Women’s Health
Senate Bill 320 (Leyva) – College Student Right to Access Act
The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 320, the College Student Right to Access Act, introduced by Senator Leyva, which will secure students’ access to reproductive health services at public universities and colleges by providing medication abortion at student health centers that receive state funding. Read SB 320 Letter of Support SB 320 was introduced
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Senate Bill 743 (Hernandez) – Freedom of Choice in Family Planning Act
The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 743, the Freedom of Choice in Family Planning Act, introduced by Senator Hernandez, which would ensure that Medi-Cal managed care enrollees continue to maintain flexibility in choosing family planning providers in the event that the federal “free choice of provider law” is repealed. Read SB 743 Letter of Support
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Assembly Bill 569 (Gonzalez Fletcher) – Reproductive Health Nondiscrimination Act
CWLC supports AB 569, the Reproductive Health Nondiscrimination Act (RHNDA), introduced by Assemblymember Gonzalez Fletcher, which would ensure that California’s workers are protected against workplace discrimination that is based on their personal reproductive health care decisions, such as using in vitro fertilization or birth control. Read AB 569 Letter of Support AB 569 was vetoed
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Senate Bill 282 (Wiener) – The Reducing Hunger Among Vulnerable Californians Act of 2017
CWLC supports Senate Bill 282, introduced by Senator Wiener, which would increase access to prepared food for low income, homeless, elderly and disabled Californians, and will create job opportunities for childless homeless adults. Read AB 282 Letter of Support SB 282 was approved by the Governor on September 28, 2017.
Winter 2017 Update
In this issue… Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin, CWLC to honor The Actors’ Gang Prison Project, State Senator Connie M. Leyva and the Los Angeles Sparks: 2017 Pursuit of Justice Awards – May 16, 2017, Policy Brief Released: “Aging, Women and Poverty In California,” Join Us: Upcoming Title IX Webinars, CWLC Welcomes New Board Members, and much more!
Rally & Walk for Equality
The Feminist Majority Foundation, CWLC and various sponsors and supporters attended the Rally & Walk for EQUALITY on March 26, 2017.
International Women’s Day – March 8, 2017
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a collective day of global celebration but also a call for gender parity. IWD honors the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. But the unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to their male counterparts, women are still not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women’s education, health and physical safety are threatened every day.
CWLC Celebrates Women’s History Month
March is a month of reflection and appreciation for women, but it is also a month of action. Please join us as we celebrate the gains women have made since our country was founded and know that CWLC will be on the frontlines to stop any attempt to force women backward or diminish our possibilities. Together, we will be successful in our mission to ensure the future is bright and full of opportunity for every woman and every girl in the nation.
Women’s History Month Events
The California Women’s Law Center is proud to recognize March as Women’s History Month. Every month, but especially this month, CWLC is proud to recognize the fearless women who shaped our past and whose sturdy shoulders we now stand in our ongoing fight for fairness and equality. Get involved all month long!
Senate Bill 63 (Jackson) – New Parent Leave Act
The California Women’s Law Center supports SB 63, introduced by Senator Jackson, which would provide more California employees with job-protected parental leave for up to 12 weeks. Read SB 63 Support Letter SB 63 was approved by the Governor on October 12, 2017.
Insightful Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin
The California Women’s Law Center hosted a Distinguished Guest Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinksy and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law on February 22, 2017 at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Beverly Hills. Their presentation titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump” was incredibly insightful and well-attended. Thank you, Dean Chemerinsky and Professor Goodwin!
Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law
On February 22, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center and our sponsors Sleeping Lion, Inc. and Lois & Jim Thompson and co-hosts Cathy Kim & Matthew Kelly and Rasha Gerges Shields hosted a Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump.”
Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law
On February 22, 2017, the California Women’s Law Center and our sponsors Sleeping Lion, Inc. and Lois & Jim Thompson and co-hosts Cathy Kim & Matthew Kelly and Rasha Gerges Shields hosted a Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin titled “Forecasting Reproductive Health and Rights in the Era of President Trump.”
Roe v. Wade 44th Anniversary
January 22, 2017 marks the 44th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term. On January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court issued this historic decision.
Poverty Awareness Month and the “Aging, Women and Poverty In California” White Paper
CWLC has prioritized the specific and devastating effects of poverty on California’s aging population, and particularly its impact on our state’s aging women. In June 2016, CWLC joined the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to present a ground-breaking forum titled Aging, Women and Poverty In California. The forum brought together policy leaders and experts from around the state to discuss the looming crisis facing California’s older women. Speakers at the forum tackled issues including retirement, elder justice, housing, food insecurity, health care access, and many other pressing matters older Americans face.
