Cheryl Wetzstein
Articles by Cheryl Wetzstein
Mainers to vote on gay marriage again
Gay-rights activists pledged Thursday to reclaim Maine as a gay-marriage state by asking voters to vote in November for a ballot measure legalizing same-sex nuptials. Published January 26, 2012
HPV carried in mouth linked to virulent cancers
A first-of-its kind study released Thursday estimates that about 7 percent of the U.S. population carries in their mouths and throats a sexually transmitted virus that can cause a virulent form of cancer. Published January 26, 2012
Court revives gay-marriage suit
A ruling released Monday by a three-judge appellate panel in Minnesota has revived a gay-marriage lawsuit just as the battle over a state marriage amendment is getting underway. Published January 23, 2012
HHS mandate on birth control cheered, jeered
Pro-choice leaders and organizations applauded the Obama administration's Friday decision to require almost all employers to provide free birth control in their health insurance, but Catholic leaders quickly vowed to resist the rule. Published January 22, 2012
Report: Americans curbing behaviors that lead to AIDS
Fewer Americans are engaging in behaviors that raise their risk for HIV/AIDS, primarily because men and women are changing their sexual activities, according to an extensive new federal report released Thursday. Published January 19, 2012
Pro-life website to offer facts on abortion clinics
A pro-life group has launched a new website offering what it calls detailed "derogatory information" about the nation's abortion clinics and abortion providers. Published January 17, 2012
Religious leaders: Gay marriage a ‘peril’ to liberty
Nearly 40 religious leaders, including Catholic, evangelical, Jewish and Mormon figures, issued an open letter Thursday that argues that the battle against same-sex marriage is a fight on behalf of religious freedom. Published January 12, 2012
Mormons overcoming hurdles
U.S. Mormons say that they are still not fully accepted in America, especially by evangelical Christians, and believe the entertainment media - from the Broadway play, "The Book of Mormon" to HBO's "Big Love" portrayal of polygamy - aren't helping improve their image. Published January 12, 2012
HHS offers aid over Guatemalan STD lawsuit
The Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday announced $1.8 million in aid to Guatemalan health authorities to fight sexual disease and improve research with human subjects. Published January 10, 2012
N.J. Democrats pledge push for gay marriage
New Jersey Democratic lawmakers Monday said they will fast-track bills to legalize gay marriage, echoing promises made by state officials in Maryland and Washington state. Published January 9, 2012
State abortion curbs rose in 2011
State lawmakers added a record 92 restrictions on abortion in 2011, ranging from bans on most abortions after 20 weeks of gestation to changes in rules governing abortion clinics, the Guttmacher Institute said Friday. Published January 8, 2012
Another try for vote on personhood amendment
Colorado authorities this week approved a resident-led ballot initiative that would prohibit the killing of innocent human life, but opponents are expected to file a legal challenge by next week. Published January 5, 2012
Double bubble: Twin birth rates soar since 1980
What do former first lady Laura Bush and entertainers Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey have in common? Published January 4, 2012
In abortion war, pro-choicers take fight to Obama
When President Obama was elected in 2008 with a 100 percent approval rating from NARAL Pro-Choice America, he brought in supercharged hopes that he would make historic advances for abortion rights — especially with support from a Democrat-led Congress. Published January 1, 2012
Teens turning to marijuana while use of tobacco falls
U.S. teens are continuing to steer away from tobacco and alcohol, but seem to be warming up to marijuana, possibly because it has legal status as a medicine in some states, federal officials said Wednesday. Published December 14, 2011
Judge’s ruling not an end to Plan B debate
A federal judge Tuesday said that a last-minute Food and Drug Administration response to a citizen petition seeking to relax FDA rules regarding a birth-control product rendered moot a complaint to hold the agency in contempt of court. Published December 13, 2011
Government fighting food stamp fraud
Thinking of selling your federally subsidized food stamps on Craigslist? Uncle Sam says that's a big no-no, and anyone who advertises their "intent to sell" these benefits risks getting kicked off the nation's largest feeding program for the poor. Published December 6, 2011
Economy has more dads on day care duty?
The recent recession may be leading more families to rely on family members — especially fathers — to care for young children, new federal data suggest. Published December 5, 2011
Loss steels resolve in ‘personhood’ movement
The Nov. 8 defeat of the "personhood" amendment in Mississippi is galvanizing supporters to have a do-over in the state and also push measures in Colorado, Virginia and at least eight other states, say leaders of the anti-abortion movement. Published December 4, 2011
Part of N.Y. same-sex marriage suit can proceed
A lawsuit that seeks to overturn New York's gay marriage law because of the way it was passed in the state Senate can proceed, but only on one charge, a Livingston County, N.Y., judge has ruled. Published November 29, 2011