Tag Archives: Trump

Abortion Trends – Savita’s Revenge Or Remorse?

Opinion Reproductive Health No Comments

In 2012, SuzyKnew! posted an article about women who think they will never need an abortion and then find themselves in a situation like Savita Halappanavar, the Irish woman of Indian desent who died from pregnancy complications when an Irish hospital refused to give her an abortion. Last week, six years after Savita’s death, Ireland voted to overturn the country’s ban on abortion, which was one of the strictest in the world.

(Photo courtesy of UK Daily Mail)

Since a large number of women think they will never need an abortion they aren’t prepared for one.  Many women and their families assume that their health care provider, close confidents and their country’s laws will support them if they ever found themselves in a situation like Savita did. But, this may not be true.

What are abortion laws around the world? Here they are in 5 minutes (source)

Although a large majority of countries allow abortions to save a woman’s life, few countries provide real access to safe abortion. Like, Savita, women are dying around the world. #MeToo?

Looking at the map above, North America, including the U.S., has the safest abortions of all regions. But, under the Trump Administration, access to safe abortion is under threat. From Trump’s recent proposal to defund Planned Parenthood, which is an important source of abortions for low-income women, to efforts to reduce access to family planning and birth control and of course who can forget Trump’s missteps during his campaign when he said women who have abortions should be punished (go to jail?), could American women start ending up like Savita?

Have any of Trump’s former lovers found themselves needing an abortion? Maybe the Donald provided them the financial – if not the emotional support they needed to have an abortion. Did these women have the option to keep their Baby Donald if they decided they didn’t want an abortion? Or not?

Ireland’s overturning its ban on abortion and the #MeToo movement against the backdrop of rising populism across the U.S. and Europe and backlash against women are dual trends that could spell hope or disaster for women worldwide.

See the Guttmacher Institute’s Fact Sheet on abortions worldwide for more information

Do Black Norwegian Women Want To Immigrate To The United States?

Opinion 2 Comments

During last week’s meeting on immigration, The Donald set off yet another firestorm by asking the rhetorical question why the United States doesn’t have more immigrants from places like Norway?

Child, please… Everyone can answer that question. Newspapers and journalists fell over themselves coming out the woodwork to provide the obvious answer to Trump’s ridiculous question, highlighting how much Trump’s ignorance and buffoonery are holding the US back.  From the Chicago Tribune, The Atlantic, The Independent to, of course, Trump’s foil CNN, information on how life in Norway – especially for women – is so much better than in the US came streaming out.

Named the “Happiest Country” in the world in 2017, Norway has a female prime minister and commitment to gender parity.The 2017 World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap ranked Norway the second best country for women when it comes to economics, the workplace, education, politics and health while the US was ranked 49th. Yes. In Norway, everyone gets free healthcare, including contraception, maternal and child care and access to abortion services. This is how they roll. Norwegians also spend a lot of money helping developing countries improve their reproductive health – a lot more of their GDP than the US does. Life is so good in this little country that only 362 Norwegians became legal permanent residents in the United States out of the 1.18 million people who became green card holders in 2016.

But, Norway isn’t as White as Trump or we may think. Around 17 percent of Norwegian residents are immigrants or children of immigrants. What is life like for women of color in Norway? Do they want to come to the United States?

Apparently, Sistas’ are living large in Norway. While there are few native born Blacks and Norway can’t be called completely “racism-free,” Black women, including Black American women, are enjoying their life in Norway.  Happy Sistas’ with happy families living in Scandinavia are posting their stories and pictures on the web.  Look at this Sista’ from Atlanta.

 

Women of color enjoy the same economic, education and health benefits their White Norwegian Sisters do.

Often viewed as handsome and attracted by Black beauty, Norwegian and Scandinavian men are interested in dating and marrying Black women. In fact, if you’d like to find your own Scandinavian prince for marriage and possible life in Norway, take a look at this dating site.

So, whether you are from what Trump calls a #S—-hole country or a Black woman in the US dealing with Trump’s #S—, you may want to look at your options for living your best life.

Trump Rolls Back Birth Control Mandate On Anniversary Of Pussy-Grabbing Video

Contraceptives Opinion Reproductive Health No Comments

Ladies, nobody can outclass The Donald in shamelessness. Nobody. One the eve of the first anniversary of the Access Hollywood tapes revealing Trump’s pussy-grabbing prowess, The Donald rolls back the mandate requiring employers to provide birth control coverage. In the tapes, Trump claimed, “You can do anything to women if you’re famous.”  And, Trump is doing just that: proving that when you’re famous – you can do anything to women.

UltraViolet, a woman’s advocacy group, projected the Access Hollywood video on loop all day October 6 on a giant screen nearby the White  House in honor of the anniversary.  Women’s groups have been preparing for months to confront Trump’s attacks against birth control, women’s reproductive health and other issues affecting women. The ACLU filed a lawsuit immediately; other law suits are being filed as well. Ladies, when The Donald was a candidate he told us we would jack up our lives and he is fulfilling his promise.

