Defending Women's Rights in Oklahoma

Another victory for one of our grantees, the Center for Reproductive Rights -- this time, in Oklahoma.  That's where a judge blocked a new law intended to reduce the number of abortions performed in the state.  Lawmakers passed the measure earlier this year, which would have prohibited doctors from prescribing drugs for off-label uses, including abortions.  Attorneys for Oklahoma argue the drugs should only be used in accordance with FDA guidelines.  But opponents contend drugs are often prescribed for uses other than those stated on their labels; and the bill puts vulnerable women at risk -- not to mention, undermines their constitutional rights.  The Center filed the lawsuit earlier this month, on behalf of the Oklahoma Coalition for Reproductive Justice, an abortion rights group, and Nova Health Systems, an abortion provider. Yesterday's temporary injunction prevents the measure from going into law next month.

"We are extremely pleased that women in Oklahoma will continue to have access to treatment options for pregnancy terminations that have been widely recognized as safe and effective by medical experts and organizations around the world," said Michelle Movahed, an attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights. 

The Overbrook Foundation praises the Center for its ongoing commitment to protecting women's rights in the face of constant legal attacks.

To read the full press release on the Center for Reproductive Rights' website, click here.

Human Rights Victory after Defeat in U.S. Supreme Court

The ACLU has won a landmark case before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The Commission determined that the U.S. had failed to protect the rights of a mother and her three deceased children, the victims of a horrific act of domestic violence. This victory dramatically demonstrates the potential for human rights advocacy within the U.S. to protect, defend and advance the rights of those unable to obtain justice in the U.S. court system.