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Beverly Hills Blocks All-Trimester Abortion Clinic
AALIYAH GUZMAN | NOVEMBER 19
In a stark reminder that threats to abortion access lurk even in progressive strongholds, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken unprecedented legal action against Beverly Hills for systematically obstructing the opening of an abortion clinic [[link removed]] . This battle in one of America’s wealthiest cities highlights how the war on reproductive rights extends far beyond red state borders.
The case emerges as conservative states continue their relentless assault on abortion rights nationwide, with 14 states now enforcing near-total bans following the fall of Roe v. Wade. Even in California, where voters enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution, local officials can deploy bureaucratic weapons to deny women essential healthcare access.
DuPont Clinic, one of the few facilities in the country providing all-trimester abortion care, faced what AG Bonta called [[link removed]] a “two-pronged” attack from Beverly Hills officials. The city’s tactics—ranging from permit delays to pressuring landlords—mirror strategies long used by anti-choice localities nationwide to circumvent legal protections for abortion rights.
The clinic remains unopened, forcing patients to travel further for essential care at a time when abortion refugees from restrictive states are already straining California’s healthcare system.
The judgment mandates comprehensive reproductive rights training for city employees and the appointment of a compliance officer. However, the broader significance lies in California’s willingness to aggressively defend abortion rights against local obstruction—setting a crucial precedent as reproductive healthcare faces mounting threats across America.
“This isn’t just about one clinic in Beverly Hills,” Bonta declared. [[link removed]] “This is about standing firm against the erosion of reproductive freedom happening everywhere, even in places we least expect it.”
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Gender Affirming Care at Stake in U.S. v. Skrmetti
SKYLAR DAVELINE | NOVEMBER 25
More than 90% of transgender youth are being denied [[link removed].] — or at risk of being denied — critical, age appropriate gender-affirming care. In a country where 24 states have banned hormone therapy and 16 more are in the process of placing bans, approximately 280,300 youth have been affected by the limited protection afforded to them. Conservative groups, such as the American Principles Project [[link removed]] claim these bans are “efforts to rein in the predatory transgender industry.” However, the bans could have dangerous, potentially deadly, consequences for transgender children.
U.S. v. Skrmetti, a pivotal case for the rights of transgender youth, is set to be heard by the Supreme Court in early December. Though transgender youth, their families, and medical experts have long backed [[link removed]] this gender-affirming care in court, it may not be enough to sway the 6 to 3 conservative majority. The decision will likely leave transgender youth with little protections.
This case specifically targets a Tennessee law banning medical treatments, such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and sex-transition surgeries, from being administered to transgender people under 18. While many other states have implemented similar laws, Tennessee has approximately twice the amount of anti-LGBTQ+ laws than any other state. In a suit filed by groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union, they argue that Tennessee’s ban violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. If the Court determines the ban unconstitutional, all 50 states, including Tennessee will be forced to roll back their intolerant laws. If not, more states will be able to continue to pass anti-LGBTQ+ initiatives.
The stakes are especially high [[link removed]] , given that suicidality is more prevalent among transgender youth than any other group. Over half [[link removed]] of transgender youth have seriously considered suicide. Delaying access to gender-affirming care until adulthood significantly increases the risk of suicide, depression, self-harm, and substance abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [[link removed]] Office of Population Affairs, gender-affirming care for minors is essential for safeguarding their overall health and well-being.
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FMF intern, Gwen Comai, at a march for abortion rights.
Abortion Rights Win Big in Seven States Despite Challenges
ZULEIMA NORIEGA | NOVEMBER 18
Despite the disappointing election results, valuable ground was gained for the pro-abortion movement. Of the 10 states where abortion [[link removed]] was on the ballot, seven passed referendums supporting abortion rights. These states are now taking legal action to remove barriers and enshrine abortion rights in their state constitutions.
Abortion Wins Across Seven States
Arizona:
Arizona voters successfully passed a referendum that guarantees abortion rights up to fetal viability, around 23–24 weeks of pregnancy. This marks a dramatic shift from the state’s previous 15-week abortion ban. Pro-abortion advocates gathered over 800,000 signatures—double the required amount—and raised $32 million, dwarfing opponents’ fundraising efforts. Moving forward [[link removed].] , activists aim to challenge medically unnecessary restrictions like 24-hour waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, and a ban on mail-order abortion medication.
