Women's Issues / Public News Service

The Maternity Care Coalition connects families seeking doula services with providers from its doula network and offers free childbirth workshops to educate and empower those giving birth and their families. (Maternity Care Coalition)

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Advocate: Doulas essential to birth justice in Pennsylvania

Nationwide, Black women face a maternal mortality rate three times higher than white women. To address the disparity, the Maternity Care Coalition …

Only 29% of municipal government seats in Ohio cities with populations over 10,000 are held by women, highlighting continued underrepresentation at the local level. (Kenny/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Ohio’s milestone moment for women in government

Ohio is seeing big gains in women's representation at the Statehouse, with the General Assembly poised to welcome seven additional women lawmakers in …

Nationwide, more than 9,700 abortions per month were provided via telehealth under shield law protections in the second quarter of 2024, a 5% increase since the first quarter of 2024, according to WeCount. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Wisconsinites seeking abortion telemedicine via shield laws face risks

Wisconsin law bans telemedicine abortion care, yet new data show an increasing number of Wisconsinites have been getting abortion pills through …

A September study by Pew Research showed Black women voters are more likely than Black men to view racial and ethnic inequality (79% vs. 70%) and violent crime (78% vs. 63%) as very important issues for the 2024 election. (Drazon/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

After 92% of Black women Voted for Harris, what's next?

Some experts contended part of the reason Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election was because of what they called "misogynoir…

If the STORK Act is passed, Ohio would join states such as Georgia, which already allow tax deductions for unborn children, a policy enacted in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

By Vanessa Davidson / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. Ohio Rep. Gary …

The orange bag inside the Safe Haven Baby Boxes includes information on trafficking and Safe Haven registry resources. The mothers also have the option to send back identity, ethnicity and medical information for the child if they wish. (Save Haven Baby Boxes)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Expansion of Safe Haven Baby Boxes across Mississippi counties underway

Advocates said Mississippi is taking a big step toward infant safety with the expansion of Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the state. Nationwide, more than …

At least 1,579 Democratic women and 851 Republican women will serve in state legislatures in 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. (Anton Gvozdikov / Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Report: UT ranks low for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025, a record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers …

In 2020, Pennsylvania reported more than 32,000 abortions, with providers documenting only 239 cases that involved medical complications. (Longfin Media/Adobe Stock) <br />

PA advocates stand firm on reproductive health access

President-elect Donald Trump's second term has some Pennsylvania health care providers and legal experts voicing concern about potential changes to ab…

So far, the Safe Haven Baby Box hotline has handled more than 9,000 calls, supporting parents across all 50 states, including referring more than 500 women to crisis pregnancy centers, assisting with 10 adoption referrals, and facilitating more than 150 legal Safe Haven surrenders. (Tsado/Adobe)

Tennessee offers new Safe Haven Baby Boxes for parents

Advocates say Tennessee is taking a big step toward infant safety by installing new Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Chattanooga and Atoka. Nationwide…

Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari was also elected as Democratic 'Freshman Class' President for the U.S. House of Representatives. (Yassamin Ansari )

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025. That's a new record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at …

In the 2024 election results, the New Hampshire Senate decreased from 50% to 42% women and the House decreased from 37% to 36% women. (Adobe Stock)

Voters send record number of women to state legislatures nationwide

A record number of women will serve in legislatures nationwide in 2025. More than 2,400 women will hold state legislative offices, representing more …

At least 1,860 women will serve in state houses in 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics. (Adobe Stock)

NV leads nationally with the number of women elected to state legislature

A record number of women will serve in state legislatures across the nation in 2025. Nevada will be the first state to hold a female majority in its …

ALICE families say while wages have increased, it hasn't been enough to keep up with inflation and is sometimes hard to put food on the table. (Konstantin Yuganov/Adobe Stock)

'ALICE at Work' on paycheck-to-paycheck struggle

By Wesley Brown for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-Wi…

Based on the 2024 election results so far, Republican women will make up roughly 35% and Democratic women roughly 64% of all women state legislators nationwide, according to the Center for American Women in Politics. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Record number of women to serve in state legislatures nationwide

As 2025 begins, there will be a record number of women serving in state legislatures nationwide. More than 2,400 women will hold state legislative …

Black women almost doubled their registration numbers from 2020, according to TargetSmart. (Adobe Stock)

92% of Black women voted for Harris. What happens now?

