This Week in Abortion: Good Reads and Holiday Links
A collection of good reads, events from the week, and policy insights on reproductive health.
Welcome back to This Week in Abortion - Your weekly Substack roundup of good reads, news updates, and policy insights on abortion.
This week is a little bit different. In addition to really impactful Good Reads and commentary on some of the week’s policy highlights, at the bottom of the newsletter, you will find resources on how to discuss and incorporate conversations about abortion and other topics into your Passover and Easter gatherings.
Good Reads
Following up on a side note from my recent election coverage, not every state elects its Supreme Court justices. Christine Fernando and John Hanna explore the alternative systems.
Carter Sherman gives us a sense of how far things have fallen in the United States, explaining that doctors are going to Mexico for basic abortion training even if they are in states that theoretically allow abortion.
In the short write up Attacks on Data, Jessica Valenti, give a great example of the shit behind bullshit presentations of otherwise positve statistics.
A study by Katrina Hauschildt found that abortion bans impact medical practice beyond OB/GYNs. Hauschildt interviewed pulmonary and critical care doctors about how they changed their treatment of patients following bans. The interviews provided examples of how delays in care and failures to inform patients of the option to terminate pregnancies led to their deaths. If you can’t access the full study or want a shorter read, you can also check out The Guardian’s coverage.
Federal
Trump Administration’s Withholding of Funds Could Impact 30% of Title X Patients [Guttmacher]. That’s 834,000 people, or over 160x times the size of most US towns. As much as I dislike the move and its far-reaching nature, purse strings are used by all administrations.
Abortion opponents expect reversal of Biden policy allowing the procedure at VA facilities [STAT]
HHS guts sexual violence prevention division, leaving local efforts adrift [NPR]
The States
California
👍California woman sues Catholic hospital chain over emergency abortion denial [LA Times]
Florida
👎House passes bill to allow wrongful death lawsuits for fetuses after emotional debate From ACLU Director Kara Gross - “Let’s be clear: this bill is part of a broader, deceptive strategy to intimidate abortion providers, patients, and even their loved ones through the threat of civil litigation.” [Florida Politics]
Iowa
🙄Aiming to limit damages, Catholic hospital argues a fetus isn’t the same as a ‘person’ [Capital Dispatch]
Illinois
👎Federal judge rules part of Illinois 'right of conscience' abortion law is unconstitutional [Sun-Times]. So, if patients ask for a referral for abortion services, they have to be provided one. But, if the center wants to get sneaky and force an ultrasound on them or lecture them on the, often, unscientifically backed health risks, they can do that all they want.
🤔House approves new abortion protection (for Mife & Miso) [Capitol News Illinois] This states that Miso and Mife would be considered safe in Illinois even if the FDA rescinded its approval of the drugs. I’m not convinced this is going to give mainstream companies the CYA needed to distribute the pills. Maybe if enough states join in? It also seems like a new territory for state vs FDA authority. Either way, it’s an interesting policy.
Indiana
👎Committee advances bill adding pregnancy ultrasound video to Indiana sex ed requirements [Capital Chronical]
Kansas
👎Kansas lawmakers override vetoes of fetal child support, mandatory school video bills [Kansas Reflector]
Louisiana
👎Proposed Louisiana law would expand definition of ‘coerced abortion’ [Illuminator]
North Dakota
👎Bill to increase requirements for doctors who perform abortions sent to North Dakota governor [The Forum] It will likely be signed.
North Carolina
👍 Bill seeking to ban virtually all abortions in NC will not advance [Blue Ridge Public Radio] Since Republicans no longer have a veto-proof majority, it’s unlikely the bill would ever have become law. Still, in a bummer of a week, it’s nice to see that some state leaders know how to read a room.
Ohio
👎Ohio House budget changes abortion reporting requirements to get more patient information [WOSU]
Texas
👎Texas sues San Antonio over abortion funding [Texas Tribune]
Holiday Resources
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about what people can do during the Passover and Easter holidays to address the chaotic times we are living in. Holidays are an opportunity to build bridges and make plans for a better future with the ones we love. I’m not the best source for spiritual guidance. Thankfully, there are others out there who are. These links cover abortion access, freedom to disagree, and the war in Gaza, which were top of mind for many of you who reached out.
Talking To Your Catholic Family About Abortion by Catholics for Choice. This org is a great resource in general, including their magazine.
Prayers from the Religious Community for Reproductive Choice
Prayers on reproductive rights access for the Four Cups of Wine from a coalition of groups.
Talking About Israel and Palestine and A Prayer for Gaza and to Preserve Our Humanity from T’ruah
Breaking (Unleavened) Bread, Building Bridges from the Jewish Public Affairs Council
Project 2025’s next chapter (Project Esther) from Vox. This is a podcast, not a discussion guide. However, it makes a great pre-dinner listen with an explanation of the forces behind the current fight against freedom of speech in academia.
Once you’ve practiced with your family, the 8th Annual National Week of Conversation is around the corner. So, get out there and connect!