NEWT EYES 'CONTRACT WITH AMERICA 2'... Nov 14, 2009
I'm glad that the RNC supplies this reproductive health care coverage for its employees. Unplanned and health-crippling pregnancies can happen to any woman, and they should not be financially hampered from the full array of choices in dealing with such matters. (The Drudge Report)
Troublesome gap in students’ health coverage Nov 14, 2009
Research from Ibis Reproductive Health indicates that many young adults are unaware of their plan exclusions and are unable to enroll in affordable alternatives ... Dr. Angel M. Foster Britt Wahlin Cambridge Foster is senior associate and Wahlin is director of development and communications at Ibis Reproductive Health. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
A false choice in health care battle Nov 13, 2009
Under intense pressure led by the bishops, a last-minute maneuver forced many in the House of Representatives to choose between a bill that left reproductive health on the cutting room floor or no bill at all. So, with the Stupak-Pitts amendment hanging from it like an albatross, a bill was passed that would cover millions of uninsured Americans but also strip millions of American women of reproductive health converge. (Boston Globe)
WHO: Women's health a 'priority' Nov 13, 2009
Much of the report focuses on sexual and reproductive health, which it says are vital to women's well-being, but it also says "harmful behaviors in relation to sex, tobacco and alcohol use, diet and physical activity" during adolescence can haunt women later in life. "Establishing healthy habits at younger ages can help women to live active and healthy lives until well into old age," the report says. (CNN -- International)
Bishops shape US health care bill Nov 12, 2009
The lawmakers called the limits "an unprecedented restriction on a woman's access to health insurance coverage of reproductive health services.". The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the church's Washington-based advocacy organization, which is staffed by more than 350 lay people, derives its power in large part from the sheer number of Catholics in this country: 68 million, or more than one in five Americans. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Freedom To Confuse Nov 12, 2009
immediately began collecting signatures to oppose what she called "an unprecedented and unacceptable restriction on women's ability to access the full range of reproductive health services to which they are lawfully entitled.". Rep. (Townhall.com)
Pelosi Caves to the Right to Get Health-Care Bill Nov 12, 2009
Some states already limit private health-insurance coverage, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an international reproductive health research and education group based in New York. Restrictions like these combine with harassment and threats that abortion providers face (not to mention actual murder) from radical pro-lifers have made it impossible for some women to abort, even if they have been raped or sexually abused by family members. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
THE INFLUENCE GAME: Bishops shape health care bill Nov 12, 2009
The lawmakers called the limits "an unprecedented restriction on a woman's access to health insurance coverage of reproductive health services.". Obama says he wants to strike a balance that doesn't allow backdoor federal funding of abortions but preserves women's insurance choices. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Pagliuca ad blasts rivals’ on abortion, health care bill Nov 12, 2009
Like President Obama, Martha Coakley believes that we can and must pass meaningful health care reform with a public option that will lower costs without compromising women s access to reproductive health services, Zaroulis said. Obama, though, has never said he would refuse to sign a bill with the abortion restrictions. (Boston Globe)
Cash error in Mass. favor Nov 11, 2009
We know that having full access to all reproductive health services is extremely important to a woman s overall health and also to the health of children. We currently have restrictions on the way federal funds can be used to pay for abortions. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
IUD Is Most Popular Long-acting Contraceptive Amongst Europeans Nov 11, 2009
"Long-acting contraceptives (the IUD, contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant) are still not widely used," Sergio Haimovich, researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and author of the study published in the European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, explains ... European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, 2009. (Science Daily)
Lack of Health Care Worsens Women's Life Quality: WHO Nov 11, 2009
"In many countries, sexual and reproductive health services tend to focus exclusively on married women and ignore the needs of unmarried women and adolescents," the report said. "Paradoxically, health systems are often unresponsive to the needs of women despite the fact that women themselves are major contributors to health, through their roles as primary care givers in the family and also health care providers," it said. (MEDLINEplus)
Senate Democratic Women Target Anti-Abortion Provision Nov 11, 2009
We will work together to ensure that the decades-long compromise of no federal funds for abortion is what is in the Senate bill, and we will fight against any amendment that prevents women from using their own private funds for their reproductive health care. We are optimistic that compromise will prevail, Boxer said in a statement. (Roll Call)
Worksite wellness programs may reduce employee absenteeism Nov 11, 2009
Researchers conducted a survey of low-income, African-American women regarding how faith impacts reproductive health decision-making ... Emory researchers found that women's perceptions of their religious community's attitudes toward contraception play a mixed, but important role in the reproductive health decision-making of low-income, African-American women and should be considered when developing interventions. (EurekAlert!)
