“Republicans have once again prioritized waging a war on women instead of focusing on jobs and the economy,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Today an all-male group of Congressmen debated a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in the District of Columbia with no exceptions for rape, incest, or fetal anomaly. Even more frustrating is that Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents D.C. was barred from testifying on behalf of the constituents she was elected to represent. It’s a shocking effort to endanger women’s health, not just by rolling back the clock on reproductive rights, but by trying to silence those who voice opposition. This is just another reason why we need to bring more lawmakers to Washington who will speak for the needs of women and families.”

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

“Republicans say they aren’t waging a war on women. But today they passed a Violence Against Women Act that fails to protect the most vulnerable victims of abuse,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Since the GOP took over the House last January, they have passed or tried to pass some of the most anti-women legislation this country has ever seen. From allowing a pregnant woman to die if a hospital has a moral objection to the care that would save her life, to attempting to redefine rape so certain victims could not seek justice, to passing a version of the Violence Against Women Act that fails to protect as many women as possible from abuse – today’s Republican party is devastatingly focused on making the lives of women harder and more dangerous.”

“Democratic women passed a strong bi-partisan Violence Against Women Act in the Senate. This November, voters will have a chance to send them reinforcements. Our country needs lawmakers with the right priorities, who want to help women keep themselves and their families healthy. Fortunately, we have an historic number of Democratic women running for office this year – and their victories will be the best defense against the war on women.”

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

The New Mexico WOMEN VOTE! program will send four pieces of mail to nearly 20,000 pro-choice, Democratic primary voting women. The mail will introduce Michelle Lujan Grisham as a champion for women against Republican attacks on choice and access to birth control. The first piece of mail will arrive May 18.

Additionally, the New Mexico WOMEN VOTE! program will send four pieces of mail touting Lujan Grisham’s record of service to New Mexico’s seniors and children to approximately 15,000 Hispanic Democratic primary voting women. The first piece will arrive May 21.

"Voters in New Mexico’s first district are very clear: they want a representative who will stand up for New Mexican women and families in Washington," said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY's List. “Who better to do that than the woman who has been protecting New Mexico’s most vulnerable citizens her whole career?”

Launched in 1995, the historic EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! project combines polling and research, advanced information technology, sophisticated message testing, and precinct-by-precinct field work to mobilize millions of women voters across the country. EMILY's List designed WOMEN VOTE! to build a progressive political base that will elect more Democrats, especially women, by helping to increase turnout among women voters year after year.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 900,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY's List has worked to elect 86 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List had the largest number of members and donors in our 25 year history.

The EMILY’s List community now stands at more than one million members strong. These supporters are getting their information earlier, quicker, and on the web and they’re ready to take action now. “On the List” is a new way for EMILY’s List members to engage with and support promising candidates early in an election cycle. By putting Hensley, Neuhardt and Romero Roses “On the List,” EMILY’s List is ensuring that she has access to this powerful network of supporters.

“Teresa, Sharen and Gloria are prime examples of what strong women leaders can accomplish in their communities” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “We can take back the House and make government work for America’s working families again if we elect women like Teresa, Sharen and Gloria. These three women are the kind of coalition builders and problem solvers that Americans are looking to send to Washington.

Hensley currently serves as the Prosecuting Attorney for Cass County, where she has been a lifelong resident. She has a record of convicting child abusers, domestic violence offenders, drunk drivers, and murderers. Hensley recently received the Missouri Attorney General’s Justice Award for Domestic Violence Prevention.

Neuhardt was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio and attended Dayton public schools until attending college at Northwestern University and Georgetown Law School. She returned to Dayton to practice at a law firm now known as Thompson Hine, where in 2011 she was recognized as one of the best lawyers in America. Neuhardt served on the Board of Trustees for Planned Parenthood of Miami Valley, and has worked to help underserved women receive access to breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Romero Roses was born in Bogotá, Colombia and moved to the United States when she was seven. She currently serves as managing partner of Nexus Homes, LLC, which helps provide more assisted living choices for middle class families caring for elderly relatives. Romero Roses is also the former Statewide Vice Chair & Region Chair of Ruth’s List Florida, an organization that works to elect pro-choice, Democratic women to state, county, and local office in Florida.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

The California WOMEN VOTE! program will send five pieces of mail to nearly 39,000 Democratic primary voting women and pro-choice, decline to state primary voting women. The mail will introduce Julia Brownley as the Democratic champion in the race and highlight Brownley’s stellar record on women’s health care and reproductive choices. The first piece of mail will arrive the week of May 14.

