by Kait Scalisi | Aug 9, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Advocacy Groups Blast Classifieds Site Backpage.com for Promoting Underage Sex and Prostitution (The Star Ledger)
A coalition of 50 New Jersey advocacy groups is fighting against Web sites they say promote child sex trafficking. Backpage.com, which fought a NJ law that would make it a first-degree crime to advertise sex with a minor, argues that the law violates a federal one protecting websites from the material people post. The advocacy groups say Backpage should better police its ads but the Web site feels that taking down the ads will not stop trafficking and allows them to work with law enforcement.
Horace Mann Pays Out $1M in Hush Money to Two Sex Abuse Victims (New York Post)
Recent court filings reveal that the elite Horace Mann prep school paid over $1 million to two of over 30 individuals who claim they were sexually abused there between the 1970s and 1990s. The number was reveled during new court proceedings in which the school sued their insurers for not reimbursing the payout. In addition to the payout, the school claims it is owed defense costs and other expenses.
Fight AIDS With Your Smartphone (CNN Money)
A new Android app lets you donate unused computing power to scientists looking for new drugs to treat HIV. FightAIDS@Home is using IBM’s World Community Grid, which harnesses the energy from idling electronics and has sponsored dozens of research projects, to create a quasi-supercomputer that cuts down on research costs and time. Devices must be both plugged in and connected to WiFi to avoid draining the battery and using data.
Fla. County Sets Public Hearing on Gender Identity Protections (Tampa Bay Newspapers)
Florida’s Pinellas County is considering amending is human rights ordanice to prohibit gender identify discrimination in employment, housing, and public places. The change would strike “sex” from the ordinance and replace it with “gender.” If passed, it will join several jurisdictions in FLorida and 17 states. The code would exempt religious-affiliated institutions and the school district as an employer. A public hearing is being held on August 20. A similar bill is being considered in California.
One Week Later, Women Denied Abortion Feel More Regret, Less Relief Than Those Who Have One (Guttmacher Institute)
A new study of over 800 women who visited 30 U.S. facilities were asked about six emotions (relief, happiness, regret, guilt, sadness and anger) related to their experiences seeking an abortion. Both women who had an abortion and those who were denied one expressed mixed feelings. However, in the former group, even negative emotions such as regret did not change the fact that most of these women also reported feeling relief and that they made the right decision.
by Kait Scalisi | Aug 2, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Sex and the Cardiac Patient Should Not Be a Taboo Subject (Forbes)
Consensus statements from both the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology are encouraging physicians to “get over” their embarrassment and counsel patients about sex, specifically when to resume having it, recommended positions and methods, and alternatives to intercourse. The statement acknowledges the concerns expressed by cardiac patients of all genders as well as the barriers physicians face to initiating such a discussion.
FBI Crackdown Nabs Pimps, Rescues Children (CNN)
On Monday, the FBI announced its latest efforts to end child prostitution. The nationwide operation boasts impressive numbers: 150 pimps arrested, 105 teenagers rescued, and 129 seizures of cash, rugs, vehicles, and firearms in 76 cities by 230 law enforcement units.
Louisiana Sodomy Sting: How Invalidated Sex Laws Still Lead To Arrests (Time)
Despite the fact that the U.S. Supreme Court deemed sodomy laws unconstitutional in 2003, male undercover cops in East Baton Rouge, La., have arrested at least 12 men since 2011 for agreeing to have sex with them. While the Sheriff’s office originally claimed ignorance of the Supreme Court ruling, a newer official statement is apologetic and indicates the state’s sodomy laws have been “deemed unenforceable.” Several other states have kept such laws on the books, and this case shows how they can continue to be dangerous — a fact gay rights activists feel should be discussed.
Nurses Claim Wilmington, Del., Planned Parenthood Never Notified Women of STDs (NBC Philadelphia)
Three former employees of a Delaware Planned Parenthood clinic are arguing that the facility is unsafe, and its staff under-trained and unprofessional. The women claim that patient privacy is jeopardized; women did not receive medicines they needed; and up to 200 people were never informed of positive test results for sexually transmitted infections. This is not the first time the clinic has come under fire, having received past citations from both the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the state health department.
by Kait Scalisi | Jul 26, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Three Charged With Sex-Trafficking Conspiracy at Wichita Massage Parlors (Fox News)
Three individuals were charged with running a sex trafficking operation out of nine massage parlors in Wichita. Women were recruited by placing help wanted ads in NYC and LA papers. The six counts identify four women who allegedly were recruited and subsequently coerced into performing commercial sex acts.
