NOW Congratulates Joe Sestak on Pivotal Win in Pennsylvania Primary

Last night, Rep. Joe Sestak achieved a pivotal victory in Pennsylvania by besting 30-year incumbent Sen. Arlen Specter in the state’s Democratic primary. After two previous endorsements for the House of Representatives, the NOW Political Action Committee enthusiastically endorsed Sestak for his Senate run.

NOW Sad to See Connie Saltonstall Leave Michigan Race, Thanks Her for Standing up to Anti-Abortion Incumbent Bart Stupak

In a statement from NOW President and NOW/PAC Chair Terry O’Neill, “The National Organization for Women is sad to see Connie Saltonstall withdraw from the congressional race in Michigan’s 1st District. Saltonstall bravely stepped forward to take on the incumbent — reproductive rights foe and health care reform obstructer Rep. Bart Stupak — in the state’s Democratic primary. She opened the door for other candidates and may even have lead to Stupak’s decision not to seek another term. And how did the Democratic Party reward her? Disgracefully, by withholding its support.”

States Moving Forward to Outlaw Inhuman Practice of Shackling Pregnant Women

Shackling of pregnant women is an alarming trend in United States’ prisons. Only six states in the U.S. have laws expressly condemning the practice. The Pennsylvania legislature recently introduced an anti-shackling bill that received unanimous approval in the Judiciary Committee, and Washington state has a proposed bill hopefully being introduced soon. As more women are being incarcerated as a result of increasingly harsh drug laws, the number of pregnant women in prison has also increased, making shackling an even more pressing issue.