"Voters in California’s twenty-sixth district are very clear: they want a pro-choice representative," said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY's List. “We’ll make sure that women voters know where Julia Brownley stands on key issues for women. We’re confident that women voters in California will see through Linda Parks’ so-called independent candidacy and elect a proud pro-choice Democratic woman, Julia Brownley."

Launched in 1995, the historic EMILY's List WOMEN VOTE! project combines polling and research, advanced information technology, sophisticated message testing, and precinct-by-precinct field work to mobilize millions of women voters across the country. EMILY's List designed WOMEN VOTE! to build a progressive political base that will elect more Democrats, especially women, by helping to increase turnout among women voters year after year.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

“Maggie Hassan is a principled leader with a proven record of working hard for New Hampshire’s women and families,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Maggie was a tireless advocate for job creation, education and women’s health throughout her time in the State Senate. Her dedicated leadership is exactly what New Hampshire needs in a governor. EMILY’s List was with Maggie when she was first elected to the State Senate in 2004, and we are thrilled to stand with her strong campaign again today.”

“While states across the country—including New Hampshire—face the challenges of a tough economy and attacks on women’s health from radical Republican legislatures, our country is at risk of having no female Democratic governors in office at the start of 2013. Now, more than ever, our states need the leadership of strong, pro-choice Democratic women like Maggie Hassan.”

A mother of two, Maggie Hassan attended Brown University and Northeastern University Law School. She was first elected to the New Hampshire State Senate in 2004 and was a member of its first ever female majority in 2008. During her time in the Senate, Hassan was a fierce advocate for education, the environment and choice. While in office, she co-sponsored legislation to make health care more affordable for small businesses.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

“Watching the strong Democratic women in the Senate stand up today in support of the Violence Against Women Act has been absolutely inspirational,” said EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock. “It’s so clear that having their voices in Washington is critical to advancing an agenda that protects and prioritizes women and families. Democratic women in Congress are on the front lines fighting back against the GOP war on women. I’m excited that 2012 is shaping up to be such an historical year for Democratic women candidates – because it’s time to send these champions some reinforcements.”

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON D.C. - EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, released the following video to be screened tonight at the “We Are EMILY” Awards event tonight in downtown Washington. The event marks Giffords’ first return to Washington, DC since her resignation in January.

The video is narrated by Giffords’ close friend and former colleague, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

“Gabby is a once-in-a-generation inspiration,” said EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock. “Not just to EMILY’s List members, but to the historic number of Democratic women running for office in 2012. Her story will continue to inspire women to make a difference and to make their voices heard.”

EMILY’s List will honor former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords with the organization’s annual “We Are EMILY” award, which recognizes women who have changed the face of political power and provided leadership and inspiration to the EMILY’s List community – more than one million members strong – and beyond. Special guests include Leader Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Gillibrand, and others.

The event is open to credentialed press. Please contact Jess McIntosh at jmcintosh@emilyslist.org to RSVP.

Giffords has been affiliated with EMILY’s List since her service in the Arizona State Legislature, where she was the youngest woman elected to the state Senate. EMILY’s List supported Giffords in her 2006, 2008, and 2010 congressional campaigns.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

“This year is already shaping up to be an historic one for Democratic women in politics,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “We can take back the House in 2012 – and we can make Washington work for women and families – but only if we elect strong women like Shelley, Kathy, Julia, Carol, and Kyrsten who will stand up against the GOP’s radical anti-woman agenda and work to build a more progressive America.”

The daughter of small business owners, Shelley Adler started her own legal consulting office and lead her husband’s small law firm after he was elected to Congress. Shelley is dedicated to job creation and protecting her community’s workforce

Kathy Boockvar has always been a fighter for the families of Pennsylvania. Boockvar has spent her law career helping victims of domestic abuse and low-income families with unemployment, Social Security, and family law cases.

As a member of the California State Assembly, Julia Brownley has fought tirelessly for quality education, women’s health, and a safe environment. She received recognition of her hard work from the California School Boards Association and was named “2010 Legislator of the Year.”

A champion for women’s health, Carol Shea-Porter has dedicated her career to public service. She has consistently worked to protect New Hampshire’s families both as a social worker in her community and as the first woman elected to the U.S. House from New Hampshire.