California Court Denies Bid To Halt Same-Sex Marriage in State (CNN)
On Tuesday, California made yet another move in support of same sex marriage. The Supreme Court denied the San Diego County Clerk’s request to halt such marriages in the state. Supporters of the stay used the California law defining marriage as between one man and one woman to support their cause. LGBT activists, though cheering the decision, recognize that the legal battle has not come to an end.
Gay Couple Marries in Pa. County Defying State Ban on Same-Sex Unions; Five Licenses Issued (Washington Post)
One Philadelphia suburb is defying a state ban on same-sex unions. In Montgomery County, at least five couples hve received marriage licesnses despite a law stating that same-sex marriages, even legal ones, are void in Philadelphia. If their actions are challenged, both the couples and county officials could face legal action.
Major Dating Service Facing Legal Action for Allegedly Sharing HIV and STD Status of Customers (US News and World Report)
Successful Match, an online dating conglomerate, is being sued by two females for posting the HIV and STD status of its customers on affiliate dating sites without customers’ knowledge. PositivelySingles.com, one of the company’s sites, is supposed to allow individuals to anonymously connect with other singles of the same disease status. However, both disease status and names were shared on the company’s thousands of other sites such as HIVGayMen.com, STDHookup.com, and Blackpoz.com.
Alameda County Offering Free STI Tests for Young Women (NBC Bay Area)
A new program, called “I Know Alameda” allows females in Alameda county to order an STD test kit online and receive it via e-mail so they can test themselves privately. The goal of the program, designed to be used by women 25 years and under, is to increase detection of chlamydia and gonorrhea, two of the most common STDs in the county.
by Kait Scalisi | Jul 19, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Unlikely Allies Shake Up Military Sexual Assault Debate (NPR)
A proposal that would remove the investigation and prosecution of military sexual assault cases from the military’s control received surprising bipartisan support this week. Among the proposals’ 35 U.S. Senate co-sponsors, six are Republicans, including Tea Party Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky and Ted Cruz of Texas. The Armed Services Committee Chairman, the White House, and military leaders oppose the bill.
Catholic Church Lobbies to Avert Sex Abuse Lawsuits (Los Angeles Times)
The Catholic Church is fighting a new California bill that, for one year, would remove the statue of limitations for filing child sex abuse charges. The Church feels it is being unfairly targeted because the bill does not apply to public agencies, including public schools. In addition to lobbying, Church officials are seeking the support of parishioners. Proponents argue the bill is essential because it can take decades for victims to recognize abuse and seek help.
Protesters Call for Stricter Sanctions on Colleges That Mishandle Sexual Assault (Chronicle of Higher Education)
On Monday, dozens of students and recent graduates rallied outside of the U.S. Department of Education to support stricter action against colleges that mishandle sexual assault cases. Protesters also delivered a petition to the undersecretary of education. The document had over 100,000 signatures and called for fines, prompt investigations, inclusion of complainants in the resolution, and broader enforcement efforts.
by Kait Scalisi | Jul 12, 2013 | News
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.
by Sexual Health Rankings | Jul 5, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Abortions in Minnesota Drop 3%
The Minnesota Department of Health reported this week that the number of abortions in state dropped from 11,071 in 2011 to 10,701 in 2012, a decrease of 3%. Abortion opponents credit anti-abortion laws; pro-choice advocates attribute it to access to birth control and information.
Religious Groups Demand Exemptions from Contraception Coverage Mandate
Both houses of worship and religious nonprofits now are exempt from the Affordable Care Act’s mandate requiring insurance plans provided through employers to cover female contraception at no cost. Nevertheless, religious groups are pushing to make for-profit businesses exempt as well.
Pentagon Officials Defend Sexual Assault Response, Pledge To Eliminate Problem
An interview with current and former directors of the Pentagon’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office talk about the challenges to addressing sexual assault in the military, the need for better tools and education from the “muddy-boots level” up, their commitment to making change, and how to best handle both cases and prevention.
STD Rates Rise in Sacramento Suburbs, Statewide
The number of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases rose in several counties in California between 2011 and 2012, according to new data from the California Department of Public Health. Sacramento has among the highest rate in the state while its suburbs saw increases of 20-90%. Statewide, chlamydia cases rose by 3%, and gonorrhea, by 23%.
