November 5, 2007

Columbia NOW: 1972 to the Present

In March 1972, Mary Heriot and Vicki Eslinger formed the Greater Columbia NOW (National Organization for Women) Chapter. Inspired by Betty Friedan and the growing presence of NOW around the country, they got to work quickly.
One of their first actions was with The State newspaper. In 1972, job advertisements were listed separately as male and female help wanted. Under the female side, the only jobs listed were for teachers, maids, and nurses. NOW representation went to speak with The State’s managing editor, only to be thrown out of his office. For over two months, NOW sent copies of the ads to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, spurring the EEOC to send letters to The State. In a few weeks, they listed all the jobs together.
But today, we still face many issues. The S.C. Legislature currently has several bills that NOW does not support. Most notable is H.3355 and S.84, otherwise known as the ultrasound abortion bills. They started out requiring that a woman sign a statement that she viewed her ultrasound before obtaining an abortion. Currently, the Senate has removed that requirement from the House bill and is pushing it in Conference Committee. However, the House is still pushing for the requirement, without even an exception for rape or incest victims. Another issue is S.27, the Pharmacy Refusal Bill, which would allow a pharmacist to refuse to fill a prescription for birth control or emergency contraception for moral or religious reasons.
We have joined with Planned Parenthood in their Fill My Pills Campaign, which send volunteers out to pharmacies in the Columbia area to make sure they have emergency contraception available. They have generously allowed us to use their facilities for our chapter meetings.
In the spring, we hope to continue our partnerships with Tell Them!, the South Carolina Equality Coalition, and Planned Parenthood. We will have regular monthly meetings, speakers, letter writing parties, and so much more. There is something for everyone, whether you want to stand up at a rally or write letters to the editor.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 7:00 PM, at the Planned Parenthood office at 2712 Middleburg Drive #107, Columbia, SC 29204. If you are interested in being added to our contact list, email us at columbiascnow@gmail.com. You can get more information at www.now.org. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Mae WilsonGreater Columbia NOWChapter President