change. no, but really.

So Obama, who is hastily in the process of closing Guantanamo Bay, also just revoked the Global Gag Rule! I didn't even know this rule existed until I went to D.C. with WGS a while back and met with some organizations that were actually affected by it--and politicians who didn't seem to give a shit about the ridiculous rule, which says any organization receiving U.S. family-planning funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development can't offer abortions or abortion counseling.

Despite it being somewhat old news to the rest of the world with regular access to the internet in their homes, that was super exciting for me to read on Feministing. As was this statement released last Thursday:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 22, 2009

Statement of President Obama on the 36th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade

On the 36th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, we are reminded that this decision not only protects women's health and reproductive freedom, but stands for a broader principle: that government should not intrude on our most private family matters. I remain committed to protecting a woman's right to choose.

While this is a sensitive and often divisive issue, no matter what our views, we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make. To accomplish these goals, we must work to find common ground to expand access to affordable contraception, accurate health information, and preventative services.

On this anniversary, we must also recommit ourselves more broadly to ensuring that our daughters have the same rights and opportunities as our sons: the chance to attain a world-class education; to have fulfilling careers in any industry; to be treated fairly and paid equally for their work; and to have no limits on their dreams. That is what I want for women everywhere.

THE WHITE HOUSE, January 22, 2009.

Also, we had quite an interesting abortion dicussion/debate in what is quickly becoming the best class I have taken in college, "Grrrls Gone Wild: Third Wave Feminism." Here's an interesting ACLU video that a smart girl made reference to from last year's Roe v. Wade anniversary.