffington Post article I found about the story mentioned something that I found pretty interesting concerning Roeder’s (ex, why am I not surprised) family:
{“Roeder's ex-wife said the outbursts were characteristic of the man she knew. Lindsey Roeder said she and their son, Nicholas, were relieved by the sentence.
"I think it will be a lot easier to put it behind us than it will be for the Tiller family," she said. "Their pain will continue long after ours has subsided." }
It’s quite telling that the most zealous of anti-choice activists, who supposedly cares so much for the “lives” of embryos and fetuses, potential children in their eyes, will think nothing of the suffering that they will cause their own living, breathing, perfectly personifiable children and families by their actions. It’s all about them, their ability to control others, and their self-inflicted martyrdom.
It is important to emphasize that Roeder is not a sane man in a world gone mad, as those that testified for him and many hard line anti-choicers paint him as. He is insane. He ruined his marriage and his relationship with his son persuing demons and strawmen that do not in fact exist in reality, but in his head and the heads of his ilk. Unfortunately, Dr. Tiller, through no fault of his own, was chosen to be one of those demons. This kind of behavior isn't restricted to anti-choice circles either, but runs throughout society (Solanas and Warhol, for example). Any divisive issue breeds this.
It is the hope of many that Roeder's conviction will deter zealous anti-choicers from this kind of violent behavior, but I fear it will only drive them further. Indeed I'm sure Roeder is sitting in his cell at this moment feeling quite the martyr. I can only hope along with the Tiller family that he not be allowed to, "foment hatred from his prison cell."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
From RH Reality Check: Let Down Again: Obama’s FDA Inexplicably Fails to Advance New Emergency Contraception Rules
Over a year ago a judge told the F.D.A. that they might want to actually go by scientific evidence as opposed to political ideology since it was the F.D.A. and not the Police What Goes Into Or Out Of A Woman's Body Brigade. After which, the F.D.A. seems to have stuck its fingers in its ears and went, "La la la la la..." for a year because you still have to ask a pharmacist for emergency contraception, and you still have to be at least 17 to ask for it despite there being no good reason to do so.
It would be great if someone started ponying up that scientific integrity they were so adament about...just sayin'.....
Over a year ago a judge told the F.D.A. that they might want to actually go by scientific evidence as opposed to political ideology since it was the F.D.A. and not the Police What Goes Into Or Out Of A Woman's Body Brigade. After which, the F.D.A. seems to have stuck its fingers in its ears and went, "La la la la la..." for a year because you still have to ask a pharmacist for emergency contraception, and you still have to be at least 17 to ask for it despite there being no good reason to do so.
It would be great if someone started ponying up that scientific integrity they were so adament about...just sayin'.....
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Reform: Glacial, not Sweeping
RH Reality Check’s Jodi Jacobson gives a precise reading of the good and bad of the landmark health care reform that was just passed in this article.
Insurers will not be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions starting in 2014. Women will have more access to OBGYN and midwife care, and gender-rating has been partially eliminated. Free preventative care will begin in new plans starting in 2018. Medicaid has been expanded as well as funding for community health centers and primary health care doctors.
Now the bad…is pretty bad. You still have to pay more as you get older, and when it comes to group insurance plans, when you’re female. You don’t get any coverage for five if you’re a new immigrant.
And, of course, abortion care will continue to be eroded in private insurance.
This reform is by no means ideal, but it's something to work with. Optimism people! Optimism!
Insurers will not be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions starting in 2014. Women will have more access to OBGYN and midwife care, and gender-rating has been partially eliminated. Free preventative care will begin in new plans starting in 2018. Medicaid has been expanded as well as funding for community health centers and primary health care doctors.
Now the bad…is pretty bad. You still have to pay more as you get older, and when it comes to group insurance plans, when you’re female. You don’t get any coverage for five if you’re a new immigrant.
And, of course, abortion care will continue to be eroded in private insurance.
This reform is by no means ideal, but it's something to work with. Optimism people! Optimism!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Yeah, It Makes You Not Pregnant Anymore
According to Lori over at feministing, an anti-choice group known as Abortion Changes You has put up ads in NY subways playing the whole "You'll regret it!!" tactic.
Nevermind that, pregnancy? Changes the crap out of you. Especially when it's forced, and you don't want it.
Women get a range of feelings after getting an abortion. There is no evidence that post-abortion syndrome exists.
Wish we had the level of funding to be able to paper our as everywhere, unfortunately our funds tend to go towards helping women, which costs significantly more than scaring the crap out of them.
Nevermind that, pregnancy? Changes the crap out of you. Especially when it's forced, and you don't want it.
Women get a range of feelings after getting an abortion. There is no evidence that post-abortion syndrome exists.
Wish we had the level of funding to be able to paper our as everywhere, unfortunately our funds tend to go towards helping women, which costs significantly more than scaring the crap out of them.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Every Day!
RH Reality Check has some really great stories that illustrate exactly why every day should be the national day of appreciation for abortion providers (which was on the 10th).
