While we’ve been away and busy so many interesting things have transpired. So today, a roundup.
One of the things that had me occupied last week was my health – nothing serious just the standard end-of-winter cough, fever, chills - and I had to visit the doctor and take medicine. My appointment was the same day as President Obama’s healthcare summit, and as I watched the proceedings on C-SPAN I was grateful to be insured and to receive timely treatment when I need it. It turns out Erin Kotecki Vest, aka Queen of Spain, was grateful too. Her story is more dramatic than mine and a highly recommended read on the need for healthcare reform.
Speaking of healthcare, there is a heartbreaking and blood-boiling story out of Nicaragua. A pregnant woman, with metastasized cancer, is not getting treatment. The reason? Chemotherapy or radiation might harm her 10 week fetus. Under Nicaragua’s draconian abortion laws, doctors are prohibited from doing anything to help her. Abortion, even when the mother’s health is in danger, is against the law in that country. This woman is the sole caregiver of her 10-year old daughter. While the government protects the rights of the unborn, who protects this 10-year old girl? As always, Jodi Jacobson at RH Reality Check has the details.
And while we are discussing the rights of women in other countries, remember this coming Monday, March 8, is International Woman’s Day. This year’s theme is “Equal rights, equal opportunity: Progress for all.” We will participate in Gender Across Borders blogging event that day. In the meantime, Morgan Warners wrote a post, “Why this man will be celebrating women on March 8″ over at the Huffington Post. It’s another great read.
Enjoy.
