Who’s covering sexual and reproductive health politics and legislation in Massachusetts? Check out some of the latest appearances of PPAF’s issues in the news.

All women should have access to contraception, have it without a co-pay, and have it no matter where they work — and the Obama administration affirmed this belief with a decision February 9th that ensures women at religiously-affiliated organizations will continue to access this care. GOP leadership is still not satisfied, despite support for birth control coverage by most Americans, and we continue to fight to protect access to affordable birth control. Some recent news coverage of the fight for birth control:

• “Catholics support White House contraception mandate” by David Gibson for the Religion News Service 
• “Cardinal O’Malley blasts contraception mandate” by Travis Andersen for the Boston Globe
• “Birth Control and Reproductive Rights” editorial by the New York Times
• "GOP vows further battle on birth control" by Anne Flaherty for the Boston Globe
  

In February 2012, the Susan G. Komen Foundation decided to end future funding for life-saving cancer screenings and breast health education work at Planned Parenthood due to mounting pressure from anti-women's health groups drew outrage from supporters of women's health and Planned Parenthood. Backlash from supporters of women's health and Planned Parenthood caused the Komen Foundation to reverse their decision within only a few days. News coverage in Massachusetts and across the country was extensive and included:

• "Is Komen just giving in to pressure?" op/ed by Dianne Williamson of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette
• "In rejecting Planned Parenthood, Komen should explain its motives" editorial in the Boston Globe
• "Local reaction to Komen decision to restore funding to Planned Parenthood" by Deborah Kotz for the Boston Globe
• "Un-Planned controversy: Komen decision ignites pro-choice firestorm" by Margery Eagan for the Boston Herald
  

Even as we recognize the 39th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision in Roe v Wade, the GOP's opposition not only to abortion access but also to contraception continues to grow. Read about the "Assault on reproductive rights" in an op/ed by Ellen Goodman for the Boston Globe.

On Nov 28, 2011, PPAF addressed presidential candidate and former MA Governor Mitt Romney’s changing position on women’s health at a press conference hosted by the Massachusetts Democratic Party. News coverage included a segment reported by Christine Lee for WWLP: “Dems release Mitt Romney attack ad.”

In August 2011, we celebrated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ decision to mandate health insurance coverage of contraception without co-pays. News coverage included:

• “Birth control coverage rules welcome” op/ed by Dianne Williamson of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette
• “Obama administration orders mandatory birth control coverage” reported by Julie Loncich for NECN

In Spring 2011, Planned Parenthood supporters rallied against Congressional efforts to defund Planned Parenthood and successfully petitioned Senator Scott Brown to vote against the measure. News coverage included:

• “Uproar on Common over family planning aid cuts” by Marie Szaniszlo for the Boston Herald
• “Brown being Brown” op/ed by Joan Vennocchi, Boston Globe columnist
• “Kerry, Brown vote against Planned Parenthood funding ban” by Theo Emery for the Boston Globe