Short Answer: They're really awesome, determined, and caring people.
Short Answer: They're really awesome, determined, and caring people.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Slow News Day Spotlight
Guernica has a wonderful interview with Oklahoma's own Elizabeth Warren on the ever dwindling middle class, and what should be done about it.
Look! A woman that can do math and talk responsibly about money! Amazing!
Look! A woman that can do math and talk responsibly about money! Amazing!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
For what it's worth...
The Oklahoma Supreme Court denied an amicus brief associated with SB 1878, reaffirming that the SB 1878 bill was unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma would like Legislators to know that they are, "growing weary of adminishing the legislature for so flagrantly violating the terms of the Oklahoma Constitution. It is a waste of time for The Legislature and the Court, and a waste of the taxpayer's money."
We're pretty weary too, now if only the anti-choicers would actually pay attention to he constitution...
The Supreme Court of the State of Oklahoma would like Legislators to know that they are, "growing weary of adminishing the legislature for so flagrantly violating the terms of the Oklahoma Constitution. It is a waste of time for The Legislature and the Court, and a waste of the taxpayer's money."
We're pretty weary too, now if only the anti-choicers would actually pay attention to he constitution...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Anti-choice bill number three passes the house
HB 2780 by Representative Lisa Billy passed the house yesterday, 87 to 7. This bill would require an abortion provider (which there are only three in the state) to peform an ultrasound one hour before an abortion. The bill also states the provider has to explain to the patient what is on the screen which the patient has the option "to avert her eyes". Not to mention the ultrasound option could be a transvaginal if the picture is clearer...which those aren't exactly a walk in the park anyway.
Oklahoma anti-choice legislators want to make sure us stupid Oklahoma women know exactly what's going on with our body.
Hmm. Would you like to track when were ovulating too? Maybe create a website called www.Oklahomawomenperiodtracker.com?
Please call your senator and ask them to VOTE NO on the following bills:
HB 2780- Ultrasound one hour prior to an abortion
HB 2656 - states if a doctor your seeing doesn't have to tell you the condition of the fetus if he thinks you'll terminate the pregnancy;
HB 3075 - Mandating abortion providers have a sign posted in each clinic which states "you may not be coerced into having an abortion."
Oklahoma anti-choice legislators want to make sure us stupid Oklahoma women know exactly what's going on with our body.
Hmm. Would you like to track when were ovulating too? Maybe create a website called www.Oklahomawomenperiodtracker.com?
Please call your senator and ask them to VOTE NO on the following bills:
HB 2780- Ultrasound one hour prior to an abortion
HB 2656 - states if a doctor your seeing doesn't have to tell you the condition of the fetus if he thinks you'll terminate the pregnancy;
HB 3075 - Mandating abortion providers have a sign posted in each clinic which states "you may not be coerced into having an abortion."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sb 2216 has even more questions now!
SB 2216, the statistical reporting for abortion act, has added even more questions to their list:
Question 15:
Reason given for abortion (check all applicable):
Having a baby:
Would dramatically change the life of the mother: ____
Would interfere with the education of the mother: ____
Would interfere with the job/employment/career of the mother: ___
Mother has other children or dependents: ____
Mother cannot afford the child: ___
Mother is unmarried: ____
Mother is a student or planning to be a student: ___
Mother cannot afford child care: ____
Mother cannot afford the basic needs of life: ____
Mother is unemployed: ____
Mother cannot leave job to care for a baby: ____
Mother would have to find a new place to live: ____
Mother does not have enough support from a husband or partner: ___
Husband or partner is unemployed: ____
Mother is currently or temporarily on welfare or public assistance: ____
Mother does not want to be a single mother: ____
Mother is having relationship problems: ____
Mother is not certain of relationship with the father of the child: ____
Partner and mother are unable to or do not want to get married: ____
Mother is not currently in a relationship: ____
The relationship or marriage of the mother may soon break up: ____
Husband or partner is abusive to the mother or her children: ____
Mother has completed her childbearing: _____
Mother is not ready for a, or another, child: ____
Mother does not want people to know that she had sex or became pregnant: ____
Mother does not feel mature enough to raise a, or another, child: ___
Husband or partner wants mother to have an abortion: ___
There may be possible problem affecting the health of the fetus: ____
Physical health of the mother is at risk: ____
Parents want mother to have an abortion: ____
Emotional health of the mother is at risk: ___
How about it's none of your business:____X_____
Question 15:
Reason given for abortion (check all applicable):
Having a baby:
Would dramatically change the life of the mother: ____
Would interfere with the education of the mother: ____
Would interfere with the job/employment/career of the mother: ___
Mother has other children or dependents: ____
Mother cannot afford the child: ___
Mother is unmarried: ____
Mother is a student or planning to be a student: ___
Mother cannot afford child care: ____
Mother cannot afford the basic needs of life: ____
Mother is unemployed: ____
Mother cannot leave job to care for a baby: ____
Mother would have to find a new place to live: ____
Mother does not have enough support from a husband or partner: ___
Husband or partner is unemployed: ____
Mother is currently or temporarily on welfare or public assistance: ____
Mother does not want to be a single mother: ____
Mother is having relationship problems: ____
Mother is not certain of relationship with the father of the child: ____
Partner and mother are unable to or do not want to get married: ____
Mother is not currently in a relationship: ____
The relationship or marriage of the mother may soon break up: ____
Husband or partner is abusive to the mother or her children: ____
Mother has completed her childbearing: _____
Mother is not ready for a, or another, child: ____
Mother does not want people to know that she had sex or became pregnant: ____
Mother does not feel mature enough to raise a, or another, child: ___
Husband or partner wants mother to have an abortion: ___
There may be possible problem affecting the health of the fetus: ____
Physical health of the mother is at risk: ____
Parents want mother to have an abortion: ____
Emotional health of the mother is at risk: ___
How about it's none of your business:____X_____
Bills to be heard today
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee will be hearing four anti-choice bills today after the session ends. Those bills being heard include:
SB 1890 - Prohibiting abortion based on sex selection(no proof this is happening)
SB 1891 - Freedom of Conscience Act (infringes on patient rights)
SB 1902 - Regulation of RU486 (allows father of fetus to sue abortion provider)
SB 2216 - Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act (would cost the state $250,000 a year and possibly, in rural communities, one could deduce who had an abortion.
