Reproductive rights

Press release - Women must have full control of their sexual and reproductive health and rights

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Human sexuality, Health, Education, SRHR, Woman, Background, Health care, Poverty, Parliament, Commission, Council, Fundamental rights, Curriculum, Reproductive rights, Abortion, Birth control

MEPs condemn the backsliding on women’s rights and all attempts to restrict or remove existing protections for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality taking place globally, including in the EU member states.

Key Points: 
  • MEPs condemn the backsliding on women’s rights and all attempts to restrict or remove existing protections for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality taking place globally, including in the EU member states.
  • They call on the Commission to ensure that organisations working against gender equality and women’s rights, including reproductive rights, do not receive EU funding.
  • Healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health, falls under national powers.
  • Changing the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights to include abortion would require unanimous agreement from all member states.

Family Source Consultants Celebrates Michigan Legislature Passing Landmark Fertility Health Care Act (House Bill 5207) to Legalize Surrogacy Arrangements

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Michigan Legislature, Infertility, Child, Fertility, Family, Organization, House, Woman, Heart, Consultant, Dream, Reproductive rights, Parent, Legislation, Birth control

CHICAGO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Family Source Consultants Celebrates Michigan Legislature Passing Landmark Fertility Health Care Act (House Bill 5207) to Legalize Surrogacy Arrangements.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, March 27, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Family Source Consultants Celebrates Michigan Legislature Passing Landmark Fertility Health Care Act (House Bill 5207) to Legalize Surrogacy Arrangements.
  • Family Source Consultants, a leading third-party reproduction agency that specializes in matching and facilitating surrogacy and egg donation arrangements, praises the Michigan Legislature for taking a historic step forward in reproductive rights by passing the Fertility Health Care Act ( House Bill 5207 ).
  • This groundbreaking legislation legalizes and regulates surrogacy arrangements in the state of Michigan providing transparency and protection for all parties involved in a surrogacy arrangement.
  • By providing a legal framework for surrogacy, the Fertility Health Care Act aims to promote fairness, transparency, and ethical practices within the surrogacy process.

Canada’s inaction in Gaza marks a failure of its feminist foreign policy

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Malnutrition, Woman, Violence, Hamas, Failure, Poverty, RCMP, Pregnancy, Feminism, Sale, FIAP, Empowerment, Maternal death, Rape, Food, Risk, Safety, Health, Global Affairs Canada, United Nations, Stillbirth, Foreign Affairs, Non-governmental organization, Infant, Mother, Policy, Miscarriage, UN, Reproductive rights, Joly, Water, Face, Birth control

“Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

Key Points: 
  • “Peace and prosperity are every person’s birthright.” So opened then Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland’s introduction to Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).
  • Launched in 2017, the policy stated that Canada would take an explicitly feminist approach to international assistance, including a commitment to protecting women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
  • Many considered it to be a forward-thinking policy that builds on the past work of NGOs and other international partners.
  • In addition to funding, Joly also offered RCMP support to help investigate the crimes of sexual violence against Israeli women.

Palestinian women’s rights long ignored

  • Her statement came after United Nations experts expressed alarm over “credible allegations of egregious human rights violations to which Palestinian women and girls continue to be subjected in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.” They cited reports of arbitrary executions, killings, detentions and sexual abuse of Palestinian women and girls by Israeli forces.
  • Even before the current escalation of violence, Canada’s support of Israel’s actions have long been identified as a significant limitation of FIAP.
  • Palestinian women also face increased risk of sexual violence.
  • There are credible reports of sexual violence being used as a tool of war against both Israeli and Palestinian women.

Reproductive health in Gaza in a dire state

  • An estimated 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza are at increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and maternal death.
  • The widespread food crisis has also had dire implications for reproductive and maternal health.
  • Malnutrition affects maternal health, and can also have long-term consequences for the health of mothers and their children.

