• Listen to this segment

• Listen to the entire program

In the century following its inception, International Women’s Day has become recognized in over a 100 hundred countries. Today thousands of celebrations with varying themes are taking place internationally. As women’s rights advance world-wide the day is an important reminder of the past struggles for gender equality. However in the U.S. it is also a reminder of how far we have to go. Recent legislation seeks to reverse major strides made in the fight for women’s equality in health care and in the eyes of the law. The GOP’s Tea Party-infused majority in the House of Representatives just last month eliminated funding for Planned Parenthood health clinics and Medicaid funding for abortions, even for pregnancies resulting from statutory rape or incest. The attack on a woman’s right to choose, which disproportionately affects low income women, is also happening at the state level around the country. Over the last year many states legislatures have introduced a steady stream of anti-choice, morality-tinged legislation seeking to curb access to contraception, scientifically accurate family-planning counseling, and abortion services.

GUEST: Serena Josel, Director of Public Affairs at Planned Parenthood-Los Angeles

Find out how you can help by calling 213-284-3200 or visit www.plannedparenthood.org/los-angeles