These are the same bills which were rolled in HB 1595 last year and are currently being challenged in court.
Click here to find out who is on the Senate Health and Human Services committee and ask them to vote no today on these bills. Only information and prevention are effective in reducing abortion not oppressive restrictions by politicians!
SB 1890 - Prohibiting abortion based on sex selection(no proof this is happening)
SB 1891 - Freedom of Conscience Act (infringes on patient rights)
SB 1902 - Regulation of RU486 (allows father of fetus to sue abortion provider)
SB 2216 - Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act (would cost the state $250,000 a year and possibly, in rural communities, one could deduce who had an abortion.
These are the same bills which were rolled in HB 1595 last year and are currently being challenged in court.
Click here to find out who is on the Senate Health and Human Services committee and ask them to vote no today on these bills. Only information and prevention are effective in reducing abortion not oppressive restrictions by politicians!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Another petition to sign...
Received an email from the Feminist Majority Foundation for another petition to stop the anti's super bowl ad. Click here to sign it!
Sign a petition to ban the anti-choice super bowl ad!
The closer the super bowl gets, the more on edge I am about the anti-choice ad CBS approved to run during the game. I hope that you are doing your part pro-choice Oklahoma to sign a petition to stop the ad from airing. If you haven't read the latest article, I'm actually wondering what Mrs. Momma Tebow was doing traveling out of the country late in her pregnancy. Wouldn't some say that is child endangerment?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Anti's Marching in Tulsa
Thanks to a reader, we wanted to invite you to join fellow PRO-CHOICE Oklahomans at a counter (Tulsa March for Life) protest on January 22nd at 6 p.m. in Tulsa. Pro-choice Oklahomans will gather at the Chapman Centennial Green to show support for the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade and for protecting reproductive rights in our state. For more information please email first_amendment@live.com.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Cheers for Schoolkids
Senator Mary Easley of District 18 is introducing a bill (SB 1381) that would ensure all curricula and materials used for the purpose of sexual and reproductive education in public schools would be medically accurate.
Simply yanking something from Yahoo Health or another .com with an agenda would no longer be acceptable. Instead instructors would have to keep in line with the rest of academia, by providing concrete scientific evidence that has been published and peer reviewed by mainstream academic organizations. In short, scientific objectivity, not the instructor's or the school's own personal viewpoint, would be enforced.
We are glad that Easley, a retired educator herself, recognizes the need for this sort of legislation. If it passes, it will go into affect November 1st, 2010. Cross your fingers fellas.
The entire text of the bill can be found here. Just click on Senate; then click 2010 Regular Session; then click Introduced. Hit search, then after it's loaded scroll down to SB 1381.
Simply yanking something from Yahoo Health or another .com with an agenda would no longer be acceptable. Instead instructors would have to keep in line with the rest of academia, by providing concrete scientific evidence that has been published and peer reviewed by mainstream academic organizations. In short, scientific objectivity, not the instructor's or the school's own personal viewpoint, would be enforced.
We are glad that Easley, a retired educator herself, recognizes the need for this sort of legislation. If it passes, it will go into affect November 1st, 2010. Cross your fingers fellas.
The entire text of the bill can be found here. Just click on Senate; then click 2010 Regular Session; then click Introduced. Hit search, then after it's loaded scroll down to SB 1381.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Because Sometimes the Dead Horse Needs to Be Beaten
Frances Kissling has a wonderful article on Alternet about the fundamental right to abortion, and just why the Hyde Amendment is trecherously unfair, especially for low income women. She also points out some of the weaknesses of the wording in the Roe ruling itself that has constantly been dogging the movement for years.
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