Win Some, Lose Some Nov 10, 2009
House pro-choice caucus: Forty members wrote to Pelosi arguing that the Stupak amendment "represents an unprecedented and unacceptable restriction on women's ability to access the full range of reproductive health services to which they are lawfully entitled. We will not vote for a conference report that contains language that restricts women's right to choose any further than current law.". House supporters of the Stupak-Pitts amendment: 41 House Democrats voted to support the Stupak amendment,... (Slate)
Way to Go, Planned Parenthood Nov 10, 2009
In the battle over sex education, Planned Parenthood claims the high ground in providing accurate information and protecting reproductive health ... If Planned Parenthood was genuinely committed to reproductive health and accurate information, heres what Dr. Cullins would have said on YouTube. (Townhall.com)
5th ASADI conference opens in Accra Nov 10, 2009
Dr. Tigest Ketsela, Director, Division of Family and Reproductive Health, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, said the meeting offered opportunity for more partnerships to scale-up efforts towards achieving the MDGs maternal and child health ... Professor Fred Sai, former President of GAAS and Reproductive Health Consultant, who launched the publication, said it offered hope for the continent as it gathers the momentum to eliminate the menace. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Abortion Backers Toughen Stance Nov 10, 2009
Health care reform must not be misused as an opportunity to restrict women s access to reproductive health services, the missives read. They vowed to Pelosi to oppose a final package that included the language and asked for a meeting next week with Obama on the issue. (Roll Call)
Student Organization of the Week: Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Nov 8, 2009
S.C., an organization that seeks to support better public policies to improve reproductive health education in our schools and communities and increase access statewide to reproductive health care, according to its Web site, www. tellthemsc. (Gamecock Online, SC)
Reproductive health protects women against economic crisis- Abinah Nov 8, 2009
Koforidua, Nov. 7, GNA - The Eastern Regional Population Officer, Mr Kofi Abinah, has called on the government to increase resources for the promotion of reproductive health as a means of helping to protect women and vulnerable children against the negative effects of the world economic crisis. He argued that, the economic crisis is likely to force governments to cut down on their investments in many areas, which is likely to affect development of many countries. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Pandemic Flu Vaccine Campaigns May Be Undermined By Coincidental Medical Events Nov 7, 2009
Also contributing to the research article were: the National Institute of Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; the Center for Vaccinology and Neonatal Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute for Vaccine Safety, Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Vaccine Safety Section,... (Science Daily)
Sex ed gets another endorsement Nov 7, 2009
Palin's acceptance of the nomination meant the prompt exposure of her then-17-year-old unmarried daughter's reproductive life to the world, a circumstance that made Bristol and her self-proclaimed redneck boyfriend, Levi Johnston, accidental cautionary tales (or poster children, depending on your perspective) for what happens when the faith-infused reproductive health policies favored by her mother's supporters meet real life. Bristol, sitting down with the Palin-friendly Van Susteren, did not... (Salon)
House to Consider Abortion Anesthesia Bill Nov 6, 2009
"Pro-choice Americans have always believed that women deserve access to all the information relevant to their reproductive health decisions. For some women, that includes information related to fetal anesthesia options," Nancy Keenan, NARAL's president, has said in a statement on the bill. Democratic leaders cited NARAL's position when they decided against trying to influence the vote. (Yahoo News -- Abortion Rights Debate)
Africa: Drug Subsidy Key to Anti-Malaria Effort Nov 6, 2009
Speaking to IPS at the Fifth Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Pan-African Malaria Conference, Dr Desmond Chavasse, vice president malaria control and child survival at PSI (a global health organisation with programmes targeting malaria, child survival, HIV and reproductive health), equates the lack of access to effective malaria drugs to being tantamount to a death sentence for African children who are under five. "Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) are currently the most effective... (allAfrica.com)
More Kayayei embrace HIV/AIDS education Nov 6, 2009
The test, which was conducted three consecutive times just to be sure of the results, was done by Society for Women against AIDS in Africa (SWAA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and supported by the UNFPA. The VCT was a follow-up of training of 50 Kayayei selected from the two markets in Accra early this year where they were trained as peer educators on HIV and AIDS and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) issues among their peers ... She supported the idea of bringing on board the men... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Five people die of rabies in UER within two months Nov 6, 2009
Women would be educated before and during the exercise period on the need to have their children immunized, delivering under the supervision of a trained person and other reproductive health issues that would help them improve upon their health and reduce maternal mortality. Ms. Joyce K. Bagina, Bolgatanga Municipal Director of Health Service, said their plans were to reach every child under five years with all the interventions so as to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
