Roxanne Szal

1 week ago | msmagazine.com | Roxanne Szal

Over the weekend, the feminist movement lost a lion. Melissa Hortman, former speaker of the Minnesota House and longtime champion of reproductive justice, climate action and racial equity, was senselessly gunned down in a targeted attack at her home. Her husband, Mark, was also killed. Hortman made history as just the second woman to lead the Minnesota House, forging a rare power-sharing agreement in a politically split chamber—and never backing down from a fight.

1 month ago | msmagazine.com | Roxanne Szal |Ava Slocum

Three months ago, 30-year-old Adriana Smith was declared brain-dead. But a hospital in Georgia is keeping her “alive” on life support, against her family’s wishes, because of the state’s strict abortion ban. Smith, a registered nurse in metro Atlanta, was nine weeks pregnant in early February when she started suffering from intense headaches. Smith initially sought treatment at Northside Hospital but was released that same day after being given medication.

1 month ago | msmagazine.com | Roxanne Szal

As long as women have been giving birth, people have assisted mothers and newborns up to and through childbirth—making midwifery one of the world’s oldest occupations. The International Day of the Midwife, observed each year on May 5, aims to honor the profession and promote awareness of its vital role in healthcare. Today, the presence of a midwife greatly increases birth outcomes for both baby and mother.

2 months ago | msmagazine.com | Roxanne Szal

A group of Texas women denied life-saving healthcare during their wanted pregnancies are feeling “cautiously optimistic” and “hopeful” after meeting with state legislators and urging changes to an abortion-related bill currently working its way through the legislature. After a morning (and frankly, years) of lobbying and pushing lawmakers and the public to consider the real-life impact of Texas’ extreme bans, the women said state Sen.

Mar 25, 2025 | msmagazine.com | Roxanne Szal

As the Trump administration escalates its attacks on democracy, Americans are fighting back—from the streets to the checkout aisle to the halls of Congress. Whether by joining nationwide protests, boycotting corporations that fund anti-democratic policies, or pressing elected officials for action, there are concrete steps you can take right now. Here’s how to make your voice heard. This post will be updated as new marches and demonstrations are announced. Here are several upcoming events to join.