CWLC Speaker Series: Erwin Chemerinsky and Michele Goodwin of UCI School of Law

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!

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 …

Breastfeeding Rights in California Schools (webinar training)

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

CWLC and the Los Angeles Coalition for Reproductive Justice 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, we explored what abortion and reproductive health care access has meant for different women over time and what it means to this day.

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 and policy leaders should address as our population ages.

“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

CWLC was proud to honor the Downtown Women’s Center, The Kaiser Family Foundation, and Planned Parenthood Los Angeles with the 2017 Pursuit of Justice Award.

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

From LA Progressive: What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet?

What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet? By Maya Paley, National Council of Jewish Women/Los Angeles This past Saturday, the Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles (RJCLA), held a protest at the Burbank Hobby Lobby store: Hobby Lobby and Contraception: What skeletons does Hobby Lobby have in its closet? Nearly 25 people came representing
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Hobby Lobby & Contraception: What Skeletons Does Hobby Lobby Have in Its Closet?

Did you know that Hobby Lobby, a corporation, opposes certain forms of contraception on religious grounds? So much that they took their protest of the ACA’s contraceptive mandate to the Supreme Court? And won?!

We think Hobby Lobby is wrong. Birth control is not our boss’ business. Join the Reproductive Justice Coalition of Los Angeles for a Halloween-themed protest at the store that is women’s worst nightmare!

California Legislative Session Ends on a Positive Note for Women and Girls

Governor Jerry Brown Signs Bills Guaranteeing Paid Sick Days, Preventing Pregnancy Discrimination for Students, Ensuring Access to Contraception and Prohibiting Sterilization of Female Inmates Among Others

LOS ANGELES – The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) is pleased to report that California Governor Jerry Brown ended the legislative session this week by signing several bills focused on increased legal protections for women and girls in California.

National Women’s Law Center Webinar: The Supreme Court & Women’s Health and Economic Security

If you’re a Supreme Court watcher, you probably know the first two are recent Supreme Court decisions of particular importance to women. But do you know about the third case, coming up next?

Summer 2014 Update

IN THIS ISSUE: Town Hall with Phyllis Cheng, PasadenaLEARNS Settlement, The 2014 Pursuit of Justice Awards Luncheon, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye, New Board Member: Christa Demeke

A Discussion About Faith and Reproductive Justice

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our panel on faith and reproductive justice on September 10th co-sponsored by Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles.

The Supreme Court May Have Ruled on Hobby Lobby, but They Are Wrong

The Supreme Court May Have Ruled on Hobby Lobby, but They Are Wrong Laura Herrera, California Women’s Law Center Laura is currently participating in the 2014 Center for American Progress Faith and Reproductive Justice Leadership Institute I was stunned and appalled by the Supreme Court’s decision on the Hobby Lobby case, which infringes on a
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Distinguished Guest Speaker Series: Jackie Lacey

On March 19th, O’Melveny & Meyers, LLP, generously hosted an evening with Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey. She spoke before an engaged audience and argued for the expansion of alternative sentencing courts in order to help address prison and jail overcrowding in California.

Fall 2013 Update

IN THIS ISSUE: Veterans – CWLC is working every day to serve women veterans and ensure that they have access to the services and benefits they have earned. Pregnant Students – Fighting against discrimination, CWLC enforced Title IX and fought for a pregnant student who was barred from attending class. New Staff – CWLC welcomes two new staff members to our team to bolster our communications and organizational development. CWLC History – Twenty years ago, CWLC was instrumental in establishing guidelines to create gender equity in the LAPD.

CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LAW CENTER ENFORCES TITLE IX, COMPELLING SCHOOL TO ALLOW PREGNANT STUDENT TO COMPLETE PROGRAM AND GRADUATE ON TIME

Date: September 26, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Andrew DeBlock andrew.deblock@cwlc.org   LOS ANGELES – Today, the California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) announced that Tiffany Rollins, a student in the Veterinary Technology Program at Yuba College, has successfully completed her coursework and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology. Ms. Rollins was the
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Summer 2013 Update

IN THIS ISSUE: Our Annual Pursuit of Justice Awards, Our Four New Board Members, Free Legal Services Provided to Female Veterans, Senator Barbara Boxer’s Press Conference at CWLC Highlighting Military Sexual Trauma, Two New Grants Focused on Improving Access to Healthcare for Female Veterans

CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LAW CENTER APPLAUDS LEGISLATORS’ CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF STERILIZATIONS IN PRISONS

Date: July 11, 2013 For Immediate Release Contact: Andrew DeBlock andrew.deblock@cwlc.org LOS ANGELES – The California Women’s Law Center (CWLC) applauds and supports the California Legislative Women’s Caucus in their call for an investigation into the alleged sterilization of 148 women incarcerated in California correctional facilities between 2006 and 2010. “We decry this undoubtedly unconstitutional
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