To the Contrary Season 21 Episode 22 September 7, 2012

To the Contrary is a nationally-syndicated talk show that focuses on women's issues and provides a platform for diverse perspectives and voices. In Season 21 episode 22, which aired on September 7, 2012, the panelists discussed a range of topics related to women's health, economic empowerment, and legal rights.

The first segment of the show focused on the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and its impact on women's health. The panelists discussed the provisions of the law that require insurance companies to cover preventative services like mammograms and contraception without co-pays or deductibles. They also examined the controversy surrounding the law's requirement that employers provide contraceptive coverage for their employees, even if they object on religious grounds. The panelists debated whether this requirement was a violation of religious freedom or a necessary measure to ensure women's healthcare needs are met.

In the second segment, the topic shifted to the economic challenges facing women in the current job market. The panelists discussed the disproportionate impact of the recession on women's employment and labor force participation rates. They also talked about the gender pay gap, which persists despite laws that mandate equal pay for equal work. The panelists examined the policy solutions that have been proposed to address these challenges, such as pay transparency legislation and expanding access to affordable childcare.

The third segment of the show focused on legal issues affecting women. The panelists discussed recent Supreme Court decisions, including the landmark ruling in the case of National Federation of Independent Business v. Sebelius, which upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate. They also talked about the continuing legal battles over abortion rights and the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Planned Parenthood v. Casey.

Finally, the panelists discussed the role of women in politics and the upcoming presidential election. They examined the gender gap in voting patterns and the ways in which women's issues have been addressed (or ignored) by the candidates and their campaigns. The panelists also talked about the importance of women's voices in the political process and the need for more women to run for office and hold positions of power.

Overall, Season 21 episode 22 of To the Contrary provided a thought-provoking and informative discussion of the issues facing women in the United States in 2012. The panelists offered diverse perspectives and insights into topics related to healthcare, economic empowerment, legal rights, and politics, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of these issues and the ongoing efforts to address them.