To the Contrary Season 20 Episode 18 July 29, 2011

Hosted by veteran journalist Bonnie Erbé, To the Contrary is a groundbreaking weekly news program that discusses important topics that are most pertinent to women and their families. Season 20 episode 18, which aired on July 29, 2011, tackled a variety of issues including the politics of women's health, the economy, and women's roles in society.

The show's panel included women from diverse backgrounds who gave their unique perspectives on the issues at hand. This week's panel included Eleanor Smeal, the president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, Loretta Ross, the national coordinator of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, Karen Czarnecki, the executive director of the Independent Women's Forum, and Patricia Sosa, the assistant editor of The Washington Post.

The main topic of the episode was the ongoing battle over women's health issues, with a focus on the debate over birth control. The panel discussed the recent controversy surrounding the Obama administration's decision to require all employers, including religiously-affiliated ones, to provide birth control coverage to their employees. Some members of the panel argued that this was a matter of women's health and equality, while others argued that it was a violation of religious freedom. The panel also discussed the larger issue of women's health care, with a particular focus on the recent efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.

The panel then moved on to discuss the economy and its impact on women. The show featured a report on the gender wage gap and the challenges that women face in the workforce. They also discussed the struggles that women face when they try to balance work and family responsibilities, including the need for affordable child care.

Finally, the panel discussed the role of women in society and the media's portrayal of women. The panelists debated whether or not women are still seen as second-class citizens and whether or not the media is helping to perpetuate this view. They discussed the representation of women in popular culture, as well as the challenges that women face when they try to break into male-dominated fields.

Overall, season 20 episode 18 of To the Contrary was a lively and informative discussion of some of the most important issues facing women today. Through a combination of interviews, panel discussions, and expert analysis, the show provided a diverse range of perspectives on these complex issues. By highlighting the challenges that women face in the areas of health care, the economy, and society as a whole, To the Contrary is a valuable resource for anyone interested in women's issues.