by SHR Staff | Jun 28, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Part of Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
The U.S. Supreme Court finally released its rulings on two marriage equality cases. A key part of DOMA was struck down, giving legally-married same sex couples the same benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Meanwhile, they upheld a lower court’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, reinstating the right of same-sex couples to marry.
After 12- 1/2-Hour Filibuster, Texas Senate Bill 5 Dies
Nearly 13 hours after she began talking, Texas Senator Wendy Davis could successfully say that her filibuster to block Senate Bill 5 succeeded. During that time, Davis shared stories of those who would be affected by the proposed law. If passed, the law would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks and essentially shut down all but five clinics in the state.
Gov. Perry Calls Second Special Session of Texas Legislature To Address Abortion Restrictions
Not surprisingly, Texas Governor Rick Perry has already called for a second special legislative session in hope of passing Senate Bill 5. Lawmakers will meet again on July 1 to act on the abortion proposal and a handful of other bills.
The AIDS Crisis Is Far from Over in Black America
New maps created by an AIDS-focused epidemiological research center shows huge differences in the rates of HIV diagnoses between black and white Americans. These maps are based on the data from 2010 and show infection rates that are eight times higher for blacks even though they make up only 14% of the U.S. population.
Law Would Grant Whistle-Blower Protection to Military Victims of Sexual Assault
The U.S. House approved a bill that requires the military to investigate allegations of retaliation against any service member who reports sexual assault. The bill, which still needs approval from the Senate, is part of a recent focus on better responding to an estimated 26,000 annual sexual assaults in the military.
by SHR Staff | Jun 21, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Details: AID v. Alliance for Open Society International
Though the Supreme Court did not rule on DOMA or Prop 8 this week, there was a lesser-publicized victory for harm-reduction advocates and AIDS funding. Groups who receive federal funds for combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases abroad no longer need a clear anti-prostitution policy. It was deemed unconstitutional based on the First Amendment.
Gay Marriage Debate Day 2: Supreme Court Takes Up Defense of Marriage Act
Deep divides in the Justices’ opinion were at the forefront of the Supreme Court’s debate over the Defense of Marriage Act. Central to the discussion is whether House Republicans can continue funding the defense of the law and if it violates the Constitution’s equal protection guarantees.
Exodus International Shuts Down: Is This the End of the ‘Anti-Gay’ Movement?
The most prominent ‘anti-gay’ group has officially renounced its efforts to make gay people straight. Despite the shut-down and both written and verbal apologies, questions remain about what the group now represents and if it is any less discriminatory or harmful given that the founder still feels sex should be limited to monogamous, heterosexual marriages.
First Major Review of Violence Against Women: One-third of All Women Have Been Abused by a Partner
A series of papers released by the World Health Organization shows that nearly 30% of women worldwide are the victims of either domestic or sexual violence by a partner. Along with the report, WHO issued guidelines for authorities and recommended all health workers be trained to recognize at-risk women and respond appropriately.
Spanking for Jesus: Inside the Unholy World of ‘Christian Domestic Discipline’
Adherents to a new trend that calls for wives to be completely submissive to their husbands say this lifestyle is based on the Bible’s commands. Practices include spanking and other corporal punishments to wives who break their husband’s rules. Adherents generally argue it is neither sexual fetishism nor abuse but health experts and some wives disagree.
by Dani Zionts | Jun 7, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Eye-Opening Report on LGBTQ and HIV-Affected Hate Violence
The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released its annual report on hate violence experienced by LGBTQ and HIV-affected people, drawing on data from 15 anti-violence programs in 16 states. The report documents 2,016 incidents of anti-LGBTQ violence, including 25 homicides, in 2012. It also shows that transgender women, people of color, and gay men face the most severe violence, and that LGBTQ people report substantial police misconduct.
Wisconsin: Bill Would Require Ultrasounds Before Abortion, Creating New Woes for Clinics
Proposed legislation could cause problems for the state’s abortion clinics, and add barriers to individuals seeking services. The law would require abortion clinics to have hospital admitting privileges “in case of emergency.” Difficulty securing these privileges could force clinics to close.
Gallup Poll Shows Significant Shifts in National Views on Sexual Morality
According to the poll, in just the past 12 years, some of the biggest jumps in acceptability include same-sex relations (19% more accepted) and sex between unmarried men and women (10% more accepted).
Delaware: Gender Identity Protections Looking Good as Bill Moves Through the Senate
Looking good, Delaware! A bill to prohibit discrimination against transgender individuals in employment, housing, insurance, and accommodations passed a Senate committee and could be voted on by the full Senate any day now.
Judge Rules To Lift Restrictions on Certain Types of Emergency Contraception
A federal appeals court in New York has ruled that two-pill varieties of EC should be available immediately to women of all ages. However, one-pill versions of the drug, which have the same active ingredient, are not affected by the ruling. The court has not explained why the two pills should be treated differently. Still, a (partial) win for young people’s reproductive rights.
by Dani Zionts | May 31, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ is pleased to present Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Facebook Promises to Act Against Gender-Based Hate
In response to a dedicated and organized effort of Internet activists demanding that Facebook remove groups celebrating or advocating for rape, sexism, and sexual violence, Facebook has promised to update training to employs and review their content to better identify and remove hate speech on the Web site.
