By Elenora Giddings Ivory
Director, Washington Office

Issues affecting women and families are at the center of the current debates between conservatives and liberals in society, as well as within political and economic circles. As Congress wrapped up the first session of its 108th meeting, it had several bills of concern to women and their families. Some of these issues will continue into the second half of this Congress.

Public Education

Should public education money be reduced in favor of private schools? Is Title IX college level funding and affirmative action in sports still important, or a preferential treatment program that should be abolished?

Criminal Justice

Will Congress support restrictions on the sale of guns at gun shows and swap meets? Will they renew the ban on assault weapons? Can we stop the move toward treating juveniles in the court systems as adults?

Economic Equality

On average, women still earn less than their male counterparts. Is affirmative action in education and hiring still important to the well-being of women?

Health Care

How will recent changes in the Medicare system affect the quality of health care for women who live longer than men and need more access to health care professionals? Will there be further eroding of Roe v. Wade following the congressional curtailment of a procedure commonly called ‘partial birth abortion’?

On April 25th, many women will come to Washington to participate in the “March for Women’s Lives” on the Mall. Although the primary issue, on this day, may be reproductive choice, there are others as noted above.

Women will return to Washington on Sunday, May 9, 2004 for the second Million Mom March to give national focus on gun control and the banning of assault weapons. As with the previous March in 1995, this march will not be for women only. As the organizers have said, “It is for anyone who is a mother; will be a mother; has or had a mother.” Anyone who wants to control access to guns as well as inprove gun safety in the nation are invited to come with their families and say so on the national Mall. It is on Mother’s Day, but what better place to spend it than to stand with your family, other women and their families while advocating this action toward safety.

This is an election year. The issues on the agenda for this Women & Families Stewardship of Public Life publication will be on the front pages of the major newspapers across the country, and on the lips of those who are running for office. To know what the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has said on these topics, please continue to read the Washington Office materials.