News in Brief Nov 5, 2009
Georgetown University Medical Centers Institute for Reproductive Health has received a three-year award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Population Affairs to further the institutes groundbreaking research on natural family planning ... Victoria Jennings, director of the Institute for Reproductive Health, said that the institute has long focused on feasible, culturally-appropriate ways to promote natural family planning methods and that this grant... (The Hoya, Washington DC)
Man mulls plea deal over threat on abortion doctor Nov 5, 2009
Hertz faces charges of making an interstate threat and of violating a law protecting access to reproductive health services. Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
India behind other nations in child care: Human Rights Watch Nov 4, 2009
Aruna Kashyap, researcher for the Women's rights division of HRW, said: "India should be a leader in protecting and monitoring women's sexual and reproductive health. Yet women continue to die entirely preventable deaths, and health authorities do not track down the reasons or do what is needed to rectify the health system.". The government counts the number of births in health clinics and hospitals but these are often "woefully under-resourced and under-staffed", it said. (India Times, India -- Community News)
Wis. Assembly takes up birth control education Nov 4, 2009
Fifteen states currently require that sex education in schools include instruction on contraception, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which studies reproductive health. While Wisconsin law does not require schools to offer sex education, it does require that abstinence be stressed. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Former Planned Parenthood Director Telling Fishy Story Nov 4, 2009
The term "business model" you use mischaracterizes the nature of Planned Parenthood, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable reproductive health care. Johnson's accusationthat her branch was trying to discourage contraception to up the number of abortionsfits into a long-standing, demonstrably false anti-choice myth about Planned Parenthood, which is that they are a profit-making business that makes most of its money off abortion. (Slate)
US responds to man accused in abortion doc threat Nov 3, 2009
Hertz faces charges of making an interstate threat and of violating a law protecting access to reproductive health services. Prosecutors said in a federal court filing Monday that authorities didn't have to read Hertz his rights because he wasn't in custody when he allegedly told investigators he called the clinic. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
A woman's right to choose a losing candidate? Nov 1, 2009
The Christian right who, by refusing to vote for Republicans who didn't take the hardest possible anti-choice line, moved this country so fucking far to the right on reproductive freedom, pro-choice groups are now wasting half their time fighting off every-sperm-is-sacred instead of actually being able to improve women's access to reproductive health services ... "There should simply be no question that abortion must be covered, as should other reproductive healthcare -- according to the... (Salon)
Study links girls' body size to sexual behavior Oct 31, 2009
Richard Baird, president and chief executive officer of Adagio Health, a nonprofit organization that provides family planning and reproductive health education, among other services in 23 counties in Western Pennsylvania, cautioned against using the study to prejudge girls or generate biases. He and Mary Anne Poutous, Adagio director of community education, said they intended to read the entire study before commenting at length about it. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Ethiopia: We for or Against Us - The Dilemma of Population Growth Oct 31, 2009
With only five year remaining for the deadline set for the MDGs, work continues on population, reproductive health and gender issues as essential elements to improve the lives of the people of the world. At least those countries who genuinely believe that their people are their assets will delve into sensible family planning programmes and manage their population. (allAfrica.com)
Combating infertility problems Oct 31, 2009
"Male infertility may be caused due to problems associated with sperm production, sperm transport and sperm motility (ability to move). In the past decade, there has been a marked decline in male reproductive health with increase in the population of sub-fertile males. Due to this, now the accepted definition of lower limit of normal semen quality has dropped from 60 to 20 million per ml," she says, adding, "This proves that environmental and lifestyle causes are adding to this rapid decline. An... (India Times, India)
Guinea Bissau: Planning Families, Saving Lives Oct 30, 2009
UNFPA helps fund the provision of free contraception nationwide, trains health workers on family planning and reproductive health and advises the Health Ministry. Health workers in San Domingos use several methods to spread family planning messages, Na Uaie said, including speaking to teenagers in schools about the dangers of starting a family too young and suggesting contraception options to women who have come to the hospital with pregnancy-related or birthing problems. (allAfrica.com)
Barriers to abortion rise, even in Brookline Oct 30, 2009
