Today, Explained The race to ban abortion
May 16, 2019
Vox reporter Anna North, who specializes in gender issues, delves into Alabama's strict abortion law, dissecting its implications for women's rights. Eric Johnston, president of the Alabama Pro-Life Coalition, provides insight into the motivations behind the bill. They discuss the profound emotional testimonies surrounding the legislation, the contentious debates about exceptions for rape and incest, and the broader societal impacts. The conversation also touches on the rising trend of heartbeat bills and the intense activism shaping the future of reproductive rights.
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Shift in Anti-Abortion Tactics
- Anti-abortion groups shifted from incremental strategies to more aggressive tactics after Trump's election.
- This shift led to bills like Alabama's near-total abortion ban, directly challenging Roe v. Wade.
Rogers' Controversial Comment
- Alabama Representative John Rogers made a controversial statement during the abortion ban debate.
- He argued against the ban by suggesting unwanted children might face worse outcomes.
Heated Debate on Exceptions
- The Alabama Senate debated intensely over exceptions for rape and incest in the abortion ban.
- This debate even led to a shouting match on the Senate floor, highlighting the deep divisions.