Some experts contend part of the reason Vice President Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election was because of what they're calling "misogyno…

In 2023, nearly $30,000 of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence's $3 million revenue came from donations, with 90 cents of every dollar allocated to survivor services. (ckybe/Adobe Stock)

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

The giving season offers Ohioans an opportunity to reflect on the importance of supporting community services. For survivors of sexual violence in …

Ballot measures to ensure access to abortion won in the 2024 election in red states like Arizona, Missouri and Montana. (tilialucida/Adobe Stock)

Pro-choice wins in election signal promise for potential ID initiative

Voters across the country approved a majority of measures in November to affirm abortion rights and supporters of an initiative to legalize abortion i…

The UMB program is self-paced and includes a two-day in-person simulation training. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Maryland trains more health workers to offer abortion care

By Sarah Varney for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Maryland News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servi…

On the day after the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 1200% increase in scheduled vasectomy appointments and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock) <br />

New England clinics see post-election spike in contraceptive requests

Health clinics in New England and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election…

Following the Nov. 5th election, Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide reported a 760% increase in IUD appointments scheduled and a 350% increase in birth control implant appointments. (Adobe Stock)

Post-election contraceptive requests increase at ME clinics

Health clinics in Maine and elsewhere are coping with a sharp uptick in requests for long-acting contraceptives in the wake of the election. …

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 71 men will experience a violent sexual assault at some point in their lives. (Freepik)<br />

NE advocates: Anonymity an option in reporting sexual assault

More than 60% of sexual assaults are never reported to police, due to concerns like fear of retaliation or negative social interactions. But Nebraska …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Changes could be coming to Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act as President-elect Donald Trump builds his administration. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Low-income Arkansas families could be in for some big cuts to health care under a second Trump administration, according to health experts. Policy …

Feeding Texas is advancing policy solutions to both prevent hunger and tackle its causes and consequences. (Daniel Vincek/Adobe Stock)

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

The nonprofit Feeding Texas Network has announced its priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The food insecurity rate continues to rise in …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

After immigrating to the U.S. many immigrants and their families encounter challenges, including low-paying jobs, language barriers and navigating complex systems. (artiom.photo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

By Antoinette Grajeda for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop…

Five of its six neighboring states have fewer restrictive laws on reproductive care than South Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

SD keeps abortion ban, but 'the landscape is changing'

A majority of South Dakotans have voted to maintain a strict abortion ban but other factors are shifting the landscape for reproductive care in the st…

More than 2 million votes were cast for the Democratic ticket in Ohio, although more than 55% of Ohio voters supported the Republican ticket. (Wikimedia Commons)

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

Ohio Republicans will soon have stronger representation in Washington, D.C., as Buckeye State native and Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance is set to …

President-elect Donald Trump said during his campaign the issue of abortion access should be left to states. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has said he hopes Trump sticks to his viewpoint. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

It is now up to Wisconsin Supreme Court justices to decide the fate of an abortion law from the mid-1800s. A circuit court determined last year an 18…

Approximately 560,000 Arkansas households live below the ALICE threshold of financial survival. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

Four in ten women under the age of 30 said abortion was the number one most important issue this election cycle, according to the health policy nonprofit group KFF. (Feng Yu / Adobe Stock)

AZ passes abortion measure, advocates still concerned about a Trump presidency

Voters in Arizona overwhelmingly supported and approved Proposition 139 last week, which enshrines abortion rights into the state's constitution…

Nevada was one of seven states last week that passed pro-abortion ballot initiatives. (Adobe Stock)

Nevada, called for Trump, also passes abortion rights ballot measure

Nevada voters supported Question 6, which will protect abortion rights in the Silver State. The proposal will add language to the state …

While Amendment 3 protects the right to abortion in Missouri, it does not mandate state funding for abortion procedures, so Medicaid and state funds are not used for most abortions. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Both sides react as Missouri reverses near-total abortion ban

Strong reactions are pouring in from both sides as Missouri voters made history by adding abortion rights to the state constitution. The decision to …

Some 43% of of municipal officeholders are women in Oregon, compared to 32% nationwide. (Dog Paw Productions/Adobe Stock)

Report: More OR women are running for office and winning

Oregon has the third highest percent of women in city government, according to a new report from Rutgers University. It may be proof of the success …

Following Roe vs. Wade's overturn, over 40,000 people in restrictive states obtained medication abortions through shielded providers in the second half of 2023, reflecting a sharp rise in use. (NanSan/Adobe Stock)

Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights

By Lauren Rankin for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Comedians lobbing political jabs from a right perspective are gaining ground through popular podcasts such as the Joe Rogan Experience. (Adobe Stock)

Right-wing comedians gain ground in conventionally liberal spaces

Uproar over racist jokes at a Madison Square Garden rally for former President Donald Trump has put a spotlight on the increasing influence of right-l…

The nonprofit Step By Step in Lexington said a major barrier to participation is a lack of understanding among grocery stores about how WIC works and what products are covered under the program. (Honeysage Photo Co.)

