Federal Laws on Reproductive and Human Rights

sabraleaf — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:14:50 +0000

Individual freedom is the ability to make reproductive choices while not experiencing gender inequality, violence, coercion or discrimination regardless of socio-economics. Several laws and amendments affect the way a woman receives and utilizes her personal health care. Civil rights advocates see federal laws regulating, limiting or denying education and services for family planning infringing on fundamental human rights, while religious conservatives advocate that reproductive services and abortion should not be considered a human right at all.

Roe Vs. Wade

This historic 1973 Supreme Court ruling giving women full rights concerning her reproductive health was won by a due process clause under the Ninth Amendment as “The Right to Privacy” sparking a continuing debate between pro-choice and pro-life advocates concerning the time-line and viability of the fetus.

The Hyde Amendment

Abortion is a contentious and politically fueled topic. Constitutional advocates believe this amendment “Exceeds the permissible boundaries of legislative delegation.” Republican congressman, Bill Hyde, wrote this as a rider to the annual appropriations bill by The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), prohibiting federal funding for abortion with the exception of rape, incest or if medically needed.

The Hyde/Weldon Conscience Protection Amendment (Labor/HHS/ED)

The United States House of Representatives passed this bill as an expansion to the original Hyde Amendment extending protection to physicians and health care centers that don’t want to refer, cover or pay for abortion based on their own personal or religious beliefs, by prohibiting the use of federal funds to agencies and programs in state and local governments.

Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003

This controversial ban is aimed at the way abortions are performed rather than the denial of the abortion itself. Pro-choice supporter’s stress the ban needs to be defined more clearly because it excludes a stipulation for women in lieu of an emergency. This is the first criminal abortion law that three different U.S. District courts declared unconstitutional. Physicians who practice late-term abortion are penalized with fines, penalties or imprisonment. Late-term abortion offenders are defined as someone “That kills the partially delivered fetus.”

The Health Care Denial Rule

The Bush Administration developed this regulation that restricts reproductive services including counseling, birth control and abortion to federally funded health clinics who mainly service low-income women. The American Civil Liberties Union argues that this rule “Fails to carefully balance protection for individual religious liberty and patient’s access to reproductive health care.” As of 2009 President Obama is currently re-evaluating this rule.

Global Gag Rule

Constitutional advocates call it “A gag rule” because they believe it suppresses free speech on abortion topics. The rule refuses the use of federal funds overseas for family planning services to health care providers operating with their own funds to administer reproductive rights; including legal abortion, related care, contraceptives and HIV-AIDS treatment. Originally titled the “Mexico City Policy”, it was created in 1984 by the Reagan Administration to lower global abortion rates. Former President Bill Clinton stopped this policy in 1993. In 2001 George W. Bush issued a presidential memorandum reinstating the Global Gag Rule. In January 23, 2009 President Barack Obama issued another executive order to overturn the policy by order of full legislative appeal.

Keywords

reproductive rights
federal funding
abortion laws
sex education
birth control

Reference

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Near City Experience

sabraleaf — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:27:56 +0000

Interesting places attract interesting people so it’s safe to say that the Blackwater Cafe, in Stockton Ca, has more characters than a font program. A hidden gem nestled between tree lined streets in a quiet neighborhood it also doubles as “The best live music venue in SJ valley.” It has the feel of a big city hole- in-the-wall you find as a surprise . An eclectic coffee bar, study room, artistic hangout…. limitless possibilities. No one here is telling you what to do or how to think. It’s not about the talent pool or making money. It’s about the music, spoken word, personal expression and “Creating a community without attitudes.” It’s all about the experience.

The Blackwater Café has been steeped in local history for decades and like anything well talked about, it has a reputation. This place definitely lives up to expectation. It oozes artistic freedom. I could feel the creative inspiration before I even entered the café. There is an outside, street level patio, where you are welcome to sit, smoke and relax. The café itself is small, but secure in itself to deliver the goods. It has tiny round tables in front of a space designated the stage by the front windows and a few booths drift along the right side. You are encouraged to hang out and loaf. Bring your laptop and enjoy free wifi access, bring your instrument and play something. Don’t have an instrument but feel the urge? Pick one up from the many lying around and express yourself. It’s a whatever way of life. Read, write, watch. The Blackwater Café is always seeking free spirits to “Create, listen, enjoy or participate!”

I thought the perfect time to go and check out the vibe would be Open Mic Night. They have one every Wednesday at 8 pm . When you see so many people not afraid to be themselves, it’s intimidating. The host of the evening, Vondubz, was completely comfortable in his skin and seemed to know the “Regulars.” He let us know that the floor was ours. We could sing, play the guitar, read aloud a chapter of a favorite book or tell a joke. If we wanted to test out some new material, this was the place. Everybody here is an individual and that’s what makes The Blackwater Café unique.

One of the performers sat down on the rickety stool in front of the good sized crowd and strung his out -of- tune guitar, creating some raunchy feedback. He reflectively said “ Oh my God that sounds horrible…It’s perfect! ” That summed up my night. It was perfect! I spent the night listening to sketchy, but pleasing renditions of B-side Rolling Stones tunes, The Beatles and Bob Dylan classics. I heard “originals”, random piano keys tinkering and acoustic opera. It was mellow and laid back. I sat next to a poet, a long since treasured profession and had my tarot cards read for tips.

If you need a little alcohol to fuel your talent or voyeuristic tendencies they offer wine and beer. And not the kind you would find at Applebees, but a funky selection of indie bottles like Blue Moon or Arrogant Bastard wine. Legend has it Newcastle Pale Ale is sometimes sold here for a buck a pint. A legend worth repeating.

The Blackwater Café has the best espresso drinks in town; along with tea, juice and soda. They serve breakfast, lunch and munchies. Order the tacos, they are a late night favorite. Everything is reasonably priced for the starving artist or the relatively broke. You can get a comforting bowl of soup or yummy specialty sandwiches. Bagels and pastries are baked fresh daily.

The Blackwater Café is currently seeking performance artists and musicians that play folk, country, reggae, jazz and blues. For more info or bookings call 209.943.6938 or visit www.blackwatercafestockton.com. Open seven days a week. Come as you are, and have a cup of coffee while you here.

Blackwater Cafe

912 North Yosemite Street

Stockton, California 95203.

Sunday -Tuesday 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Wednesday – Thursday 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM

Friday – Saturday 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM

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Federal Laws on Reproductive and Human Rights

Near City Experience