Unlike other controversial parts of Obamacare, the mandate requiring insurance companies to provide family planning without out of pocket costs, i.e., free, is handled at the federal level by the Department of Health and Human Services. This means unilateral action by the Department to drop coverage is possible. The National Women’s Law Center estimates over 55 million benefit from the mandate to cover birth control.

 

Who will suffer the most from this rollback if it’s not stopped? We women of color that’s who. We are represented disproportionately in states that have not taken preemptive actions to expand access to contraceptives when 45 became president.  Twenty states currently allow certain employers and insurers not to comply with the mandate.  What will happen to women in states like Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, etc?

Read related articles: Will Trumpcare Jack Up Your Reproductive Health?  

What can you do? Call your insurance company and tell them not take away your free birth control coverage.  Call your representatives. Sign one of the many petitions out there. Here is the one by UltraViolet: https://act.weareultraviolet.org/sign/insurers_birth_control/. Talk to your friends about this. Don’t stay silent.

 

How To Deal With A Trumped-Up Christmas – SIZZLE WITH SOPHIA

Sizzle With Sophia No Comments

Happy Holidays, SuzyKnew! Readers!

It’s been a long year, hasn’t it?  While the Holidays are a great time to reflect on the year that’s passed, it’s more important than ever to prepare for the one that’s coming.

That Grinch, 2016, may have taken Prince, Phife Dawg, and Muhammad Ali.  And 2016 may have given us a rabid, immature, racist/sexist with tiny hands and bad hair as POETUS.  But what we not gon’ do is sit around and wallow in despair!

We need to turn our outrage into REAL activism, because if ever there was a time to put our Black Girl Magic to use, it’s now.  We’ve got work to do, y’all!

I’m not just talking about keyboard activism, either.  Not that there’s anything wrong with using social media to bring attention to the issues that impact our communities.  I respect the power of the keyboard.  I’ve seen how rousing, social justice reform manifestos born by the light of a laptop screen and fueled by too much caffeinated angst can be effective.

But we gotta do more, ladies!  Take that despair you felt when you woke up on November 9th and harness it into real, boots-on-the-ground action in 2017!  Let’s go!

I know what you’re thinking.  You already have so much to do, how can I possibly ask you to do more?  Especially when it’s not even our fault that fool got elected!

“Sophia,” you’re saying.  “94% of us (Black women) acted like we had some damn sense at the polls.  Go ask the 53% of white women or the 18% of Black men who voted for that orange buffoon to do the work!  Leave us alone!  We’re tired!”

I hear you, Sister.  I know you’ve got to focus on keeping your job cuz your snitch-ass co-worker is always clocking your breaks, and running to your asshole boss who’s way too stupid to be making THAT much more money than you.  I know you’ve got kids and family that need your undivided attention.  I know you’re already doing so much with your church or favorite charity.

But listen.  If we don’t make it our business to be heavily involved in shaping the opposition to the horrible changes that are sure to come, we’re all DOOMED!

Think about it.  No one else has OUR backs.  We can’t depend on white feminists because, to quote the late, great Bebe Moore Campbell, their blues ain’t like ours.  Sure, we can work together, but until they understand genuine intersectionality, we’re on our own.

I love my Brothas fiercely, but let’s be real.  They ain’t really been holding us down like we hold them down.  They’ll march, speechify, preach, and rally when the issue is centered on them.  But for issues that specifically affect US – crickets.  Black men, before y’all get in your feelings and listing all the good shit you do for your moms, wives, and daughters, look at the facts.  Y’all can write 2,000 word, thesis-quality think pieces on police violence against Black men or anything sports related, but when it comes to calling out toxic masculinity, rape culture, or domestic violence?  Suddenly you can’t even spell hashtag.  That may hurt to read, but it hurt even more to write.  Brothas, y’all got some work to do in 2017, too.

Ladies, clearly we have to look out for ourselves.  But where to start?  There are so many urgent issues, like rape/sexual assault, repro rights, voting rights, hunger/food insecurity, and health care, just to name a few.  These issues affect all Black people, but especially Black women.  They’re all urgent, so how do we prioritize?  Where does our 2017 activism begin?