To say that reproductive health or sexual health isn t a part of our overall commitment to health care would be a really terrible thing. But of course, marginalizing and stigmatizing abortion is exactly the aim of the protesters. (Boston Globe)
Widow of NY abortion provider praises tougher law Oct 30, 2009
"I'm confident that with greater penalties for violent offenders and greater attention to this issue, New York state's reproductive health care community will suffer fewer and fewer incidents like the one that took my husband away from our family and the patients in this community," Lynne Slepian told reporters during a news conference ... "New York state can now boast the strongest laws in the nation protecting the safety of reproductive health care workers," the law's sponsor, Assemblyman Sam... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Georgetown Falls in Sexual Health Survey Oct 29, 2009
Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so. Post New Comment. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
ANALYSIS: A Tale of Two North Koreas Oct 29, 2009
" The United Nations Population Fund, on the other hand, says that it "continues to implement the national reproductive health strategy with a program focusing on reducing maternal mortality, with funding from the U.N., Norway and New Zealand. It soon plans to establish a family planning clinic to serve three mountainous North Korean counties. (Fox News)
The IUD is the most popular long-acting contraceptive amongst Europeans Oct 29, 2009
"Long-acting contraceptives (the IUD, contraceptive injection or contraceptive implant) are still not widely used", Sergio Haimovich, researcher at the Hospital del Mar in Barcelona and author of the study published in the European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, explains to SINC. ... European Journal Of Contraception And Reproductive Health Care, 2009. (EurekAlert!)
Make A Difference Day benefits Habitat Oct 28, 2009
These sessions will help young ladies to make better decisions regarding reproductive health, avoid substance, strengthen their harm reduction skills and build positive peer support. Zonta International is a global service organization of executives in business and the professions, working together to advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Kenya: Practical Measures Needed on Teen Sexual Education Oct 28, 2009
The report also confirms what many youth workers observe in their daily work: the youth are having sex but they lack vital information on sexual and reproductive health ... "We would all like to live in a cloud of denial," says Peter Macharia, coordinator of a Mombasa youth centre run by reproductive health group Family Health Options Kenya ... The clinic at Macharia's centre, is the only one in the whole of Coast province which provides reproductive health services to young people. (allAfrica.com)
DOCTOR IS IN: Domestic violence stopping abuse and bringing awareness Oct 27, 2009
Assistant Professor in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Emory University School of Medicine, Director of the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, Practicing OBGYN at Emory University Hospital Midtown. One in four women will experience some kind of domestic violence during her lifetime. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Uganda: Country Gets Grant From U.S. Oct 27, 2009
Others are maternal and infant health, family planning and reproductive health and basic education. Over $35m (about sh5. (allAfrica.com)
East Africa: More Hunger Looms Over Burundi and DRC - Report Oct 27, 2009
Sri Lanka, which has been committed to universal education and reproductive health care, has been successful at reducing hunger. It stands out as an important exception in the region. (allAfrica.com)
"Book knowledge" alone is not enough for student's success Oct 25, 2009
It aimed at giving the students the opportunity to interact and share ideas with their colleagues, teach them about reproductive health and career development amongst others. "There are countless examples of very brilliant boys and girls who unfortunately had to abandon school because they did not have the necessary skills and attitudes to enable them to fight the bad influences of life", Mr. Sulemana said. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Project promoting breast cancer awareness Oct 25, 2009
The purpose of the multi-year community-based initiative, according to the project s literature, is to help bring effective strategies for early detection to the under-served African American population in the area as well as to help break down the barriers that keep those women from seeking reproductive health care. White women are more likely to get it, said Jeanette Johnson, community outreach associate for the WHP, but black women are more likely to die from it. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Children's hospital to get big grant Oct 24, 2009
It devotes grants to improve the lives of children, support scientific and conservation efforts and advance reproductive health. The Packard Foundation had assets of about $4. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Obese Women Gain Too Much Weight In Pregnancy, Then Retain Weight A Year Later Oct 22, 2009
include Kimberly Vesco, MD, MPH; Joanne Rizzo, MPA; Victor J. Stevens, PhD; Nancy Perrin, PhD; Donald J. Bachman, MS; and Mark Hornbrook, PhD. Authors of the study from the Division of Reproductive Health, National Center of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga. include Patricia M. Dietz, DrPH, MPH; William M. Callaghan, MD,MPH; and Carol Bruce, BSN, MPH.. (Science Daily)
Kenya: Aids Prevention Amongst Drug Users a Challenge Oct 22, 2009
