Have you seen the tv commercial for Marie Stopes pregnancy services? Research by the organisation found that 76% of adults believed adverts for services offering advice on unplanned pregnancy should be allowed on television at "appropriate times". Billed by critics as 'ads for abortions' there has been the expected media debate with the Guardian reporting that the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child are seeking legal advice over thier legality. See comment from:

Cath Elliot and Laurie Pennie on Comment is Free

There's a thread on this topic on our members foum - why not comment on what you think of the ads themselves and the media debate? Let me know if you have problems signing in or want to change your password, karen@engender.org.uk

 The coalition government set out their immediate legislative programme this week which were said to be based on 'fairness, reform and more freedom'. The Equality and Diversity Forum have put together the main points from an equalities perspective which you can see here . While the plans to promote equal pay and take a range of measures to end discrimination in the workplace and to extend the right to request flexible working are welcomed as always the devil is in the detail and we hope that the measures that are taken place real obligations on employers that are enforced.

The govenment also plan to introduce anonimity for those accused of rape in England and Wales. Although this has been advocated by the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats (indeed it was adopted at the 2006 LD conference) it was not in either parties manifesto. See responses from:

Jess McCabe on The F-Word

Julie Bindel in the Guardian

The first ever UK Feminista Summerschool will be held over the weekend of 31st July - 1st August in London.  There are some brilliant workshops and speakers and the whole event is free!  See here for full details