Rally to Save Roe
Individuals joined the National Council of Jewish Women|Los Angeles (NCJW|LA) and several cosponsoring organizations to Rally to Save Roe, which was a rally and training to defend women’s reproductive rights in America. The rally began at 6:00 pm and on Fairfax Avenue between Clinton Street and Rosewood Avenue.
In the face of an uncertain political climate, supporters demonstrated their commitment to upholding the right to abortion that was established 44 years ago in the historic 1973 Supreme Court Case, Roe vs. Wade.
Warm Holiday Wishes to You and Yours!
Thanks to the commitment of generous supporters like you, CWLC made significant strides …
Training: “Breastfeeding Rights in California Schools”
On Wednesday, November 9th, the California Women’s Law Center and BreastfeedLA presented an informational training webinar, “Breastfeeding Rights in California Schools.” Every major health organization recommends breastfeeding and recognizes its overwhelming health benefits for parent and child.
CWLC Advocacy and Legislative Updates from 2016
On September 28, 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 813, the Justice for Victims Act. SB 813 eliminates the statute of limitations for rape and other felony sex crimes in California.
Hyde Amendment 40th Anniversary – #BeBoldEndHyde
The Hyde Amendment, first passed on September 30, 1976, bans the use of federal funds for abortion services. A few extremely narrow exceptions have been established to the general ban, including for the life of the mother, the health of the mother, and instances of rape and incest.
Lack of access to reproductive health services, including abortion, disproportionately impacts women of color, young people, immigrants, and individuals in low-income communities. Each year since 1976, the Hyde Amendment has been passed with the federal appropriations bill. As a result, low-income women on Medicaid continue to be denied access to abortion services.
Women’s Health and Fitness Day 2016
Women’s Health and Fitness Day was created by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC) to focus on the importance of regular physical activity and health awareness for women.
On Wednesday, September 28, 2016, more than 500 groups across the country will host women’s health and fitness events at senior centers, hospitals, health clubs, park and recreation districts, local health and service organizations, schools, retirement communities, houses of worship, and other community locations. An estimated 50,000 to 75,000 women of all ages are expected to participate in these local activities. You can also participate on your own by taking a walk, dancing, going on a run, or joining a gym!
All Access: Local Stories
On Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Barnsdall Theater in Los Angeles, CWLC and the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice (LACRJ) hosted a free, multi-cultural, multi-generational storytelling evening highlighting the stories of women and girls. As we approached the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Amendment …
August is National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month and August 1st – 7th marks World Breastfeeding Week. Breastfeeding is recommended by every major health care organization, including the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
Aging, Women and Poverty In California Forum 2016
On June 3rd, the California Women’s Law Center co-hosted “Aging, Women and Poverty In California Forum” at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. CWLC was honored to partner with the California Commission on Aging and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls to discuss the priorities and perspectives that community …
“Aging, Women and Poverty in California” Forum
On June 3rd, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) co-hosted a forum entitled Aging, Women and Poverty In California at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. CWLC was honored to partner with the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) and the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) to discuss the priorities and perspectives that community and policy leaders should be planning for as our population ages. With 34,000 Californians turning 65 each month, the Golden State should prepare for a dramatic change in the needs of its citizens.
2016 Pursuit of Justice Awards
Since 1978, the Downtown Women’s Center has been the only organization in Los Angeles exclusively dedicated to meeting the needs of women who are homeless or extremely low-income. Reaching more than 3,000 women annually through housing, health, job readiness, advocacy, and basic needs programs, DWC works to end the homeless cycle among the women they serve.
Spring Update 2016
IN THIS ISSUE… 2016 Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards- Tuesday May 17, 2016, “Aging, Women and Poverty in California” Forum- Friday June 3, 2016, CWLC Distinguished Guest Speaker – David Codell’s insight about the United States Supreme Court, CWLC Advocacy – The 2016 Legislative Session, Lisa Gilford joins CWLC Board, Grace Clark and Madeleine Sharp join CWLC staff
43rd Roe v. Wade Anniversary
Today, marks the 43rd anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case, Roe v. Wade which recognized a woman’s constitutional right to decide whether to carry a pregnancy to term. Thanks to Roe, women can make choices about their body and their health. The California Women’s Law Center is committed to protecting the reproductive rights of women and works to ensure access to safe and affordable healthcare for all women. On this day, we rededicate ourselves to defending Roe and protecting the rights of women and their ability to make personal decisions affecting their lives.
