'He had Medicare'

Associated Press reports that a health care reform supporter in Southern California bit off the pinky finger of a fellow protester with opposing views. Get the gory details here.

In a call with women's fund leaders today, it was sagely pointed out that the people screaming the loudest in these health reform debates are those who have their health care needs met.

Where are the voices of those who need health care the most -- especially women and people with low-to-no income?

Summer Reading: What is Your Self-Worth?

Philanthropist, activist, psychologist and family advocate, Cheryl Saban, Ph. D. , recently published her latest book titled What is Your Self-Worth?. The book sets out to help women define and value their personal self worth. It offers thought provoking perspectives on they way that women typically see their lives, questions for personal reflection and inspiring stories of other women's lives.

From the book:

"Why is it important to understand your true value or personal currency? I'm going to be bold and say that not only is it important to recognize your innate worth, it's critical that you do. Your survival and sense of well-being virtually depend upon it."

In order to help women around the world, the proceeds of the book will be going to women's fund. So this summer, dedicate your book club to funding women led solutions.

Click here to purchase your copy of What is Your Self-Worth? today.

My Own News Roundup for the Week Ending 6/19

The She Change is taking a break from the usual Friday news roundup from Spotlight on Poverty.

So feast your eyes on a women's news cornucopia focusing on all the issues women's funds focus on.

Health:
An Op-Ed from Fort Worth Star-Telegram writer Linda Campbell calls on lawmakers to put politics aside when creating health care reform (published in Sacramento Bee).

Washington Post writer Ezra Klein shares the full text of the Finance Committee’s Health Reform Outline.

A report in Forbes claims global health funding doesn’t always reach its intended recipients.

NBC reports on a Gallup poll showing who Americans feel should be held accountable for health care reform.

A Washington Post report looks at why teen births are on the rise.

The Associated Press reports on a poll by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that shows many Americans are concerned about the costs of health care:

An Op-Ed in the Hudson Valley Press says maternal mortality is a crucial human rights issue that needs to be addressed.

NPR reports on the risks the economic crisis is placing on global health.

An Op-Ed in the Albany Times-Union blasts New York state lawmakers for squandering gains in women’s reproductive health.

A U.S. News article talks about Obama’s strategies for an abortion policy.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution shares a study discussed by HealthDay News that shows depressed pregnant African-American women are at increased risk for giving birth to premature babies.

The Wichita Eagle profiles a Colorado OBGYN who continues providing reproductive health care despite threats.

Read the full text of President Obama’s address to the American Medical Association, where he told the story of a mother’s battle with health care costs after being diagnosed with cancer.

Health on the Blogs:
A U.S. News blog discusses the new Planned Parenthood ad campaign.

ABC News details pressures pregnant women in the workforce are facing to reduce their maternity leave.

Daily Kos highlights a report from Save the Children underplaying the fact that maternal mortality rates in the U.S. are alarmingly high.

Reproductive Health Reality Check discusses Forbes India’s critical evaluation of the Gates Foundation’s $258 million HIV initiative in India.

Feminist Peace Network calls for single-payer healthcare.

Violence:
Eve Ensler slams world governments in a Guardian Op-Ed for ignoring Congolese women survivors of sexual assault and violence.

The Jakarta Post reports how survivors of abuse are often charged by police for reporting their batterers.

A new survey shows 1 in 4 South African men have admitted to raping women (Associated Press).

A bill being proposed in the New York state legislature would increase penalties for violence committed by abortion clinic protesters.

Almost $2 million of Washington state’s economic stimulus money will go to programs that fight violence against women (King County NBC affiliate).

A California doctor advises women living in abusive relationships in a San Luis Obispo Tribune opinion.

The Tri-State Defender (Memphis) laments justice is elusive for women survivors of violence.

The Economy:
NOW will highlight equal-pay in their weekend summit, reports the Indianapolis Star.

A USAToday column looks at women in the workplace and their role in our economy.

An Associated Press feature claims the market for sex has diminished amid the global recession.

The Christian Science Monitor reports the worldwide economic downturn has fueled human trafficking.

The Economy on the Blogs:
A post on the International Labor Rights Forum’s blog looks at how Africa is being affected by the global recession.

Feministing takes a USA Today columnist to task for overlooking challenges women are facing in the economy.

Philanthropy:
The Seattle Times “Business of Giving” blog profiles young professionals who are honing their philanthropic skills.

The Associated Press covers Michelle Obama’s call for philanthropic institutions to support efforts to rebuild the economy.

A Bergen Record feature discusses a women’s giving circle’s support of teen mothers.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on the trend of Impact100 – a group of 100 women who pool gifts of $1,000 each to benefit relatively unknown grassroots organizations in their communities:

The Neighborhood Star profiles two young rap artists who performed a concert to benefit a community organization that mentors girls.

Philanthropy on the Blogs:
Feministing blogger Miriam poses the question: Where do you donate?

Monica Byrd from Washington Area Women’s Foundation explains why financial literacy for girls is so crucial.

Katty Kay (BBC) answers the question: Can Women Save the Economy? (Daily Beast)

The Glasshammer issues a call for more women on corporate boards.

Business Lexington discusses Women Moving Millions and the trend of “mega gifts” in philanthropy.

Iran:
The Associated Press reports conservative women are joining Iran's opposition street protests.

Forbes discusses feminism in Iran in light of the current election drama.

The Guardian says this is still a time of hope for Iranian women, as their campaigning has had a slow but sure effect.

The Baltimore Sun reports on what unrest in Iran means for women.

Iran on the Blogs:
Feministe provides more discussions and articles on women in Iran.

ABC News’ blog Womenomics discusses the rising influence of women in Iran.

Education:
A San Jose Mercury News columnist warns against the persistent tech gap between boys and girls.

A Times of India article reports education is improving the lives of rural girls.

An Atlanta Journal Constitution feature profiles a program that shows at-risk girls how to produce plays.

A Wall Street Journal online guide answers the question: How Can Young Women Develop a Leadership Style?

Miscellaneous:
Voice of America reports on the United Nations call for nations to address displaced women around the world.

Change.org outlines why women in the media matter to progressive leadership.

NPR reports on the new White House office on women.

NPR profiles Katie Orenstein’s Op-Ed project for women.

Happy Reading!

Taking a Stand for Women's Security

The current administration has made strides for women’s equity since coming to office; from signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to creating the White House Council on Women and Girls, and appointing of many strong women to positions of power, our President and his administration have been an advocates for women and girls world wide and we are seeing the effects. Just yesterday, the House passed legislation that approved the creation of the Office of Global Women’s Issues within the U.S. State Department.

However, in light of the recent killing of Dr. George Tiller, we are reminded of how far we still have to go in order to ensure true security for women both in the US and abroad. It is crucial that we protect the right to safe and accessible health care for all women, particularly those in conflict areas where studies show that funding for women’s health is drastically decreased. Women and doctors should not be intimidated, threatened or harassed for seeking or providing reproductive health care, family planning materials, and birth control.

With our nation currently focusing on the issue of health care in the United States, we must work to ensure that women’s perspectives and concerns are brought to the table both here and abroad. Global women’s health is an issue that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has deemed a priority of the Office of Global Women’s Issues, among other issues including poverty reduction, and freedom from violence. Though many opposition groups are attempting to derail the passage of this legislation, we know that the effects of a woman in good health can have a ripple effect throughout society.