Ms. Keeping Score: Spring 2024

In every issue of Ms., we track research on our progress in the fight for equality, catalogue can't-miss quotes from feminist voices and keep tabs on the feminist movement's many milestones. We're Keeping Score online, too—in this biweekly roundup.

Here's what you need to know this spring

Women's College Basketball Smashed Viewership Records

This year, women's college basketball smashed viewership records with an average of 18.7 million viewers during the championship game between South Carolina and Iowa. The game was the most-watched basketball game of any level since 2019, and the U.S.'s second most-watched non-Olympic women's sporting event ever, behind the 2015 women's World Cup Final. The newfound viewers are also paving the way for teams to earn more: NCAA president Charlie Baker says he is aiming to change this for the 2024-25 season.

Florida's Six-Week Abortion Ban Takes Effect, But Voters Will Decide in November If They Want to Protect the Right to Abortion

On May 1, Florida's six-week abortion ban will go into effect, but the Florida Supreme Court also approved a ballot initiative for November that would amend the state constitution to protect the right to abortion. If the amendment doesn't pass, women will be forced to flee the state for care or face penalties of up to life in prison for providing abortion care.

The Vatican Rejects Gender-Affirming Surgery, Surrogacy, and Abortion Care

Pope Francis released a new document warning against gender-affirming surgery, surrogacy, and abortion care. Catholics for Choice president Jamie L. Manson called out the church for failing to recognize how it exerts control over women's and gender-expansive people's bodies.

WNBA's Caitlin Clark Draws Increased Attention to Women's Basketball

Caitlin Clark, who set the all-time scoring record at Iowa, drew millions of fans to women's basketball this year. She was selected No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft. Louisiana State player Angel Reese, who will also join the draft this year, was selected by the Chicago Sky with the seventh pick. The attention on the WNBA has renewed calls for pay equity for female athletes.

French Constitution Now Protects the Right to Abortion

On International Women's Day, a French constitutional amendment affirming the right to abortion passed by a majority of 780 to 72 was added to the Constitution.

Beyonce's Cowboy Carter Album Tops Country Music Charts

Beyeche's album Cowboy Carter topped the Top Country Album charts, making her the first Black woman to reach number one in this category.

Victims of Coerced Debt Will Soon Be Able to Sue Their Abusers in Connecticut

A Connecticut bill would enable victims of coerced debt to sue their abusers, and would institute a 30-day review period to gather information and file police reports. Coerced debt involves an abuser forcing someone to take on debt, which can ruin their credit history for years. A 2019 study found that 52 percent of women in abusive relationships experience coerced debt.

Biden's Student Loan Plan Will Cancel Accrued Interest for 23 Million People

President Biden announced a new plan to cancel student debt, attempting to circumvent the Supreme Court's previous objections to loan forgiveness. The plan would eliminate accrued interest for 23 million people, cancel the full debt amount for 4 million, and provide at least $5,000 in relief to more than 10 million.

Supreme Court Will Not Hear Case on the Right to Protest in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi

The Supreme Court announced on Monday that it will not hear Mckesson v. Doe, which challenged the right to organize a mass protest in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, leaving in place a lower court decision that effectively eliminated the right to organize a mass protest.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin guts Right to Contraception Act

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) gutted the Right to Contraception Act that was originally introduced as a safeguard against increasing threats to contraception. The amendment makes contraception a mere policy statement rather than law, going against Virginia's clear intention to protect reproductive healthcare.

Palestinian Photojournalist Wins IWMF Courage in Photojournalism Award

Palestinian photojournalist Samar Abu Elouf won the International Women's Media Foundation's annual Anja Niedringhaus Courage in Photojournalism Award for her work documenting the effects on women and children of Israel's attacks on Gaza City. IWMF CEO Anna Pulley said, "Samar embodies the very best of what journalists do: She puts her life on the line to deliver truths that need