Canada must act

  • Meanwhile, Canadian exports of military equipment to Israel have not only continued, but have increased since October.
  • Global Affairs Canada claims these exports are only for non-lethal equipment.
  • Canada’s delayed and inconsistent response to Israel’s military violence in Gaza represents a failure to evenly apply its own foreign policy.
  • If Canada truly wants to create a more peaceful and prosperous world, they must not leave Palestinian women behind.


Jacqueline Potvin previously received funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. Mayme Lefurgey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

As part of International Women’s Day 2024, Women’s Health Advocate calls on expeditious passage of C-64: An Act Respecting Pharmacare

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024
Royal assent, International, Woman, Education, Investment, Health, Federation, Gynaecology, IWD, Public, Legislation, Knowledge, UN, Birth, Reproductive rights, Parliament, C-64, Service provider

OTTAWA, March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada (SOGC) recognizes and celebrates the incredible contributions of women in Canadian society part International Women’s Day!

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada (SOGC) recognizes and celebrates the incredible contributions of women in Canadian society part International Women’s Day!
  • Access to contraception is not only a matter of reproductive rights but also a fundamental aspect of public health and equity.
  • As part of the SOGC’s mission to help empower a woman’s ability to be her own health advocate, the SOGC has a suite of six websites devoted to education and knowledge.
  • Afterall, women’s healthcare is a non-partisan issue!” – Dr. Diane Francoeur, Chief Executive Officer, SOGC.

Health Advocate Applauds Federal Government in Free Access to Contraceptives for Canadians

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Woman, New Democratic Party, Federation, Government, Pregnancy, Gynaecology, Intrauterine device, Pharmacare, Confidence, Policy, Birth, Reproductive rights, Workforce, Public, Birth control

OTTAWA, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada (SOGC) applauds the Canadian government on today’s historic announcement to include free access for prescription contraceptives as part of a National Framework for Pharmacare.

Key Points: 
  • OTTAWA, Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist of Canada (SOGC) applauds the Canadian government on today’s historic announcement to include free access for prescription contraceptives as part of a National Framework for Pharmacare.
  • This announcement begins a generational shift across Canada in terms of access and the future of women’s health care at large.
  • Access to contraception is not only a matter of reproductive rights but also a fundamental aspect of public health and equity.
  • “The SOGC is pleased with today’s announcement from the federal government and its commitment to women’s health care in Canada.

ADAMEVE.COM ASKS "ARE AMERICANS' REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS BEING TAKEN AWAY?"

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Abortion, Marketing, Adam and Eve, Doctor of Philosophy, Multimedia, CST, Human, Condom, Reproductive rights, IVF, Supreme Court of Alabama, LMFT, Birth, Sterilization, Birth control

This month, the company surveyed over 1000 people asking if they felt that Americans' reproductive rights are being taken away.

Key Points: 
  • This month, the company surveyed over 1000 people asking if they felt that Americans' reproductive rights are being taken away.
  • Only 22% of the respondents (24% of the males and 22% of the females) did not feel their reproductive rights are being taken away.
  • "Reproductive rights include having the ability to decide whether and when to have children," says Dr. Jenni Skyler, PhD, LMFT, CST, and resident sexologist at Adam & Eve.
  • And as more of these rights are taken away, I encourage adults to vote to protect their reproductive and human rights as they see fit."

Black Women for Wellness Launches Empower 25 Campaign: Amplifying Black Male Voices in Reproductive Justice

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Abortion, Hospital, Community engagement, Public health, Health education, Empowerment, Parent, Maternal death, California Department, Health, Human, Maternal health, Disease, Infant, BWW, Policy, Legislation, Wellness, Birth, Reproductive rights, Male, Movement, Mortality, Health equity, Housing, Achievement Medal, Woman, Student, Birth control

Founded in 1997, Black Women for Wellness' mission has always been the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment and advocacy – particularly within the reproductive justice movement.

Key Points: 
  • Founded in 1997, Black Women for Wellness' mission has always been the health and well-being of Black women and girls through health education, empowerment and advocacy – particularly within the reproductive justice movement.
  • Too often, the voices of Black men have been unheard and overlooked in discussions around reproductive rights.
  • Empower 25 is an opportunity to uplift and amplify Black male voices, ensuring that they have a voice in decisions that impact the well-being of the Black family as a whole.
  • "In 2023, we confronted the Black maternal health crisis head-on," states Janette Robinson Flint, Founder and Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness.

