Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts

Abortion, Surveillance, and Vigilantism : An American Story

Sep 3, 2021

Prof. Michele Goodwin and Rebecca Traister join to discuss the Texas abortion law SB8, its implications on abortion rights, Federalist Society influence, gaslighting in women's reactions to Kavanaugh and Barrett confirmations, and the need for empowerment and resources in addressing the law.

01:04:42

Episode guests

Rebecca Traister

Michele Goodwin

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

SB 8 empowers citizens to sue abortion providers, fostering a culture of vigilantism.

The law draws parallels to historical injustices like the Fugitive Slave Acts, emphasizing surveillance and punishment.

The Supreme Court's refusal to intervene on the shadow docket sets a dangerous precedent for constitutional rights.

Deep dives

Implications of the Texas Abortion Law

The Texas abortion law, known as SB8, effectively bans all abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy, despite many women not even being aware of their pregnancy at such an early stage. The unique aspect of this law is that it empowers any American, not just state actors, to file civil lawsuits against abortion providers and anyone aiding or abetting an abortion, leading to unprecedented legal challenges for clinics and individuals. The law, deliberately crafted to avoid direct state enforcement, offers financial rewards to those who successfully sue abortion providers, creating an atmosphere of vigilantism and fear.

Intro

2min

Texas Law SB8 and Implications on Abortion Rights

18min

Influence of the Federalist Society and Maternal Mortality in Texas

5min

Urgent Decision on Abortion Rights

13min

Challenges and Gaslighting in Women's Reactions to Kavanaugh and Barrett Confirmations

18min

Empowerment and Resources in Addressing the Texas Abortion Law

5min

Discussion on Recent Events at the Court with Two Guests

2min

Urgent times call for urgent conversations as Professor Michele Goodwin and Rebecca Traister join Dahlia Lithwick for an emergency Amicus to discuss

what’s new and what’s very old about SB 8, the law that allowed Texas to functionally overturn Roe v Wade. They also unpack what it really means when five justices on the Supreme Court hold up their hands as if to say “nothing we can do.”

Podcast production by Sara Burningham.

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