Ms. Must-Reads: Oct. 2

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Sen. Dianne Feinstein late last week. Sen. Feinstein was passionately dedicated to protecting abortion rights, arguing in her 1992 Senate campaign that Congress should immediately codify Roe v. Wade given the looming threats of an increasingly conservative Supreme Court. She partnered with us in the fight to defend clinics from anti-abortion extremists’ harassment, joining the frontlines of clinic defenders, standing shoulder to shoulder with us in front of a Southern California clinic, boldly declaring, ‘This clinic will stay open.’”

Her enduring commitment to the feminist movement has forever left a mark on the political landscape, paving the way for future generations of women in public service—and we’ll forever remember her for this. I encourage you to take a moment to read the many touching remembrances from friends, colleagues and leaders of the feminist movement.?

Last week, our 50 Years of Ms. book tour stopped by the Capitol, where we were honored to join the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) to celebrate 50 years of Ms. with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, DWC chair Lois Frankel, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, and Reps.? Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jan Schakowsky, Rosa DeLauro, Sheila Jackson Lee and many more.?

The new Supreme Court term begins this week—and we’re keeping our eyes on a number of cases that will be crucial for women’s rights. United States v. Rahimi is a challenge to the constitutionality of the domestic violence offenders gun ban that restricts abusers with restraining orders from owning firearms. But given last year’s ruling in Counterman v. Colorado, which overruled a stalking conviction on a First Amendment basis, and this Court’s blind allegiance to the Second Amendment, we fear the worst. See this brilliant analysis by constitutional law scholar and Ms. contributor Victoria Nourse’s for more details on this crucial case.?

The legal battle over the status of the abortion medication mifepristone is pending cert, following an appeal by the Department of Justice of a hostile Fifth Circuit decision. This will prove to be a crucial abortion rights ruling when the Supreme Court inevitably weighs in.?

Be sure to visit MsMagazine.com/book to find out more about where we’re stopping next on our tour, and how to join us in celebrating 50 Years of Ms.. And be sure to RSVP to an event near you to save your seat now—we’ve been seeing sold-out crowds at every stop!

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Onward,

Kathy Spillar

Executive Editor

This week's Ms. Must-Reads:

• "Rest in Power, Sen. Dianne Feinstein: ‘The Feminist Movement Has Lost a True Friend’" —?Roxy Szal
• "The Supreme Court’s Blindness to Gender Violence" —?Victoria Nourse
• "Childcare Cliff: 3.2 Million Children Likely to Lose Spots With End of Federal Funds" —?Julie Kashen, Laura Valle Gutierrez, Lea Woods and Jessica Milli
• "Hell Hath No Fury Like an Accomplished Woman Facing Down a Man-Boy" —?Jill Fillipovic