This Week in Abortion - October 1
A collection of good reads, events from the week, and occasional insights from me, Rachel Leven.
The question of what viability means is so important. Practically, ethically, politically. So important. It’s something I want to get into, and I would love your help. Do you care about the topic and want to do some writing and some thinking with me? Hit reply and let me know, let’s work through it together.
As for this newsletter, read all of it. Ok, read most of it. You won’t be disappointed.
Good Reads
I’m on the hunt for pro-access (or at least not anti-access) Republicans. That’s right. I’m talking about those special someones like Yuripzy Morgan, a candidate for Maryland’s 3rd district. Morgan recently published this op-ed, and, before her candidacy, addressed abortion on her podcast (go to ~28 min). Is she running in a blue state? Yes. Does a soft stance on abortion probably help her inch up in the general? Yes. But, it also distances her from special interests in her own party and, if you listen to the way she talks about abortion in the podcast link - including calling it “a job” and “a duty,” I think, even as a politician, she is expressing an honest belief. More next week, share info on anyone you know too!
Interesting read from the Atlantic on how old laws that were revived this summer, are resulting in worse outcomes for women than they did when they were first enacted. I think the saying is “perception is nine-tenths of the law?” Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s right.
If you are excited about seeing Blonde, don’t read this.
Events in the News:
India’s Supreme Court ruled that all women should be allowed to have an abortion up to 24 weeks. Previously, only women in certain conditions - including being divorced or widowed - were allowed to have abortions after 20 weeks.
The House Oversight Committee held a fourth hearing on abortion. Among the hot takes from the hearing: AOC made a twitter-ready statement on the economic burdens of abortion and Rep. Clyde built himself a soapbox for a pre-written statement against the transgender community. Republicans also brought a witness ( a Doc and USAID Trump appointee) to defend the six-week “fetal heartbeat” narrative and assert that the US is strong-arming other countries on abortion.
On a personal note, as a summer intern in college, I worked on an investigation of PEPFAR (a Bush-era AIDS prevention program). After one particularly colorful interview, my boss - an otherwise great journalist - asked me with complete honesty, “What is fisting?” Committed to reporting the facts, I very awkwardly explained it to her - including hand gestures. Because how do you not use a hand gesture!? Whenever I hear someone talk about the US “strong-arming” other countries on health policy, that moment is all I can think about. (P.S. This story was your reward for getting halfway through the newsletter. You’re Welcome.)
Legal Updates
A federal judge says Indiana cannot require abortion clinics to bury or cremate fetal remains. Abortion is still legal in Indiana after a judge blocked a near-total ban one week ago.
An Arizona judge ruled that an 1864 law banning all abortions is still in effect and supersedes a recently passed 15-week ban. The ruling is creating enough of a headache that people from both camps are asking for a special session of the legislature.
Races to Watch: North Carolina
In North Carolina, where abortions are currently legal up to 20-weeks, a veto stands in the way of any new restrictions the Republican controlled legislature might approve. So, the big question is whether Republicans can increase their numbers - two in the state Senate and three in the state House - to get to a veto-proof majority. The answer is likely no, history and basic logic suggest that it will be easier for Democrats to block a supermajority than for the Republicans to get one.
Still, the possibility exists. So, for those of you with ties to NC or just a general curiosity, here are some of the more competitive races to watch:
A number of House Districts in Wake County (No doubt someone reading this lives there. You know who you are.)
Third senate district (Vance, Warren, Northampton, Bertie, Martin, and Beaufort counties).
There are also federal house and senate races that are likely filling up your inbox.