A professor of Social Work, Kyrsten Sinema has been a fearless advocate for health care and civil rights. She began her career in the Arizona State Legislature, worked on healthcare reform, and helped to defeat a ballot initiative that would have banned same-sex marriage.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

"We are proud to endorse these two impressive women for the United States Congress today," said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. "Kathy Hochul and Louise Slaughter are both strong, Democratic women with the experience and leadership New York needs in Washington."

"This year is set to be an historic one for women in politics, and the entire EMILY's List community is ready to stand strong with Kathy and Louise throughout their campaigns. Kathy kicked off this historic election cycle with her special election victory last May, and we are proud to endorse such an effective leader again today. Louise has been a leader in Congress for 25 years and a consistent champion for women’s rights and health care. Together, these two women will work to move Congress in the right direction."

Prior to her election to Congress, Kathy Hochul served as Erie County Clerk and as a member of the Hamburg Town Board, where she worked to improve Western New York’s economy and reduce highway tolls. In Congress, Hochul has been a consistent advocate for seniors and families—simplifying regulations for small businesses and keeping her promise to protect Medicare by voting against the dangerous Ryan budget.

Louise Slaughter has consistently fought for America’s working families and is not afraid to stand up to Republicans in Congress. She was the original champion of the recently passed STOCK Act, which makes insider trading by members of Congress illegal and ensures that no member of Congress is above the law. A tireless advocate for women, Slaughter was a founding member of the Congressional Pro-Choice Caucus, helped create and pass the Violence Against Women Act, and fought hard to ensure that protections for women were included in health care reform.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY's List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY's List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

Today, Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, released the following statement reacting to those comments:

“Just when you think it couldn’t get any more insulting, Republicans outdo themselves. I can’t even believe I have to explain that comparing women to bugs is offensive, but since Republicans seem to need that, here goes. Women are not sluts. Or caterpillars. Our concerns are not fictional and your attempts to restrict our rights are not fantasy. We are your mothers, wives, sisters, friends and well over one half of the voting population. And we will be heard this November when we replace these unbearably out of touch Republicans with Democratic women who actually believe that we’re people.”

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, House Republicans voted to pass the Ryan budget that would end Medicare as we know it and shred the social safety net for older Americans, who are disproportionately women. The budget passed the House by a vote or 228 to 191 and will move to the Senate where Democrats will fight to defeat it.

“It turns out that Republicans aren’t content to just restrict access to birth control and reproductive health,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Today they proved they learned nothing from their budget debacle of last year – once again they’re threatening the ability of women all over America to keep themselves healthy as they get older. From cradle to grave, Republicans are waging a war on women’s health care. But women are watching and they’re getting energized. In November they’ll have the chance to send these folks packing and replace them with Democratic women who will put women and families first for a change.”

Women Under Threat: Female Medicare Beneficiaries Impacted By Ryan Budget

The Ryan budget would end Medicare as we know it starting in 2023 – meaning women in the workforce who are 54 today would be impacted the first year of implementation.

State by state the numbers of women affected will grow as follows:

Ten years after implementation the number of women without Medicare as we know it grows significantly:

Twenty years after implementation many states have hundreds of thousands of women 65 and older affected:

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List, is speaking this evening about the historic year for women in politics at a panel presented by Glamour magazine.

2012 year marks an historic opportunity to change how Washington functions by electing Democratic women who stand up to the right, get things done, and build a more progressive America.

There are more women running for Senate than ever before – and every EMILY’s List challenger is poised to become the first woman senator to represent her state. The growing momentum of women winning special elections and an ever-expanding House field means the march to a Democratic takeover of the House is being led by women candidates. Just yesterday, EMILY’s List endorsed Grace Meng – a true progressive and champion for women – for Congress in New York’s sixth congressional district. With the EMILY’s List community larger and more energized than ever, 2012 is shaping up to be an historic year for women.

WHO: EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock

WHAT: Panel Discussion Presented by Glamour magazine: Where are the Women Candidates for 2012 and How Can We Get More of Them?

Moderated by Chelsea Clinton, Board member, Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. She is also a special correspondent for NBC News.

With Panelists:

WHEN: March 28th, 8:00pm

WHERE: 92nd Street Y, Kaufmann Concert Hall, 1395 Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street

This event is open to credentialed press. Please contact Sarah Morton, smorton@92Y.org or 212.415.5435.

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that it is fully recommending Grace Meng, a candidate for Congress in New York’s sixth congressional district. If elected, Meng, a mother of two, will become the first Asian-American sent to Congress from New York.