"Currently, (the) organisations that are dealing with drug addicts and their reproductive health needs are non-governmental organisations. Their reach is modest thus the need for the government to come on board. This group has unique needs.". Omar from the Reachout Centre says addiction treatment centres are few and far between and their cost is prohibitive. (allAfrica.com)
Volunteers make a difference at Lydgate Oct 21, 2009
During the six-week program, girls will learn to build life skills, have personal counseling, community health center visit and more with the aim of helping young ladies to make better decisions regarding reproductive health and certain substances, strengthen their harm-reduction skills and build positive peer support. Benn said the Kaua i Habitat project has been recognized by one of the event sponsors, Newman s Own, as the recipient of a meal donation. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Sex education urged for all youths in China Oct 21, 2009
BEIJING, Oct. 21 -- Sex education and related services need to be available to all Chinese youths, even those who are not married, say experts in the field of reproductive health ... In China, single youths who are also sexually active are not well covered by government-sponsored sexual and reproductive health services like consultations, health checks and free contraceptives like condoms ... "My middle school teacher just left us a textbook on reproductive health to read on our own," recalled... (Xinhuanet, China)
Want to Get Pregnant? Just Relax Oct 21, 2009
"Reproductive health experts have long wondered about the impact that stress may have on fertility, thus impeding a woman's ability to conceive," Domar said in a statement. "This study shows that stress management may improve pregnancy rates, minimizing the stress of fertility management itself, improving the success rates of IVF procedures, and ultimately, helping to alleviate the emotional burden for women who are facing challenges trying to conceive.". (MEDLINEplus)
Sex Questions? Ask GMA Health! Oct 20, 2009
Do you have a burning question about sex or reproductive health. Questions about sex or reproductive health. (ABC News)
China calls for more efforts in reproductive health Oct 19, 2009
BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese legislator Chen Zhili Sunday called for further increase in investment on reproductive health and enhance cooperation in this regard. Chen, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, made the comment when addressing the Fifth Asia-Pacific Conference on Reproductive Health which opened here Sunday ... Chen called on Asia-Pacific countries to attach greater importance to population and family... (Xinhuanet, China)
Conference urges sexual health service for Asia-Pacific youth Oct 19, 2009
The declaration called on national governments and civil societies to offer consultation and services on sexual and reproductive health to young people, especially to marginalized groups such as migrant workers. The declaration noted that poverty and malnutrition make young people in the region vulnerable to greater risks of HIV transmission. (Xinhuanet, China)
Another sign of difficult economic times: People are putting off having babies Oct 18, 2009
"Everyone is frozen in place, scared to make a decision about the future," said Laura Lindberg, a researcher for the Guttmacher Institute, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to reproductive health issues. Lindberg was the lead researcher on a survey the institute recently released of middle- and low-income women that found almost a third were putting off having a child because of the economy. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Birds & bees legalities Oct 18, 2009
You hear rumors from kid to kid on reproductive health that just aren t true, Oblock said. I m lucky with a family who s very open with reproductive health education. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Men above 40 with sexual problems at risk of life-threatening illnesses, says study Oct 16, 2009
At least 14 local and international speakers presented their findings on topics such as stress and anger management, male sexual health, psychological causes of sexual dysfunction, male reproductive health, prostate diseases and androgen deficiency in aging males. News Poll. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Dick Gamble; soap heir championed reproductive choice Oct 16, 2009
He s been a real pioneering leader in the family planning and reproductive health field, said Elizabeth Maguire, president and chief executive of Ipas, an international women s reproductive health organization based in Chapel Hill, N.C. He s given so much to so many people through the years that he s really left an indelible impression. And he was a man of extraordinary intellect and warmth and compassion and generosity. (Boston Globe)
Sorry, McDonnell, your thesis is telling Oct 15, 2009
This is one reason I support Creigh Deeds, who trusts women to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. Douglass R. Ferguson. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
A is for abortion Oct 15, 2009
But when it comes to reproductive health decisions, it seems, Oklahoma Republicans are proud to stand between their female constituents and their doctors, scarlet letters at the ready, and be the party of a limiting government. . (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Kenya: Teenage Sex Study Shock for Parents Oct 14, 2009
And despite youth-friendly policies like the Adolescent Reproductive Health and development policies, the Children's Act, and the Sexual Offences Act, teenagers remain ignored by behaviour change programmes aimed at combating Aids. The survey found that in poverty-stricken areas, young people routinely exchanged sexual favours for money or gifts. (allAfrica.com)