California: State-Wide Condom Bill Shelved
This proposed legislation, which would, among other STD-reduction provisions, require the usage of condoms in any adult movies filmed anywhere in California, has been put on hold by the Assembly until at least next year. The ballot measure passed last November requiring the usage of condoms in films shot in Los Angeles County, however, is still active.
Arizona: ACLU Sues State Over Race- and Sex-Abortion Ban
In yet another choice-related news story coming out of Arizona in the past few weeks, the American Civil Liberties Union is taking the state to court to block a 2011 law that makes it a felony to knowingly provide a sex- or race-based abortion. Lawyers from the ACLU say that the law unconstitutionally singles out racial minority women and hampers their ability to choose to end their pregnancies.
Gay Boy Scouts Now Welcomed in Troops … Until they turn 18
In an oft-reported story this week, the Boy Scouts have ended their decades-long ban on gay kids in the program, issuing a resolution stating that youth may not be denied membership based on sexual orientation or preference. Gay adults, however, are still not allowed to serve in the Boy Scouts as scoutmasters or volunteers, meaning that youth are still at risk of being removed from the program when they come of age.
Indiana: High Court Declines to Hear Anti-Planned Parenthood Appeal
The state’s Supreme Court has refused without comment listen to Indiana’s defense of the law, overturned by a lower court, that would prohibit any Medicaid funds from going to organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide abortions (although such money already is not permitted to be used for abortion services). By declining to take the case, the Supreme Court lets the previous ruling stand, ensuring that such organizations are still capable of receiving Medicaid funds and thus providing all manner of sexual and reproductive health care.
by Dani Zionts | May 24, 2013 | News
Sexual Health Rankings™ is pleased to introduce Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from the around the country.
Downtrend in Teen Birth Rates
The CDC reports that teen birth rates in the United States declined across all racial/ethnic groups, and fell at least 15% for all but two states during 2007-2011. The sharpest declines were seen among Hispanic teenagers (34% reduction on average), followed by non-Hispanic black teenagers (24%), and then non-Hispanic white teenagers (20%).
Illinois: Let’s Talk About Birth Control
Things are looking good for sex ed in the Midwest! A new law has passed the Illinois Senate requiring that schools provide information about birth control in sex education classes for students aged 6-12.
Genital Warts Scarier Than Cancer?
A new study from researchers at Ohio State University and Texas Tech University shows that young women appear much more willing to get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine if providers stress that it can prevent genital warts rather than emphasize that the vaccine prevents cervical cancer. HPV infection causes, and the vaccine protects against, both diseases.
Arkansas: 12-Week Abortion Ban Blocked
Good news from Arkansas: In March, they passed one of the most stringent anti-abortion laws in the country, banning the procedure at 12 weeks of pregnancy. Until last Friday, that is, when a federal judge blocked the enforcement of this law, saying it was likely unconstitutional.
Arizona: Abortion Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Big week for choice! Arizona’s new anti-abortion law, which would have banned abortions performed after 20 weeks regardless of fetal status, was struck down for being unconstitutional and at odds with prior US Supreme Court rulings that nationally guaranteed the right to abortion any time before a fetus is deemed viable.
by Sexual Health Rankings | Apr 9, 2013 | News
We are thrilled to be in San Francisco today at YTH Live 2013. Hundreds of sparky, smart people have gathered to hear and share the latest on innovations connecting youth, tech, and sexual health. This morning, Martin Downs will give a talk about Sexual Health Rankings. He’ll present new research prepared especially for the YTH Live audience, so don’t miss it. If you can’t be here in person, you can watch a live Webcast starting at 8:30 a.m. PST: http://oneworld.org/ythlive
And since we are in California, we’ll take this opportunity to highlight a couple facets of the state’s sexual health.
CALIFORNIA
Overall Rank: #26
INDICATOR: Percentage of women aged 15-44 living in a county without an abortion provider
California, rank: #2
California, value: 1%
Top state, value: 0%
Bottom state, value: 96%
These data are derived from a Guttmacher Institute analysis published in 2011. The researchers conducted a nationwide census of all facilities providing abortions. For many women, the need to travel long distances to a provider may be a barrier to obtaining an abortion.
INDICATOR: Percentage of women aged ≥25 years with high school diploma and higher education
California, rank: #50
California, value: 80.9%
Top state, value: 92.5%
Bottom state, value: 80.8%
For women, having a high school diploma or higher education is associated with:
- more intended births,
- increased use of reproductive health and contraceptive services,
- decreased likelihood of engaging in HIV risk-related behaviors in the past 12 months.
Data from a large representative study of American adults also show that men and women with a high school diploma or higher education are less likely to have problems related to sexual desire, orgasm, sexual pain, and sexual anxiety.
