The Obama administration announced today that it is moving to rescind the controversial Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) refusal or “conscience” rule.
“President Obama took the side of justice today,” said NOW President Kim Gandy. “For eight years the Global Gag Rule has forced international family planning organizations to make an impossible choice between providing comprehensive reproductive health care, and receiving funds that enable them to help women in need. Women around the world have died as a result of this heartless policy.”
Today New York Gov. David Paterson picked women’s rights supporter Kirsten Gillibrand to fill the Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. “She has big shoes to fill, and we are confident that she will be a senator who will continue the fight for the women, girls and families of New York and the nation,” said NOW President Kim Gandy. “We are pleased a pro-choice woman has been appointed, and we expect that Gillibrand will take up key issues where Clinton left off.”
NOW President Kim Gandy says, “As we return to national leaders who support women’s rights, we anticipate a stronger backlash and more virulent attack on women’s reproductive freedom. But nothing will diminish our determination to restore the rights we’ve lost.”
On Thursday, Jan. 22, the National Organization for Women (NOW) will hold its annual vigil at the U.S. Supreme Court, commemorating and celebrating the 36th anniversary of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision affirming women’s constitutional right to abortion.
No more redactions. No more cover-ups. No more protection for powerful abusers.
Help NOW take action today!