Government

To the cynic, the Republican focus on controlling women’s reproductive choices also points towards the problematic relationship between religious fundamentalism in America and how it masquerades as secular law and policy. Fighting religious fundamentalism in the rest of the world is such a powerful military agenda, where women’s oppression is at the forefront of justifying the need for military action. Yet the war at home on women’s reproductive rights is being waged in the opposite direction—and the “No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act” is just one of many examples that prove it.

H.R. 3 also intends to ‘provide for conscience protections’, which I feel is worth deconstructing. Conscience clauses, in certain areas of the United States, permit pharmacists, physicians, and other providers of health care not to provide certain medical services for reasons of religion or conscience, and protects those who choose not provide services from discipline by the law or discrimination.

In light of the recent ‘No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act’, introduced in January 2011 ‘to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions and to provide for conscience protections’, I find myself reflecting on what it means to legislate autonomy.

TED Talks are always great, but I think this one is especially on point for the journal. Our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton talks about empowering women and girls not only through a social lens, but also through a political one. It's a unique chance to hear about what is going on internationally, and especially what our government prioritizes and acts on in the realm of women's lives right from the source.
If you're really pressed for time, jump 5 minutes in.