WIC program updates to expand nutrition access for KY moms, babies

A federal nutrition program for low-income moms and babies now includes canned fish and beans, whole grains such as quinoa and cornmeal, and more …

Moms of young children remain vastly underrepresented in state capitols across the country, according to the Vote Mama Foundation. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

In politics, money talks and the barrier makes it tough for the average person to run for office and still harder in New Mexico. State legislators …

According to the United Way, more Americans are seeking assistance for help with everyday needs. (Syda Productions/Adobe Stock)

Antipoverty community: Poverty line is garbage

Advocates in the antipoverty community said lawmakers are not doing enough to help people escape poverty. They said the inaction is increasing the …

Amendment E would change language in South Dakota's state Constitution regarding positions including lieutenant governor, Supreme Court justices, circuit court judges and the governor, as well as terms for groups of people, including

SD’s Amendment E about 'celebrating women'

South Dakota voters will soon decide on Amendment E, which would adjust language in the state Constitution for certain officeholders. Amendment E …

Breast cancer in the United States occurs primarily in middle-aged and older women, but age is not the only risk factor. (TarasGrebinets/Adobe Stock)

NM women get new recommendations for breast cancer screenings

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and health professionals are urging New Mexico women and those in other states to get screened at younger …

Abbey Hall, the daughter of a former Delaware County Sheriff, said the experience of having to cross state lines for medical care made her feel like a fugitive. (Adobe stock)

Indiana’s restrictive abortion laws force mother to seek care in Illinois

A Carmel, Ind., mother of two is sharing a very personal story hoping it affects Hoosiers ahead of Election Day. Abbey Hall was forced to travel to …

Breast surgical oncologist Tran Ho, DO, FSSO, speaks with a patient at El Camino Health about her mammogram. (El Camino Health)

Breast cancer rates rising in women younger than 40, Asian women

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - and experts say in recent years, they've seen a rise in diagnoses among women younger than age 40…

At 16 months of age, Lexi Badenhop's team of physicians say she is hitting milestones she might have missed without fetal surgery for spina bifida. (Nationwide Children's Hospital)

Transforming lives through spina bifida treatment in Columbus

October marks Spina Bifida Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a birth defect that affects one in 2,000 births in the United …

The survey shows that because of Texas abortion laws many OB/GYN physicians and resident physicians are considering or have made changes to their practices that reduce the availability of OB/GYN care in the state. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

A recent survey of OB/GYNs in the state shows that doctors are concerned and confused by Texas' abortion ban. 76% of doctors surveyed say they feel …

Statistics from the ALICE in Arkansas initiative show a significant increase in the number of ALICE households following COVID. (Zadvornov/Adobe Stock)

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

By Daniel Breen and Josie Lenora for Little Rock Public Radio.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the Little Rock …

Americans' unpaid care, two-thirds of which is performed by women, is valued at more than $1 trillion each year, according to a 2024 analysis by the National Partnership for Women and Families. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Report: WV women play major economic role as unpaid caregivers

Women's labor force participation rate in West Virginia has fallen over the past two decades but more are performing unpaid work, mostly as …

Roughly 120,000 Montana families receive some form of public assistance. Many are caregivers or single parents and 97% are employed. (Adobe Stock)

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why

A new report from the Headwaters Foundation in Montana showed at least half the people who receive public assistance are only enrolled for one year…

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Women's

Advocate: Doulas essential to birth justice in Pennsylvania

Ohio’s milestone moment for women in government

Wisconsinites seeking abortion telemedicine via shield laws face risks

After 92% of Black women Voted for Harris, what's next?

Ohio’s STORK Act: Tax relief for parents or a push against abortion rights?

Expansion of Safe Haven Baby Boxes across Mississippi counties underway

Report: UT ranks low for number of women as legislators

PA advocates stand firm on reproductive health access

Tennessee offers new Safe Haven Baby Boxes for parents

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

Voters send record number of women to state legislatures nationwide

NV leads nationally with the number of women elected to state legislature

'ALICE at Work' on paycheck-to-paycheck struggle

Record number of women to serve in state legislatures nationwide

92% of Black women voted for Harris. What happens now?

Sustaining services for rural Ohio's sexual-violence survivors

Pro-choice wins in election signal promise for potential ID initiative

Maryland trains more health workers to offer abortion care

New England clinics see post-election spike in contraceptive requests

Post-election contraceptive requests increase at ME clinics

NE advocates: Anonymity an option in reporting sexual assault

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

2nd Trump term to affect health coverage for Arkansans

Feeding Texas Network prepares for legislative session

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Immigrant families in northwest AR struggle to make ends meet

SD keeps abortion ban, but 'the landscape is changing'

Middletown looks to JD Vance to help improve local economy

WI Supreme Court hears case on 1849 abortion law

More AR families struggle with food insecurity

AZ passes abortion measure, advocates still concerned about a Trump presidency

Nevada, called for Trump, also passes abortion rights ballot measure

Both sides react as Missouri reverses near-total abortion ban

Report: More OR women are running for office and winning

Election Day raises new fears over Comstock Act, reproductive rights

Right-wing comedians gain ground in conventionally liberal spaces

WIC program updates to expand nutrition access for KY moms, babies

Breaking down barriers to seeking political office in New Mexico

Antipoverty community: Poverty line is garbage

SD’s Amendment E about 'celebrating women'

NM women get new recommendations for breast cancer screenings

Indiana’s restrictive abortion laws force mother to seek care in Illinois

Breast cancer rates rising in women younger than 40, Asian women

Transforming lives through spina bifida treatment in Columbus

Abortion ban prompts concern among TX doctors

AR business owners collaborate to help ALICE residents

Report: WV women play major economic role as unpaid caregivers

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why