To the Contrary Season 21 Episode 8 May 11, 2012

To the Contrary season 21 episode 8, which aired on May 11, 2012, delves into a variety of subjects concerning women and their ongoing battles for equality across different spheres. This episode features an all-women panel of experts who investigate complex issues related to health care, reproductive rights, and job security.

The first part of the show focuses on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it affects women's health care services. The panel discusses the impact of the ACA's comprehensive preventive care package, which includes mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, and birth control access without co-pays or deductibles. They discuss how with the ACA, women with pre-existing conditions can no longer be discriminated against by insurers, making obtaining health insurance more accessible for women. The panel also examines the political implications of the ACA and the potential for it to be overturned.

The second half of the episode focuses on reproductive rights. The panel debates the issue of whether there's a "war on women," especially regarding access to birth control and abortion. Panelists explore the topic of sex education in public schools and the current trend of abstinence-only education that puts young women's health at risk. The episode also examines recent legal cases that deal with reproductive rights, giving insight into the fight against sexism and discrimination in the courts.

Lastly, the panel examines the gender wage gap, which remains a significant issue in the United States. The panel discusses the reasons behind pay inequality and how it perpetuates when it comes to race and gender. The episode calls for policymakers to take more action to address sexism and discrimination in the workplace and to ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work.

Overall, To the Contrary season 21 episode 8 is a thought-provoking episode that tackles important issues related to women's health, reproductive rights, and job security. The show offers a platform for a diverse set of voices on these contested issues. The panel's insightful commentary provides viewers with different perspectives on contemporary feminist issues and serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality.