Representative Mike Pence and His Anti-Women Agenda

The anti-women agenda pushed by the right has gone too far. Rep. Mike Pence and the US Catholic Bishops are in cahoots to keep women barefoot and pregnant. Rep. Pence has declared barring federal funds for an abortion is his top priority. He does not get it. In attempts to appease the "right to life" movement, he is alienating Americans who agree if pregnancy complications arise, saving a woman's life is the top priority. House Bill 358, often called the "Let Women Die" bill will give "blessing" to any emergency room that lets a pregnant woman die rather perform an abortion that could save her life. Rep. Pence will be running for Governor in 2012. Are we going to stand up to him, or let his anti-women agenda flourish?

Save Roe Now!

NOW members didn’t forget the Roe v. Wade Anniversary.

“A Toast to Roe” was held at the Aristocrats Wednesday evening for a night of food, friends and fun. “It was a good time to be with feminists friends on this important day” said NOW member Robin Olds. NOW also hosted a “Rock for Roe” party at the Brass Ring on the day of the Anniversary. NOW member Ashley Plummer participated in this event and commented “It was a great group of like-minded individuals to celebrate the day. Thanks to our mothers and grandmothers, we have a choice for reproductive health”. Katie Blair also hosted “Rock for Roe”.

NOW will continue the celebrations next year.

2011 Legislative Agenda

It will be a rough session for fellow feminists. A state Republican majority in all three branches makes it difficult to pass a female friendly bill. The Republicans have decided to make social issues a priority even during this budget year. Reproductive rights, gay marriage ban and de-funding Planned Parenthood are up for grabs. The Indianapolis Star put it succinctly-- this session should focus on finances, not wedge issues. Is this the beginning of a “truce” or politics as usual?

Nationally, the good news is repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy passed in the lame duck session. Other battles brewing include debt reduction cuts that will affect women and families and possibly increasing the retirement age. Indiana has only 3 out of 9 Democratic House members. The two Senate seats belong to Republicans.

Contact your legislator and make your voice heard! You can find out the names of legislator(s) by going to www.in.gov/sos.