The CDC surveillance numbers for 2011 show that gonorrhea and chlamydia are up especially among young people and that three-quarters of all syphilis cases are among men who have sex with men; an analysis of STIs in New York City finds they are inextricably linked to poverty, and research suggests dormant HPV may reactivate as women near menopause.
Those who seek to dismantle unions and those who seek to deny women's bodily autonomy are not two separate groups with two separate motivations. They are the same conservative politicians, motivated by a desire to protect their own interests by preserving the current hierarchy—one which places rich white men at the top of the social and economic order.
A lot of what we call "social issues" could simply be called "sex issues:" gay marriage, abortion rights, birth control and even issues like stem cell research. And "sex is good" just won. Young voters in particular influenced Barack Obama's victory and the success of progressive ballot measures nationwide.
In a 4-3 decision the state's highest court refused to affirmatively find that same sex couples are entitled to the same benefits as opposite sex couples.
Pressure on the White House to rethink the restrictions on Plan B intensifies. Right wing pundits celebrate Christmas by attacking women. Also, a doctor speaks out about the dangers of home birth. Editor's note: This podcast contains an interview with Dr. Amy Tuteur, whose work and opinions on home birth are widely challenged. The interview and contents of this podcast reflect the author and interviewee alone, and are in no way meant to imply Rewire's support of the views expressed.
