Los Angeles Times Interviews Reproductive Rights Activist Fluke

June 12, 2012 — The Los Angeles Times recently interviewed activist Sandra Fluke about her future plans for promoting women's rights (Geiger, Los Angeles Times, 6/8).

Fluke received national attention earlier this year after conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh called her a "slut" and a "prostitute" for speaking out in favor of the federal contraceptive coverage rules (Women's Health Policy Report, 3/5). The Times reports that Fluke has since graduated from Georgetown University Law Center and moved home to Los Angeles, where she is studying for the California bar and making occasional media appearances.

In the interview, Fluke said that while she has always considered herself an activist, she finds "that more people are listening now." She added, "I'm trying to use the opportunity to make sure as many people as possible hear about these really important questions we're faced with right now -- things like whether women really deserve the right to fair pay, and if we're going to enact legislation that ensures that they are actually able to realize that promise."

Fluke also expressed concern about that Congress has yet to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

While she has not committed to working with a presidential campaign, she said, "I think it's going to be a really important election that decides a lot of important questions and directions for our country, and I'm continuing to monitor it and think about ways in which I can have an impact" (Los Angeles Times, 6/8).