AccessMatters

Since the colonization of the island, Puerto Ricans have been stripped of their reproductive rights. In the 1950s, industries that favored workers who would not decrease productivity by having children, implored working women to undergo la operación, or hysterectomies, many of whom were unaware that the procedure was irreversible. Biologists developing the birth control pill also used impoverished communities in Puerto Rico as test subjects for their clinical trials, where...in participants were unaware about their role in testing this new form of contraception, and some even died from complications. Forced sterilization, or reproductive coercion isn’t a thing of the past. Reports from an ICE detention center in Georgia told terrifying stories of detainees being forced to have hysterectomies. Knowing our history, as horrifying as it is, gives us the knowledge to fight for reproductive freedom for even the most marginalized populations in this country, no matter their skin color, or citizenship status. https://www.refinery29.com//puerto-rico-sterilization-abor

We wait, with patience, for all votes here and across the nation to be counted - to ensure every person's voice is heard. At AccessMatters, we align with many of our partner organizations in our collective belief that this election is not over until all ballots are tallied and every vote is counted. As we watch this historic election unfold from the birthplace of the American democracy, the irony is not lost on us. Voter suppression is not acceptable and it is our hope that ultimately democracy will prevail.

Periods never cease to make their point loud and clear, and we don’t mean the punctuation mark. Have you ever experienced these common menstruation situations? We can also help answer questions about your period, symptoms, and help you locate reproductive health providers and menstrual supplies. Call us today at 215-985-3300 or text us with your concerns at 833-667-3367. https://www.buzzfeed.com//periods-every-lady-has-experienc

Happy Voting! Remember that you can: hand-deliver your ballot before 8 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3 to your county election office or a satellite site (if in Philadelphia) or at an official drop-box (if available in your county). While you can still mail out your ballot as long as it is postmarked by 8pm on Election Day, it must be received by your county elections office by November 6 at 5pm in order to count. If you can, be sure to drop off your mail-in ballot... instead to any issues with possible mail delays. cast your ballot at a polling location. You have the right to vote as long as you are in line by 8pm. report any issues by calling 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772). For more info, visit: https://www.accessmatters.org/whats-your-voting-plan/

In order to allow staff the opportunity to participate in Election Day activities if they so choose to, AccessMatters will be closed on 11/03. Our offices will resume normal business hours from 9-6 PM on 11/04.

Experiencing a lower sex drive while taking an SSRI? You’re not alone. The increased levels of serotonin in the brain caused by antidepressants can lead to a weakened libido, vaginal dryness, and problems reaching an orgasm. Learn more here: https://www.vice.com//antidepressants-ssris-libido-sex-dri

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must acknowledge the domestic violence crisis that currently affects primarily women and children. During the pandemic, the rate of domestic violence cases spiked particularly at the height of stay-at-home orders, causing concern from advocates and organizations that help survivors. As we look to combat this crisis, we should be advocating for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the landmark law that provides protections for domestic abuse survivors and funding to programs to help with prevention and support to survivors. The legislation to reauthorize VAWA is currently stalled in the Senate, risking much needed funding to help prevent domestic violence and help provide support to survivors. https://www.shape.com//mind-and/violence-against-women-act

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Knowing your status doesn’t have to be scary. We can help you locate STD and HIV testing so you can put your sexual health concerns to rest and focus on ghouls, goblins, and Halloween candy. Call us at 215-985-3300 for help or text us at 833-667-3367.

But average doesn’t necessarily mean typical, or even normal. Only 10 to 15 percent of women have 28-day cycles, and medically speaking, a normal menstrual cycle can be anywhere from 21 to 35 days long. Periods are very personal and may require more than just a calendar to keep track of. Have questions about your cycle? Call us at 215-985-3300 or text your concerns to 833-667-3367. https://greatist.com/health/how-many-days-between-periods

They may not be nailing the Renegade or other latest viral dance, but Covid-19 has created room for creativity for medical providers and sex educators who have taken to TikTok to make sure teens get accurate, reliable sexual and reproductive health information. https://www.bustle.com//obgyn-educators-tiktok-sex-ed-acce

Attn: Pennsylvanians! Today is the last day to request your mail-ballot if you are voting by mail (or by dropping a mail-in ballot off at an official drop-off location). You can request your ballot online until 5pm TODAY: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplicat/

Join us as we wrap up the @PA Coalition for Sex Ed’s Sex Ed for PA webinar series. Today at 4pm, we will hear from students about why they support comprehensive sex education and how the sex education they receive impacts them. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_VtTzKC2eTsK5_6SjjOeALg

More than 1 in 3 Americans between the ages 18 through 29 believe that climate change plays a major part in deciding whether to have children. While wildfires out West grow larger, and the hurricanes hit the Gulf states more forcefully each year, more people are considering what it means to reproduce. Read what climate activists and scientists have to say about raising healthy babies while having doubts about the planet’s future. https://www.refinery29.com//have-children-ethical-climate-

Waiting until Election Day to cast your ballot? Why not now? Over 51 million people have voted earlythat’s more than 2016’s total number of early voters! How to cast your ballot early? Request your mail-in ballot by October 27 at 5pm. Once you have your mail-in ballot, you should -- mail it out as soon as possible to be received by the county election office by November 6 at 5pm (Note: the ballot must be postmarked by 8pm on Election Day), or ... -- go to a ballot return location and use the drop boxes available to securely cast your vote. If you are in Philadelphia, you can go to a satellite site in which you can check your voter registration status, request a mail-in ballot and cast your vote all in one place! Read more here: https://bit.ly/31AqlLL See more