Immigrant rights are human rights. PERIOD.

The conditions within many detention centers are a violation of basic human rights, particularly for women. Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union have detailed numerous accounts of neglect and abuse.

* Lack of Access to Period Products: Women in detention are often denied sufficient sanitary pads and tampons, with some reportedly receiving only one pad a day or being forced to use makeshift materials like torn shirts. This lack of hygiene can lead to severe health issues, including infections like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

* Medical Neglect of Pregnant Women: Despite standards dictating that pregnant detainees should receive proper prenatal care, including nutrition counseling and vitamins, many do not. There have been numerous accounts of staff ignoring pleas for help, leading to miscarriages and other serious health problems. The use of shackles on pregnant women has also been reported.

* Nonconsensual and Unnecessary Procedures: Disturbing reports from the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia and elsewhere have brought to light allegations of women being subjected to nonconsensual and medically unnecessary gynecological procedures. A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of numerous women detailed a pattern of medical abuse.

A group of women standing outdoors holding signs supporting abortion rights, including "Keep Abortion Legal" and "Bans Off Our Bodies." They are part of a rally or protest promoting women's rights.

Core Issues

  • Text saying 'My Body My Choice' in purple on a white background.

    Reproductive Rights and Justice

    NOW fully supports safe and legal abortion, affordable and effective birth control and other contraception, and reproductive health education for all.

  • Illustration of a gavel hitting a sound block with a dollar sign

    Economic Justice

    NOW advocates for a wide range of economic justice issues, women’s freedom and success and intertwined with racial justice, reproductive freedom, and other systems of oppression.

  • Illustration of ending violence against women

    Ending Violence Against Women

    NOW recognizes violence against women as the broad and interconnected issue that it is, addressing oppressive structures and attitudes in our nation.

  • Illustration of diverse raised fists symbolizing unity and protest.

    Racial Justice

    A leader in civil rights since 1966, NOW continues to fight for equal opportunities for women of color in all areas including employment, education & health care.

  • Six colorful heart shapes in a row, each in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple on a white background.

    LGBTQIA+ Rights

    NOW is committed to fighting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in all areas.

  • Text saying "Girls just wanna have fundamental human rights" in purple lettering on a white background.

    Constitutional Equality

    NOW is a proud supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment and prioritizes giving women explicit protections in the United States Constitution.

To better understand the mission that guides Appleton Area NOW, we encourage you to explore the core issues championed by the National Organization for Women (NOW).