I’ve got a list for you!  Here’s how you can prepare for the war years ahead, cuz make no mistake – we are at war:

  1. Focus: Pick one issue. You can’t do it all, so choose one issue where your particular skills set or experience can be of most use.  Yes, we need soldiers, but we need generals, too.  We need leaders and experts to demand a seat at the tables where these issues are addressed, and they need to be qualified.  If that’s you, go for it.  Unable to commit to leadership?  No problem.  We still need soldiers!
  2. Don’t Reinvent The Wheel: I’m not asking you to go start up a new Black Lives Matter Movement, or anything. We don’t want to compete with or draw precious resources away from organizations who are already doing good work.  Instead, research groups in your area that address the issue you chose, and join their efforts.  Go to meetings.  Volunteer for committees.  If there’s a vacuum in your area, then by all means, take whatever steps to fill it. But if the infrastructure is already in place, share your talents with them.
  3. Do The Research: You may have some expertise or experience working on your issue, but you don’t know everything. Take the time to get up-to-date on your issue.  Research local, state and national policy.  Learn new trends.  Investigate the latest scientific research.  Dig deeper than Wiki or mainstream media.  Keep learning.
  4. Donate Money: Money makes the world go ‘round! These organizations desperately need funds to operate and remain relevant.  Give what you can, as often as you can.  But do your research, though.  Make sure you give your dollars to legitimate organizations, only.
  5. Raise Awareness: Stay vocal about your issue! Issues that face Black women, in particular, are often ignored by mainstream media.  Utilize your social media platforms, leverage your network and connections, and do your part to spread the word.
  6. Re-activate Your Membership: You probably already belong (or used to belong) to an organization or group that’s doing good work. Maybe you got busy, had a kid, moved … whatever … you’re just not actively or financially involved anymore.  2017-2021 are not the years to sit on the sidelines, ladies.  Go pay those dues and re-activate your membership in whatever group you used to ride hard for, and get busy.  They need you.  They need your time, talents and your money.

Remember, even if you focus on one issue, you can and should still support the other issues that affect us.  Get busy, but don’t over-extend yourself.  The next four years are going to be a marathon, not a sprint.  Pace yourself.  Practice self-care.  And get to work!

In the meantime, Happy Holidays!  Whomever, however and wherever you celebrate, I wish you love, peace, joy and lots of good sex (had to throw that in there)!

~Sophia

Photo Credit: fierceforBlackwomen.com

 

Trump And The Black Woman’s “Wherever”

Opinion 11 Comments

Yes, Ladies. It’s time to face the new reality: The Donald – yes, Donald Trump – could become the next president of the United States. And, we need to know what he’s thinking when it comes to women of color and reproductive health so we can be prepared.

Ever since The Donald attacked Megyn Kelly after the first GOP debate saying “You could see she had blood coming out of her eyes. Blood coming out of her ‘wherever,'”  lots has been written about Donald Trump’s views on women and the female anatomy.  The feud with Megyn Kelly was only the beginning of the venom The Donald has been spewing against women and minorities since the start of the Republican primaries. This has caused an onslaught of spoofs, commentaries and thought pieces about Donald’s views on women and possible Trump policies on women’s health.

Late last year when Trump kept referring to women’s genitalia and became defensive about saying “vagina,” a few smart alack YouTubers produced videos with Trump saying vagina a million times. Trump’s tough bombastic talk and dubious comments about women prompted a spoofer to produce a clip on Trumpax: Make Your Vagina Great Again.  Although Trump has insulted women on numerous occasions and loves to refer to the vajayjay, he hasn’t said a lot specifically about women’s reproductive health issues. Essence magazine has done several pieces on what a Trump Presidency would mean for Black Women more from an economic perspective.

Before becoming the sole candidate remaining in the Republican race, as he got closer to the 1,237 delegates needed to win the Republican nomination, The Donald started changing his tune towards blacks and in an interview with REVOLT in late April claims he will win the black vote, especially the black youth vote.

There are Black women who support Trump. If you can suppress your anger at the shuckin’ and jivin’ of Diamond and Silk, you may be able to chuckle and shake your head a little at their antics.  But, the Colombian woman who can’t contain her joy over Trump is embarrassing. And even though supportive Blacks, Muslims and Latinos get jumped and beat up when they go to Trump rallies to show their love, they continue to stand up for their man Trump, including Muslim women.

And, there are more thoughtful, abeit controversial, pieces out there in YouTube land explaining how Trump could get a sizable number of Black votes to make him the next president.

https://youtu.be/nThL9AWL2MU

But, many  women – both of color and plain vanilla – will remember one of Trump’s few statements about women’s reproductive health when he said women who get abortions should be punished. Although abortions have declined since the advent of Roe vs. Wade, Black women are 5 times more likely to have an abortion than White women, and Latina women twice as likely. The Donald as Commander and Chief would make women of color very vulnerable. Last month, Trump lashed out against Hillary Clinton saying if she were a man she would only get 5% of the vote.  This is after he accused Hillary of not being strong enough to be president or having the stamina it takes. This is code for saying women are unqualified to do a lot of things – like being president. And if The Donald is talking this way about White women, SuzyKnew! doesn’t have to explain to you what he’s thinking about Black women and other minority women. Do we?

But, there was a big outcry against Donald saying women who have abortions should be punished. Women pushed back. Trump was forced to reverse his statement. It was clear Trump didn’t know what he was talking about and hadn’t gotten the memo. So, if there is a Trump presidency, it will be up to us – women of color; non-minority women; all women – to push back, show we are a force to be reckoned with and demand respect, reproductive rights, and our rightful place in America.

Photo courtesy of The Boston Globe.