CWLC’s Fall Update
IN THIS ISSUE: A Big Win for Equal Pay. The Governor Approves SB 358, The California Fair Pay Act, CWLC’s Distinguished Guest Speaker Series, CWLC at Planned Parenthood’s #PinkOut Day, CWLC Kicks off its Title IX Training Series, CWLC Releases a Report Card for Los Angeles County Schools, How CWLC Spent Women’s Equality Day, CWLC Participates in the California Workplace Justice Summit …
ABC’s of Breastfeeding in Los Angeles County School Districts
LOS ANGELES — When it comes to accommodating lactating students who would like to pump their breast milk or feed their babies, school districts in Los Angeles County get a grade of “D” on a report card a coalition of groups advocating reproductive justice released today.
And districts don’t fare much better when it comes to accommodating lactating employees. A teacher who asked to remain anonymous remembers her female co-workers would gather outside the bathroom, the only place where she could pump breast milk, and “Moooo.”
Title IX Training Series: Gender Discrimination in Education
Led by Staff Attorney Laura Riley of the California Women’s Law Center, this three-part webinar series covered: Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault in Schools, Equality in High School Athletic Programs, and The Rights of Pregnant and Parenting Students.
End the Hyde Amendment
There are two pressing issues currently affecting women’s access to reproductive health care. The Hyde Amendment and attacks on Planned Parenthood, which include fraudulent media smear campaigns and Congressional threats to defund the organization. What is the Hyde Amendment? Originally passed on September 30, 1976 by the House of Representatives,
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Urge Congress to Protect Planned Parenthood
As a supporter of the California Women’s Law Center, another way I ask you to please consider supporting the rights of women and girls is by telling Congress that you stand with Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood is the most trusted women’s health care provider in this country, and has been for nearly 100 years. It
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Summer Update 2015
IN THIS ISSUE: September 2nd: CWLC’s Distinguished Guest Speaker Series, The 2015 Pursuit of Justice Awards, Supporting the Needs of Our Women Veterans, CWLC Presents at National Council of Jewish Women, NCJW Student Interns Ask For Information About Title IX, CWLC Staff Kick-Off the #WeAreWomen Campaign, and We Are Pleased to Welcome Kamilah Willingham and Alejandra Rosales …
Support SB 464 (Hernandez): Health and Self Reporting Tools
[todaysdate format=”F j, Y”] The Honorable Ed Hernandez State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 464 (Hernandez) – Support Dear Senator Hernandez: I am writing in support of SB 464. This bill allows the use of self-screening tools to identify certain risk factors, including patient blood pressure and weight, so that health care practitioners
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Support SB 219 (Liu): Alternative Custody Program
The Honorable Ricardo Lara Chair, Senate Appropriations Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: SB 219 (Liu) – Support Dear Senator Lara: I am writing in support of SB 219 (Liu). This bill will provide a durable solution to California’s prison crisis and improve families’ lives by helping to ensure all eligible state-incarcerated women can participate
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Support AB 329 (Weber): the California Healthy Youth Act
The Honorable Shirley Weber State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 329 (Weber) – Support Dear Assemblymember Weber: I am writing in support of AB 329, the California Healthy Youth Act, which will strengthen existing law to ensure California students receive HIV prevention and sex education that is accurate, comprehensive and inclusive. Today, sexual health education
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Support AB 302 (Garcia): Pupil services: lactation accommodations
The Honorable Patrick O’Donnell Chair, Assembly Education Committee State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 302 (Garcia) – Support Dear Assemblymember O’Donnell: I am writing in support of AB 302 (Garcia), which will clarify school accommodations for lactating students in California. This bill requires that high schools provide lactating students with access to a private room
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2014: A Year in Review
IN THIS ISSUE: CWLC’s Annual “Clothes the Deal” Clothing Drive, Leading the Struggle for Equal Access in Schools, Fighting for Pregnant Students, Serving Women Veterans, New Approaches in the Fight for Reproductive Justice, Connecting Advocates with New Ideas
Fall 2014 Update
IN THIS ISSUE: Distinguished Speaker Series with Erwin Chemerinsky, Ninth Circuit Victory on Sweetwater, Legislative Session Wrap Up, Reproductive Justice Coaltion of Los Angeles Hobby Lobby Protest, CWLC Welcomes Laura Riley