We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy. Read our story.

Author

Abby Johnston

Abby Johnston is our editorial director. Before joining The 19th, she edited and managed digital strategy for the Texas Observer, Frontline and Texas Monthly. She is a graduate of the University of Texas and the University of Missouri.

The Latest

How Trump and Biden’s dueling town halls addressed women's concerns

There were minimal mentions of issues that disproportionately impact women, though Biden’s town hall saw the first question about LGBTQ+ rights.

Abby Johnston, Shefali Luthra, Andrea Valdez · October 15, 2020
Melinda Gates ‘still discussing’ if she and Bill Gates will endorse a presidential candidate

The decision to throw support behind someone would be a departure for the Gates, who have not previously endorsed someone for the position.

Abby Johnston · August 12, 2020

The 19th
The 19th is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Our stories are free to republish in accordance with these guidelines.

Changing Child Care

As climate change worsens hurricane season in Louisiana, doulas are ensuring parents can safely feed their babies

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito argued abortion isn’t an economic issue. But is that true?

Pregnant people are at 'greater risk' in states hit hard by wildfire smoke, air pollution, new report shows

Next-Gen GOP

Mayra Flores’ victory set a record for women in Congress. It also reflects the growing visibility of Republican Latinas

A banner year for Republican women

Republican women could double representation in the U.S. House

On The Rise

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s swearing in makes history during unprecedented time for the Supreme Court

Biden’s new environmental justice office aims to tackle the health impacts disproportionately faced by people of color

Jessica Cisneros takes on the last anti-abortion U.S. House Democrat

Pandemic Within a Pandemic

Some LGBTQ+ people worry that the COVID-19 vaccine will affect HIV medication. It won’t.

Why are more men dying from COVID? It’s a complicated story of nature vs. nurture, researchers say

Few incarcerated women were released during COVID. The ones who remain have struggled.

Portraits of a Pandemic

For family caregivers, COVID is a mental health crisis in the making

A new database tracks COVID-19’s effects on sex and gender

Pregnant in a pandemic: The 'perfect storm for a crisis'

The 19th Explains

The 19th Explains: How pregnant people can prepare for a summer of heat waves

The 19th Explains: How new Title IX guidelines on sexual misconduct may give more help to survivors

The 19th Explains: How would overturning Roe v. Wade affect IVF?

The Electability Myth

Mayra Flores’ victory set a record for women in Congress. It also reflects the growing visibility of Republican Latinas

Stepping in after tragedy: How political wives became widow lawmakers

Do term limits help women candidates? New York could be a new testing ground

The Impact of Aging

'I'm planning on working until the day I die': Older women voters are worried about the future

Climate change is forcing care workers to act as first responders

Woman alleges that an assisted living facility denied her admission because she is transgender

Voting Rights

Florida’s redistricting fight continues. The head of the state League of Women Voters talks about what’s at stake.

Women have been sounding the alarm ahead of Texas’ first-in-the-nation primary

LGBTQ+ people of color are at risk from rising voter restrictions as federal protections falter in the Senate, advocates say

Author

Abby Johnston

How Trump and Biden’s dueling town halls addressed women's concerns

Melinda Gates ‘still discussing’ if she and Bill Gates will endorse a presidential candidate