With the release of her memoir, Forgetting to be Afraid, state senator Wendy Davis has recently garnered attention from both sides of the political spectrum concerning her personal account of her two terminated pregnancies. The details of her 1997 abortion, which occurred late in the pregnancy, have become particularly relevant considering the provisions of House Bill 2. In this article from Texas Tribune, the bill’s rigid restrictions are discussed in relation to Davis’ experience, and it is brought to attention that it would likely be impossible for a woman in the same position to have that option today. The bill bans abortions later than 20 weeks after fertilization, and when severe fetal abnormalities are present, as in Davis’ case, abortions are usually still not allowed. It was predicted that Davis’ child would “likely” not survive, and if it did, it would be in a “permanent vegetative state.” According to House Bill 2, this does not matter. If the child will be able to survive on life support, it is required to be brought to term. I encourage you to read this article as it sheds light on what many women are unfairly struggling with, and how the provisions of the bill may provide more detriment than safety to the women and children it claims to protect.
(Source: Jay Root, "Davis' Abortion Draws Attention to New Restrictions", Texas Tribune, 9-11-14.)
(Source: Jay Root, "Davis' Abortion Draws Attention to New Restrictions", Texas Tribune, 9-11-14.)