Colorado Legislature Advances "Free Menstrual Products To Students" Bill Out of the House Education Committee

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Dignity, Paper, Student, School, Education, Partnership, Female, Health care, Sport, Life, Learning, House, Legislation, Reproductive rights, Colorado Education Association, Two-factor theory, Justice, Environment, Senate, Hygiene, American Academy, Nursing

DENVER, March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Justice Necessary, a Colorado-based nonprofit, in collaboration with legislative champions Representative Brianna Titone (HD 27, Jefferson) and Representative Jenny Wilford (HD 34, Adams) who serve as co-prime sponsors in the House, while Senator Janet Buckner (SD 29, Arapahoe) and Senator Faith Winter (SD 25, Adams, Broomfield, Weld) serve as co-prime sponsors in the Senate, introduced "Free Menstrual Products to Students, HB24-1164" to Colorado's 74th General Assembly. The bill advanced out of the House Education Committee with a vote of 7-4.

Key Points: 
  • The bill advanced out of the House Education Committee with a vote of 7-4.
  • If passed, it would ensure that period products are accessible in school bathrooms to students enrolled in sixth through twelfth grade, building on the existing "Menstrual Hygiene Products Accessibility Grant Program" to support more Colorado school districts in providing products.
  • "As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, my focus is on fostering a supportive and equitable environment for Colorado students.
  • "Ensuring access to period products in schools is a vital component of my commitment to supporting Colorado families and students," said Representative Wilford.

Illume Fertility Joins Senator Richard Blumenthal in News Conference Urging Congress to Pass Federal Protections for Infertility Treatment

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
ASRM, Medicine, Reproductive medicine, Medical director, Fertility, IVF, Access, D-CT, Society, Partner, Supreme Court of Alabama, Fertilisation, Family, Patient, Legislation, Congress, Child, Reproductive rights, Infertility, Birth control

NORWALK, Conn., March 5, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Illume Fertility, a leading modern fertility practice with locations in Connecticut and New York, appeared alongside U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and other reproductive rights advocates at a press conference in Hartford on Friday to demand federal protections for infertility treatments in the wake of the recent Alabama Supreme Court ruling restricting in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Key Points: 
  • "1 in 6 people worldwide suffer from infertility, and access to treatment options like IVF is essential.
  • My own family would not exist without IVF - for me and the millions of other Americans that need access to fertility care, this is personal."
  • Senator Blumenthal is calling on Congress to quickly pass the Access to Family Building Act, a bill introduced by Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) which would override state limits and establish a statutory right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF) nationwide.
  • The Access to Family Building Act is endorsed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association.

TMRW Life Sciences Offers 1 Year Free Storage to Fertility Patients in Alabama

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
TMRW, Safety, Reproductive rights, Supreme Court of Alabama, Patient, Risk

NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TMRW Life Sciences (TMRW), a fertility technology company setting a new standard of care in fertility storage, today announced that it is providing one year of free cryostorage for frozen eggs and embryos for any patients in Alabama who wish to move their precious cells to TMRW's state-of-the-art cryostorage facility in New York.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, Feb. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TMRW Life Sciences (TMRW), a fertility technology company setting a new standard of care in fertility storage, today announced that it is providing one year of free cryostorage for frozen eggs and embryos for any patients in Alabama who wish to move their precious cells to TMRW's state-of-the-art cryostorage facility in New York.
  • Despite uncertainty in the media, embryo shipping remains available from Alabama to New York, a state where legislative and judicial support for reproductive rights  is unwavering.
  • Each year, more than 1 million frozen eggs and embryos are frozen at fertility clinics nationwide – approximately 5,000 in Alabama.
  • Prospective parents worried about the safety of their frozen eggs and embryos can move them to TMRW," said Louis Villalba, Chief Executive Officer at TMRW.