Missouri:
Missouri’s state constitution [[link removed].] now affirms a “right to reproductive freedom,” effective December 5. This amendment comes as a significant reversal in a state that was the first to ban abortion completely after Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization . Additional ballot measures passed alongside the abortion amendment include a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour and mandatory paid sick leave.
Planned Parenthood of the Great Plains has already filed a lawsuit [[link removed].] challenging Missouri’s total abortion ban and other restrictive laws, including requirements for surgical licenses, unnecessary pelvic exams, and 72-hour waiting periods. Dr. Selina Sandoval described these restrictions as a “web of impenetrable, onerous, and medically unnecessary obstacles.” Advocates argue these policies [[link removed]] have contributed to high STI rates, poor pregnancy outcomes, and a shortage of healthcare providers in the state.
Nevada:
Nevada’s [[link removed].] abortion referendum guarantees the right to an abortion until fetal viability, about 24 weeks, and protects the life of the pregnant person. The law will take effect in 2026, solidifying abortion access under the care of qualified healthcare professionals.
Montana:
Montana voters amended the state constitution to explicitly include a right to abortion. While abortion has been legal since 1999 due to the Montana Supreme Court’s [[link removed].] interpretation of the right to privacy, this amendment ensures abortion rights are protected from future judicial reversals.
Colorado:
Colorado voters approved Amendment 79, which establishes the right to abortion [[link removed].] , removes restrictions on public funding for abortion services, and mandates abortion coverage in health insurance plans. Additionally, it prevents state and local governments from imposing new restrictions on abortion access.
New York and Maryland:
Both New York and Maryland [[link removed]] voters affirmed constitutional amendments protecting abortion rights. New York’s amendment includes an equal protection clause, while Maryland explicitly states its residents have a “right to reproductive freedom.”
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The Taliban Claim “80 Percent of Women’s Rights Have Been Provided”
AREZU FAYYAZI | NOVEMBER 15
When the Taliban took power in 2021, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesman, promised that “the Taliban would [[link removed]] honor women’s rights within the norms of Islamic law.”
Three years later, Sait-ul-Islam Khyber, the Taliban’s spokesman for their Ministry of Vice and Virtue, said “80% of women’s rights have been provided to them. These rights include marriage, inheritance, or freedoms that Islam grants them and are their fundamental rights.” The Ministry also cited that they prevented almost 5000 forced marriages since the Taliban takeover in 2021.
However, their claims do not represent the reality for Afghan women.
Their continued release of restrictive edicts barring women from school or working has placed an enormous amount of pressure on women and increased the rates of forced marriages. A study conducted by Amu TV [[link removed]] revealed that the rise in forced marriages since 2021 could be tied to the impacts of economic poverty and the Taliban’s ban on education. The limited economic opportunities for women following the ban on education has led to families seeing marriage as the only option. The Taliban’s latest edicts ban Afghan women from speaking in public or even being heard by other adult women.
In their first effort to expressly show their contempt for women’s rights, the Taliban shut down the Ministry of Women’s Affairs [[link removed]] in 2021 following return to power. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs was a crucial factor in protecting women’s wellbeing and their rights. They were instrumental in decreasing forced marriages before 2021. Since its closure and occupation by the Taliban’s so-called Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice – in other morality police – there is once again a rise in forced marriages and women are living with domestic violence due to the absence of legal support.
Furthermore, recently issued edicts of the Taliban directly contradict any assurance in guaranteeing women’s rights. The Taliban announced that women must cover their entire body and face when leaving the house and their voices are now banned in public places [[link removed]] . Women are not allowed to sing, talk, or even recite a prayer loud enough for other men and women to hear without facing repercussions.
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SAVE THE DATE
The National Young Feminist Leadership Conference returns March 29th-31st, 2025!
Do you know any high school or college feminists? Tell them to save the date for the 2025 National Young Feminist Leadership Conference !
The 2025 NYFLC will bring together student activists to build collective power and share strategies of resistance, grow knowledge about critical domestic and global feminist issues, learn hands-on grassroots organizing tactics, and mobilize for political gain. NYFLC is a chance to recognize that we are a part of something big, a community of activists working for justice all around the country, and is the perfect place to learn about current political issues, hear from inspirational leaders, and meet fellow feminist students!
Find out more at feministcampus.org. [[link removed]]
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