“Grace Meng is not just a strong candidate, she’s exactly the kind of fierce advocate for women and families that we need in Washington right now,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Grace is a true progressive who will stand up to the radical Republican agenda and get things done in Congress. Candidates like Grace are leading the way back for Democrats in November and setting the stage for an historic year for women. Grace is a true champion for New York, breaking through glass ceilings in so many ways, and the EMILY’s List community is thrilled to support her throughout her campaign.”

A Queens native, Grace Meng has fought tirelessly for women’s health, families, economic fairness and seniors. During her time in the New York State Legislature, she wrote legislation that extended unemployment benefits, authored the Reverse Mortgage Act, which protects senior citizens against higher property taxes, and provided new incentives for property owners to provide affordable housing. Meng is the youngest Asian-American ever elected to the New York State Legislature and would be the state’s first Asian-American representative in Congress. A dedicated advocate for underrepresented communities, Meng serves on Governor Cuomo’s Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Team and was the first-ever Asian-American appointed to hold a Cabinet position in the NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Caucus.

Just in the last year, EMILY’s List helped elect three new women to the House through special elections: Kathy Hochul in Western New York, Janice Hahn in Los Angeles, California, and Suzanne Bonamici in Portland, Oregon. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

What do these states have in common?

Republican-controlled state legislatures have been working over-time recently – finding more and more creative ways to punish, degrade, and restrict women seeking to obtain birth control coverage or exercise their reproductive choices.

Here is a rundown of some of their extremism making news just this week:

These state legislatures have one clear thing in common – not enough Democratic women. Each ranks low on the list of states when it comes to percentage of Democratic women – half are in the bottom 10.

While there’s no silver bullet for anti-woman policies, a lack of Democratic women clearly creates an environment for some truly outrageous ideas.

[CAWP, accessed 3/16/12; Guttmacher Institute, accessed 3/16/12; US Census, accessed 3/19/12]

Alaska: Alaskan State Rep Called for Women Seeking an Abortion to Require Signature of the Man who Impregnated Her. During a debate over women’s health, Rep. Alan Dick suggested that the state criminalize women seeking an abortion without the written consent of the man who impregnated her. He said, “…If I thought that uh, the man’s signature was required, required! in order for a woman to have an abortion, I’d have a little more peace about it…” [Planned Parenthood, 3/19/12]

Tennessee: Legislation Would Mandate the State Publish the Name of Each Doctor Performing Abortions and Demographics About the Women Having the Procedure Including Her Age, Race, County, Marital Status, Number of Times She Has Been Pregnant. On March 19, 2012 Huffington Post reported on new legislation moving through the Tennessee House of Representatives which “would require the state to publish the names of each doctor who performs an abortion and detailed statistics about the woman having the procedure, which opponents worry will spur anti-abortion violence in the state.” Under the legislation, the Life Defense Act of 2012, the state’s department of health would be required to make detailed demographic information about “every woman who has an abortion available to the public, including her age, race, county, marital status, education level, number of children, the location of the procedure and how many times she has been pregnant. Each report would also have to include the name of the doctor who performed the procedure.” [Huffington Post, 3/19/12]

Pennsylvania: Governor’s Advice to Women Who Receive Mandated Ultrasound Prior to Abortion—They “Just Have to Close Their Eyes.” During a press conference, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett was asked about legislation that would require women seeking an abortion to undergo a mandatory ultrasound. When a reporter asked if requiring a woman to view an ultrasound went “too far,” Corbett responded, “I’m not making anybody watch, OK? Because you just have to close your eyes. As long as it’s on the exterior and not the interior.” [Los Angeles Times, 3/16/12]

Arizona: Legislation Would Require Medical Reason for Coverage of Birth Control and Allows Employers to Fire Women Who Use “Birth Control to Prevent Pregnancy Despite Employer’s Moral Objection.” On March 14, 2012 Huffington Post reported, “Arizona legislators have advanced an unprecedented bill that would require women who wish to have their contraception covered by their health insurance plans to prove to their employers that they are taking it to treat medical conditions. The bill also makes it easier for Arizona employers to fire a woman for using birth control to prevent pregnancy despite the employer's moral objection.” [Huffington Post, 3/14/12]

Idaho: Legislator who Sponsored Mandatory Ultrasounds for Women Seeking Abortions, Even for Victims of Sexual Violence, Suggests Women Use Rape as Reason for Abortions. On March 20, 2012 the Huffington Post reported that during final debate over legislation in the Idaho Senate that would require women seeking abortions to undergo a mandatory ultrasound—even if they are victims of rape or incest—the bill’s sponsor questioned if women understood what rape was. State Sen. Chuck Winder responded to opponents by saying, “Rape and incest was used as a reason to oppose this. I would hope that when a woman goes in to a physician with a rape issue, that physician will indeed ask her about perhaps her marriage, was this pregnancy caused by normal relations in a marriage or was it truly caused by a rape. I assume that's part of the counseling that goes on.” [Huffington Post, 3/20/12]

