— Jake Gyllenhaal realized that he was taking his job a bit too seriously. We know all too well.
Abortion
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The Story
A Texas woman’s abortion case has the country talking.
What happened?
Last week, Texas authorities arrested 26-year-old Lizelle Herrera for a “self-induced abortion” and charged her with murder. After the hospital she went to for care tipped off the sheriff's office. The unprecedented arrest got the attention of activists on both sides of the abortion debate. Since TX law explicitly exempts a woman from a criminal charge for aborting her own pregnancy. Despite this, TX does have one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the country. And while the law that Herrera violated remained unclear, she was held on $500,000 bond as her case was investigated. Now, the local DA says he will drop the charges saying that "it is not a criminal matter." But the case has added another layer to the debate surrounding a woman’s right to choose. Here’s where things stand around the country:
Where restrictions are tightening: A number of states have restricting abortion on their to-do list. Missouri’s House is looking at a bill that would allow lawsuits against anyone who helps someone cross state lines to get an abortion. Oklahoma lawmakers gave the ‘OK’ to a near-total ban on abortion. And last month, Idaho’s governor signed a bill modeled after the Texas law. (But the state’s Supreme Court temporarily blocked it last week.)
Where states are stepping up: Others are taking a different path. Maryland’s lawmakers overrode Gov. Larry Hogan’s (R) veto of a bill that expands abortion access. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) vetoed a bill that would’ve banned abortion after 15 weeks. But the Republican-controlled legislature could still vote to override the veto. While states like Colorado and New Jersey are protecting the right to an abortion.
theSkimm
Herrera's case highlights the early signs of what could happen if Roe v. Wade was overturned. A reality that could happen this year. Giving way to at least a dozen "trigger laws." But it also shows the effects of restrictive abortion legislation. And what could happen when people criminalize pregnant people's choices. Leaving them without autonomy or safe options for treatment.
And Also...This
Where lawmakers have been busy…
Alabama. Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed two bills targeting transgender kids in the state. Making it the third state to pass these types of restrictions. And the first to criminalize it. In AL, it will be considered a crime for doctors to provide gender-affirming care for patients under 19. And they could face up to 10 years in jail for prescribing puberty blockers or hormonal treatments. Meanwhile, the second law bans trans kids from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. The bills also came with a last-minute amendment blocking educators from talking to kids in grades K-5 about gender or sexual orientation. If that sounds familiar, it’s because last month Florida signed a similar law into place. Now, the ACLU says it plans to challenge the laws, calling them “harmful.”
But there is some hope: Starting today Americans can now pick “X” for their gender on passports. And no medical documents are needed to make the change. The move is considered a win for trans rights.
Who’s packing their bags…
Prime Minister Imran Khan. Yesterday, he became Pakistan's first PM to be ousted by its Parliament following a no-confidence vote. In 2018, when he assumed the role Khan was a highly-favored and popular cricket player turned politician. But under Khan's leadership, the country’s been struggling with sky-rocketing inflation, foreign debt, and more. He tried to cling to power by trying to dissolve Parliament. And blamed criticisms against him on a “US conspiracy.” Which the US said, is not true. Now, lawmakers will pick a new PM as soon as today with all eyes on opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif. A new election will be held in October 2023.
Who’s saga continues…
Will Smith’s. On Friday, the Academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars for 10 years after slapping Chris Rock. But this doesn’t mean that he can’t be nominated again in the future. And he still gets to keep the Oscar he won for "King Richard." Smith said he accepts and respects the decision.
Who’s seeing more than putting green…
Scottie Scheffler. Yesterday, the US golfer won the 2022 Masters—bringing home his first major win of his career and the $2.7 million winner's purse.
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Office Hours: Women’s Wellness
Together with
Fertility, hormonal health, and sexual wellness can feel tough to talk about. But learning more can help you take care of #1. (Yes, that's you.) Enter: our next virtual event.
In two days (hint: Wednesday, April 13, at 7:30pm ET), we’re chatting with Ashley Harrison. She’s a Nurse Practitioner on LetsGetChecked’s clinical team. And she’s gonna help us break down the answers to some of the women’s health Qs we know you’ve got. Like what it means if your menstrual cycle isn’t working like clockwork and what you can do if you find out you have low ovarian reserve. Head here to save your seat.
Skimm Picks
Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A resource for navigating the crowded housing market. FindAMortgageBroker.com† will connect you with a mortgage pro in your area. So you can score a low monthly payment and one-on-one support. It’s also got calculators and reads that’ll make you a smarter buyer. Go on.*
2. Joggers you’ll want to live in. Go ahead, we won’t judge. These eco-friendly joggers are super soft and stretchy. They can take you from WFH to working out. And wherever you’re traveling to next. Plus, Skimm’rs can get 20% off their first purchase.*
3. Chef-crafted gummies that’ll have you feeling oh-so good. This brand’s delish, adaptogen formula includes 10 functional mushrooms. The kind that can help boost your mood, reduce stress, aaaaand amp up your energy. Better days, coming right up.*
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*PS: This is a sponsored post.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Potter with a purpose…Jamie H (MI). She is a potter working with a business, Tri Collective, to fundraise for Ukraine. She’s selling candles and will be donating 100% of the proceeds to Samaritan's Purse Relief Mission. Check it out.
(Some) Birthdays…Nancy Schandler (NY), Lori Williams (NJ), Tiffany Kuo (CA), Julianne James (OH), Erin Jones (GA), Kaitlin Enright (NY), Melie Vincent (OK), Kristi Rodriguez (NV), Jessica Gubenko (NY), Mel Bourgeois (NY), McKayla Hatfield (MN), Amanda Joynes (MN), Garrett S Walker (FL), Abbie Rathmann (IL), Thomas Silva (TN)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
Skimm More
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began just over a week ago. And throughout the month, Muslims around the world will be fasting from sunrise ‘til sunset. We answered questions you might have about Ramadan and asked four Skimm HQ’rs how they celebrate each year.
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