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Monday, January 26, 2009

Rosa Sat--song for Obama



Written and performed by Amy Dixon-Kolar (c) 2008 Asharta Music/ASCAP. This was written a few days after November 4, 2008 and was inspired by the quote used as the chorus and the celebrations and photos of this historic day

Friday, January 23, 2009

Woo Hoo! Off to a great start!

Did you hear?? President Obama reversed the Global Gag Rule today (also known as the "Mexico City Policy"). The global gag rule would prohibit U.S. funding for international organization that provide or mention abortion.

Obama is quoted as saying that "it is time to end the politicization of this issue." (cnn.com)

I couldn't agree more! Click here to thank President Obama

For more on the story, see Obama reverses abortion-funding policy on cnn.com.

Have you seen this?

"America's Song"

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Statement of President Obama on the 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

"On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women’s health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose.

While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.

On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere."

Blog for Choice: My hope for a new day



My hopes are many. Like numerous others, I see President Obama’s election as a new day in this country. We have survived, barely, these last eight years. And now much remains to be undone – the economic crisis, the devastation of the Iraq war, the global gag rule, the inaccurate, false and misleading SPRANS Abstinence-only program, the wide-reaching and deeply impacting restrictions to abortion access and services, the establishment of “fetushood” as personhood (i.e. see the Unborn Victims of Violence Act)…and the list can go on. But this new day, this new hope brings with it dreams of where we can go from here. Beyond what must be undone, what can we build?

My hope lies here…in what we can build. Not only do I want to see structural changes but I also hope for socio-cultural changes. I want structural changes in the form of federal funding for all reproductive health services (from birth control to abortion to well woman services to prenatal care), fair and unbiased courts, the prioritization of women’s health issues in research funding, stronger oversight and accountability to the FDA, and government subsidies for menstrual health products and baby diapers that are biodegradable and eco-friendly. I also hope for changes in the ways in which our culture, both its people and its government, views women’s health, bodies, and experiences. I want a culture that empowers women and girls in who they are instead of judging them on their appearance. I want a culture that values women’s experience as legitimate information and knowledge. I want a culture that teaches children about their bodies in a non-judgmental, non-heterosexist manner. I want a culture that embraces comprehensive sex education which includes body information, sexualities, gender identity, the full range of reproductive options, and incorporates relationship negotiation skills and personal empowerment training. I want a culture that values women enough to provide accurate, unbiased, and non-judgmental information and then respects them enough to make choices in their lives without shame or blame.

Finally, as we collectively embrace a revitalized sense of community, democracy, and civic commitment I hope for a community who stands together, supports one another’s issues, fights for justice and equality, and refuses to settle for less until we are all afforded the same access and opportunity.

Lofty ideals? Perhaps, but what better time to dream than now?

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