Texas: Legislation Mandated Transvaginal Ultrasound for Women Seeking Abortions. In 2011, Texas passed legislation requiring women seeking an abortion to receive a transvaginal sonogram, similar to the recent legislation debated in Virginia. However, as the Texas Tribune noted, the Texas legislation was more strict. “It requires women to have a sonogram at least 24 hours ahead of an abortion, and the doctor to play the heartbeat aloud, describe the fetus, and show the woman the image, unless she chooses not to view it. Although the Texas law doesn’t specify what kind of ultrasound — belly or transvaginal — abortion providers say they almost always must use the transvaginal probe to pick up the heartbeat and describe the fetus at the early stage of pregnancy when most women seek abortions.” [Texas Tribune, 2/23/12]

In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

Linda Coleman for Lieutenant Governor, Elaine Marshall for Secretary of State, Janet Cowell for State Treasurer, Beth Wood for State Auditor and June Atkinson for Superintendent of Public Instruction

WASHINGTON, D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, today announced its endorsements of Linda Coleman, Elaine Marshall, Janet Cowell, Beth Wood, and June Atkinson for statewide offices in North Carolina.

“We are thrilled to endorse so many strong women for statewide office in North Carolina – more than any other state this election cycle,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Linda, Elaine, Janet, Beth, and June are all strong pro-choice Democratic women with the leadership experience North Carolina needs.

“As a State Representative, Linda Coleman has been a fierce advocate for working families, working to improve education and pass tough anti-drug laws. As Secretary of State, Elaine Marshall has consistently stood up to Wall Street in order to protect the interests of North Carolinian families and investors. Janet Cowell has worked hard as Treasurer to improve financial education in public schools and her bold leadership has helped North Carolina weather the recession in strong financial shape. As Auditor, Beth Wood has worked tirelessly to locate and eliminate wasteful spending. June Atkinson put herself through school to obtain three degrees and knows the incredible value of education to the families and children of North Carolina. Together, all five of these women will lead North Carolina in the right direction and EMILY’s List is so proud to stand with them.”

A North Carolina native, Linda Coleman served as Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners before serving three terms in the North Carolina House. As a State Representative, she helped raise the minimum wage and passed nearly $200 million dollars in state tax cuts. She currently serves as North Carolina’s Director of State Personnel.

A tireless public servant, Elaine Marshall first ran for Secretary of State in 1996, and became the first woman to hold statewide office in North Carolina. She stood up to special interests, protected North Carolina’s investors and exposed more than $500 million in fraud. In Raleigh, she worked to reform lobbying laws and made government more transparent.

As North Carolina’s first female Treasurer, Janet Cowell has worked to transform North Carolina’s financial institutions. Cowell oversees the state’s pension system, ranked fifth in the nation, and has recently taken over leadership of the state health plan. Under her leadership, the North Carolina is one of seven states in the nation to maintain its triple-A bond rating.

As the first woman to hold the office of State Auditor in North Carolina, and with nearly 20 years of auditing experience, Beth Wood has helped North Carolina locate millions of dollars in waste and has redesigned the state’s auditing education program to make it more efficient. Raised in rural North Carolina, Wood put herself through college and became a Certified Public Accountant and served in the offices of State Treasurer and Auditor before becoming State Auditor in 2009.

As the first woman to serve as Superintendent of Public Instruction, Atkinson oversaw increases in the state’s graduation rates since she took office in 2005 and North Carolina is currently at its highest high school graduation rate ever. She previously served as the Director of North Carolina’s Division of Instructional Services – K-12 and taught High School Business in Charlotte.

EMILY’s List’s Political Opportunity Program (POP) helps pro-choice Democratic women run for and win state and local office. Since the program started in 2001, POP has helped elect hundreds of women across the country.

EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, today congratulates Cheri Bustos on her primary election win in the IL-17 congressional district.

“EMILY’s List is proud to congratulate Cheri Bustos on her primary victory tonight in Illinois,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Cheri is running a fantastic campaign focused on what Illinois needs right now. She’s someone who will stand up for Illinois, work to create jobs, and fight for middle class families. Cheri now faces extremist Tea Party Republican Bobby Schilling in the general election. Women are leading the way back for Democrats in 2012 and the entire EMILY’s List community has never been more fired up to send strong leaders like Cheri to Washington.”

