House Votes To Restrict Abortion Funding Despite Promise Of White House Veto

Via the Associated Press:

Republicans have muscled legislation through the House tightening federal restrictions on abortions, as thousands of abortion foes staged their annual protest march just down the street. The House approved the broadened abortion curbs by a near party-line 242-179 vote. The White House warned that President Barack Obama would veto the measure, all but ensuring that it would never become law. GOP leaders hurriedly pushed the bill onto the House floor hours after abruptly abandoning another bill banning most late-term abortions. They dropped that legislation after a rebellion led by female Republican lawmakers left them short of votes. The approved bill would permanently bar federal funds for any abortion coverage and block tax credits for many people and businesses buying health insurance that covers abortions. That would exceed current abortion restrictions.

The Family Research Council and other Christian groups are doing self-congratulatory backflips on Twitter even though the bill will never become law.

How To Find Girl Scout Cookies

As I reported yesterday, a coalition of anti-gay and wingnut groups has launched a national boycott of Girl Scout cookies, which are lovingly baked by Satan, according to the haters. You can find your closest Girl Scout cookie seller by downloading this smartphone app. In New York City, the Girl Scouts will launch National Cookie Weekend on Friday at Grand Central Terminal, where the crazies have promised to disrupt sales and hand out religious flyers. I'm gonna pack my freezer with Thin Mints and each cookie will have the delicious taste of "fuck you."

UPDATE:  Also enter your zip code here to find a location.

Hello Flo

This is Ad Week's ad of the day.

Feminine-hygiene products have come along way from being squeamish even just about the V-word. This hilariously written long-form spot for Hello Flo, a tampon subscription service, is full of great lines and comic visuals, as it tells the amusing story of a pre-teen girl who's the first to get her period at summer camp, and who uses that milestone to become popular—despotic, even—as she dispenses products and advice almost like she's dealing drugs. "It was beginning of summer, and no one knew me at camp," she begins. "I was a just a big random loser. Then, things changed. I got my period. The red badge of courage!"

In other news, tampon subscription services are a thing.

The comic style also distinguishes Hello Flo from similar services, "which all feel like they're advertising gourmet food," said Marquis. "We're hoping it gives the brand an open personality that embraces the topic and doesn't tip-toe around the delicate subject matter. As you can see, we didn't exactly tip-toe." The new video is a kind of back-to-school effort. While the subscription service is for women and girls of all ages, the company today is launching a "Period Starter Kit," which helps parents and girls get ready for puberty "in a fun and informative way," Bloom said.

(Tipped by JMG reader Bill)

Full Frontal Freedom - Women's Rights

A parody of Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines, created in support of Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis.

Hail Satan?

All of Teabagistan went into an uproar last night after a handful of pro-choice activists allegedly chanted "Hail Satan" as a group of anti-abortion activists sang Amazing Grace in the rotunda of the Texas Capitol. I've watched the video several times and as far as I can tell only one woman says it to the camera, but you wouldn't know that from the screaming headlines at the top of every right wing blog. #HailSatan is currently trending at the top of Twitter's hashtag list.

Ms. Magazine Cheers Brian Sims

"If you didn’t already know that Sims was the first openly gay member elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly, in 2012, you might have guessed it from that remark. After all, shouldn’t it be the straight males in the Pennsylvania House, who care most about women’s reproductive health? But no: Those men helped pass House Bill 818, which would ban health plans set up in the state insurance marketplace (under the Affordable Care Act) from offering abortion coverage. Thank you, Rep. Sims, for realizing the intersectionality among oppressions—whether it’s sexism, racism, classism or homophobia." - Ms. Magazine, quoting Sims' denouncement of the above-cited bill.

Republicans On Rape: A Compilation

Created by radio host David Pakman.

Women To GOP: You Don't Own Me

Openly lesbian pop icon Lesley Gore opens a clip of dozens of women lip-syncing her 1964 classic, You Don't Own Me. Keep an eye out for a couple of lesbian gals and trans chanteuse Justin Bond.

(Via Boy Culture)

Obama: Romney Is Dangerous For Women

At The DNC Women's Caucus

Attendees at the DNC Women's Caucus this morning had to go through metal detectors at the convention center, something none of the other caucuses (labor, veterans, LBGT, etc) have had to do. I asked a press officer if the added precaution was because abortion rights would be on the agenda, but she didn't want to discuss that.

NOTE: Everybody must go through airport-style security in order to get into the arena where the major politicos make their speeches.

MICHIGAN: Silenced Legislator Performs Vagina Monolouges On Capitol Steps

On Sale At Netroots Nation

From the same artist I blogged about yesterday.

On Sale At Netroots Nation

Copies signed by the artist: $15.

Maureen Dowd On Catholic Lawsuit

"The church insists it’s an argument about religious freedom, not birth control. But, really, it’s about birth control, and women’s lower caste in the church. It’s about conservative bishops targeting Democratic candidates who support contraception and abortion rights as a matter of public policy. And it’s about a church that is obsessed with sex in ways it shouldn’t be, and not obsessed with sex in ways it should be. The bishops and the Vatican care passionately about putting women in chastity belts. Yet they let unchaste priests run wild for decades, unconcerned about the generations of children who were violated and raped and passed around like communion wine." - Maureen Dowd, writing for the New York Times.

Dolan: Obama Is Strangling Our Religious Freedom To Control Women's Bodies

Anti-Abortion Activists Force "Conscience Protections" For Kansas Pharmacists

Kansas has become the fifth state to allow pharmacists to refuse to dispense emergency contraception. Focus On The Family cheers:

The Health Care Rights of Conscience Act prevents anyone from being forced to prescribe, distribute or administer drugs they “reasonably believe” could kill a preborn child. Supporters said the bill updates a 1969 law preventing people from being required to perform or participate in abortions. But since the advent of abortifacient drugs, an update was needed. “Before, it was just doctors and nurses and people who had conscience concerns because these things often happen in medical clinics and places like that,” said Robert Noland, executive director of the Kansas Family Policy Council. “But now it can be as simple as writing a prescription. And a pharmacist may not agree with these kinds of things.”

Kansas joins Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and South Dakota.

Obamacare Helps Women

DNC: Romney Is Bad For Women

Women Shouldn't Fear Frothy

So says Mrs. Santorum.

DNC Slams Romney On Women's Health