

Heartbeat of the matter: Texas’s draconian abortion law
Sep 6, 2021
In this discussion, Stephen Mazey, Supreme Court correspondent for The Economist, delves into the implications of Texas's restrictive 'heartbeat bill' on Roe v. Wade, revealing its chilling effect on women's rights. Sarah Maslin, Brazil correspondent, highlights the alarming rate of police killings in Brazil, uncovering the racial disparities that haunt its communities. The conversation uncovers the devastating consequences of violence in marginalized areas, while also touching on Lebanon's hopeful revival of the olive oil industry, showcasing a blend of local resilience and global aspirations.
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Early Abortion Ban
- The Texas "heartbeat bill" bans abortion after an electrical impulse is detected, around six weeks.
- This is much earlier than fetal viability, around 24 weeks, set by Roe v. Wade.
Bystander Enforcement
- Texas's law allows any bystander to sue those aiding abortions.
- This includes healthcare providers, those who pay, drivers, or even clergy.
Dissenting Opinions
- Dissenting justices criticized the law, with Sotomayor calling it flagrantly unconstitutional.
- Breyer warned of serious harm, citing a Fort Worth clinic turning away 50 of 55 women seeking abortions.