Cheri Bustos has been politically active in her community since she was elected to the East Moline City Council in 2007. Previously she worked for 17 years as a journalist, uncovering government corruption, and as the Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications for the Iowa Health System. She is active with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the YMCA, where she was recognized for her efforts in the annual fundraising campaign for in need families. She has also served as President of the Board for the Quad-Cities’ largest women’s organization, The Women’s Connection. Cheri has three children with her husband Gerry.

EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, congratulates Tammy Duckworth today on her victory in the Democratic primary in Illinois’ eighth congressional district.

“The entire EMILY’s List community is thrilled by Tammy’s victory tonight,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “During her time as Assistant Secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Tammy was a fierce advocate for veterans’ health care, housing and employment. Tammy is a true champion for women and families and we look forward to supporting her in the general election as she moves one step closer to representing the people of Illinois in Congress.”

“Women are leading the way back for Democrats in November and strong candidates like Tammy are setting the stage for an historic year for women. Tammy is ready to take on freshman Tea Party Republican Joe Walsh and she is not afraid to fight back against the GOP’s anti-woman, anti-family agenda. Time and again we have seen that Tammy knows what matters to the working families and women of Illinois, and she will work to get Washington back on track.”

A Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, Duckworth served in Iraq as an Assistant Operations Officer and a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. During a mission in Baghdad, her aircraft was attacked. While the crew successfully landed the aircraft, Duckworth lost both of her legs and partial use of one arm. She received the Purple Heart, the Air Medal, and the Combat Action Badge decorations for her actions. After her recovery, Duckworth dedicated her life to public service, advocating on behalf of disability rights and Veterans. In 2009, she was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by Congress as assistant secretary of the Veterans Affairs Department.

EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON D.C. – EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, released the following statement on the two year anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which is being celebrated this week.

“Two years ago, we were proud to watch President Obama sign the Affordable Care Act into law, and proud of the role played by EMILY’s List women in making sure this was a bill that improves the lives of women and families,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “The Affordable Care Act means that for the first time our mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters have access to the health care they need. Throughout the debate, EMILY’s List women stood up to the countless GOP assaults, to ensure women’s rights and freedoms were protected.

“Their work isn’t over. The GOP’s very first priority after taking office was to repeal the Affordable Care Act and roll back access to basic women’s health care. The hard work of EMILY’s List women is under attack, and now is the time to send them reinforcements. 2012 is shaping up to be an historic year for women in politics and we are going to elect more strong women who stand up to the right, get things done, and help to build a more progressive America.”

EMILY’s List Women in Congress: Fighting for Reform

Health Care Reform: Bringing Care to Millions of Women

EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced it is placing congressional candidates Shelley Adler, Julia Brownley, Jessica Ehrlich, and Joyce Healy-Abrams “On the List.”

The EMILY’s List community now stands at more than one million members strong. These supporters are getting their information earlier, quicker, and on the web and they’re ready to take action now. “On the List” is a new way for EMILY’s List members to engage with and support promising candidates early in an election cycle. By putting Adler, Brownley, Ehrlich and Healy-Abrams “On the List,” EMILY’s List is ensuring that they have access to this powerful network of supporters.

“Democratic women are leading the way to take back the House in 2012,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Now more than ever, we need strong leaders like Shelley, Julia, Jessica and Joyce in Congress in order to make Washington work for women and families. From Republican efforts to put your boss in charge of your health care coverage, to Rush Limbaugh’s vile attacks on women who dare to speak up for themselves, the GOP is waging an all-out war on women. But women are fighting back and 2012 is shaping up to be a great one for Democratic women candidates up and down the ballot. EMILY’s List is proud to support promising candidates like Shelley, Julia, Jessica, and Joyce.”

EMILY’s List raised more than $38.5 million to support its mission of recruiting and supporting women candidates, helping them build strong campaigns, and mobilizing women voters to turn out and vote. With a community of more than 1,000,000 members across the country, EMILY’s List is one of the largest political action committees in the nation. Since its founding in 1985, EMILY’s List has worked to elect 87 pro-choice Democratic women to the U.S. House, 16 to the U.S. Senate, nine governors, and hundreds of women to the state legislatures, state constitutional offices, and other key local offices. In the 2009-2010 cycle, EMILY’s List had the largest number of members and donors in our 27 year history.