Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Texas House Passes Contentious Abortion Bill
The Texas House approved abortion limits on Wednesday despite outcry from both women’s rights activists and major medical associations. Republicans rejected numerous changes to the bill. Democrats have shifted their focus to slowing its passage and laying the groundwork for a federal lawsuit. The bill still must be approved by the Texas Senate.
Judge Temporarily Blocks New Wisconsin Abortion Law
A federal judge temporarily blocked the enforcement of a new abortion law in Wisconsin. As in Texas, the law prevents doctors lacking hospital admitting privileges from performing abortions. The judge based his decision on a lack of justification for, or medical purpose served by, the requirement. A full judicial hearing is set for July 17.
Jason Patric Bill May Boost Sperm Donor Rights
A new California law may allow sperm donors to fight for their right to legal fatherhood. Inspired by actor Jason Patric’s custody battles, California Senate Bill 115 would allow sperm donors to petition the courts for legal paternity of children conceived with their sperm. The bill already passed in the senate and is waiting on approval from the assembly before being signed into law.
UNC Faces Federal Investigation Into Retaliation Complaint by Sexual Assault Survivor
The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill is facing its third investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. The current investigation explores whether certain acts against UNC-Chapel Hill student Landen Gambill — including charging her with an honor code violation and moving her attacker close to her — can be considered retaliation, and thus a breach of the law.
Wash. Colleges Start Tracking Students’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Starting this year, all Washington state community and technical colleges will ask students to provide sexual orientation and gender identity information when they register for classes. Students proposed the idea with the hope that colleges could better serve them via policies and programs. A spokeswoman for the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges said the information will be kept confidential.