Three Wins Today, July 30, 2025

Preparing for a very messy California gubernatorial primary, now that Kamala Harris has announced she’s not running. Everyone waited to announce till she made her decision, so I’m very curious to see who’s going to throw their hat in the ring. Only time will tell, I guess. If you care about California politics, who do you think should run?

Alright, onto the wins!

1. Tues, July 15 - New Hampshire Governor, Republican Kelly Ayotte, just signed a bill, which will go into effect in September that gives more agency to patients. Doctors can no longer try to convince any patient over 18 not to do a certain treatment because it could make them sterile. And if they do try, they are subject to disciplinary action.

   The bill reads:

   If a patient who is 18 years of age or older has a medical condition for which a medically advisable course of treatment or precautionary measure may include a procedure, medication, or treatment that leaves the patient sterile or unable to have children, the physician shall not deny the treatment on the basis of age, number of children, marital status, or fertility goals contrary to the patient's statement. The physician may require the patient to sign an informed consent and waive all damages from the procedure related to sterilization. A physician who violates this right may be subject to disciplinary action by the board of medicine.

   I get that there is a history of forced sterilization across the country and world, but removing that as an option is also forcing something. And just cause it is technically an option, if your doctor tries to talk you out of it, it’s no different than a pregnancy crisis center trying to talk someone out of an abortion.

   As a chronically ill person, this law makes me very happy. Congrats to New Hampshire!

2. Thurs, July 24 - According to a New York Times article, donations to PBS and NPR are surging. Michal Heiplik at Contributor Development Partnership, which does the research for Public media donations, said that, so far, donations are up $70m from last year, with over 120,000 new donors and 51% more donors are doing so monthly. It’s not enough to offset the half a million in federal cuts that were lost, but it’s still a win that it grew that much, and will continue to grow.

3. Wed, July 23 - A group of Texas women, including Texas women legislator,s held a press conference titled “Texas Women are Stronger Together” to raise awareness and condemn the newly introduced bill that would make it a crime for a trans person to enter a single gender space, like a restroom or locker room.

   One of the speakers was State Senator Molly Cook, the first openly queer person elected to TX State Senate, and a nurse. She said:

   In between the session and the special session I was back at the bedside, just like I have bene for over a decade, serving patients in the emergency department. I’ve treated women fleeing violence from their partners and patients who simply need a safe place to be seen and cared for. This bathroom bill will not make anyone safer.

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Every single time we stand up and do something, it makes us stronger.

I hope this inspired you to do something too.

Our voices are our superpower, but only when we use them!