The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that they have granted certiorari in a case that challenges a Texas law passed in 2013 that effectively reduced the number of clinics in the state that perform abortions from 40 to 10.
Read this overview for more background about the law and what advocates on both sides have to say about the issue. This article is written by Adam Liptak, an excellent New York Times journalist who covers the high court. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/14/us/politics/supreme-court-accepts-texas-abortion-law-case.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0
After you've had a chance to read that article (and others that are no doubt circulating online and on your social media feeds), return here and share your thoughts.
You can approach this several ways:
1) you can comment on the law and what you THINK the U.S. Supreme Court will rule;
2) you can comment on the law and what you HOPE the U.S. Supreme Court will rule;
3) you can speak generally about the political issue that abortion is in our society; or
4) some other way I've not thought of (maybe a personal response, or something based on personal experience; or you may connect it with the recent protest involving abortion at the University quad).
Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject in which reasonable people may disagree, so please tread carefully as you express your views and comment on opposing perspectives. Remember that the purpose of free speech is to allow for more discussion, not less.
Use what you learned in our discussion about cases involving government intrusion upon personal privacy. Make note of the mention of the Casey case in the New York Times article.
When you place your comment, please remember to include your first name, last name initial and class (11 a.m., 2 p.m. or Online).
193 comments:
Haley C. 2:00
In my personal opinion I believe that the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics in the state. Although the times are changing and we are evolving into something many never thought would happen, I think that Texas is still going to stay stick with its "old fashion" ways.
Being an old soul, Christian and a strong conservative I hope that the ruling is in favor of limiting abortion clinics. The saying "everything happens for a reason" is very dear to my heart as my little brother was adopted. I couldn't imagine what our life would be without him. I strongly believe that every child (accident or not) should have a chance at life. There are plenty of people who cannot have children and would love to give a child a chance at life--- instead of them being aborted.
Paige S. 2:00
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics in the state. This topic hits home to me as two very important people in my life were adopted and have forever changed my life. I believe that challenging Texas to drop from 40 clinics to only 10 is one of the smartest things that we could be in favor of. I am hoping that Texas will limit abortion clinics because in my opinion I believe that will save more lives and give families who can't physically have their own child, a child to love from an adoption clinic. Every child deserves a chance at life.
Breona H. 2:00
Much like the previous comments have pointed out, I also believe that the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics, leaving only ten locations available for woman to receive a safe abortion in Texas. Much like Nancy Northup mentioned in the article, I believe taking away the option to safely abort could be dangerous. According to a study released in 2005 73% of woman said they terminated a pregnancy because they "can't afford a baby now." By limiting the number of clinics, some woman may have a hard time getting to a clinic because of travel cost, which could cause them to "take matters into their own hands." Adoption is definitely a great option but there are currently over 397,000 children in the foster care system just in the U.S with less than half of them even eligible for adoption. As someone who had a best friend growing up that was in the foster care system her whole life, it is not always the safest and most secure situation and those children are often abused and many are never adopted. I may not completely agree with abortion but I do support a woman's right to choose what she feels is best for her situation and think the state of Texas should want to provide safe options for woman, rather than limitations.
http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionReasons_2.htm
I think that the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics. There may not be half the amount of clinics left near women who live west Texas but they aren't completely banning the clinics in Texas. Nancy Northup said that women may have to take matters in their own hands but I think this will be a push for women to stop having abortions and give a child a chance at life even if it means adoption.
Carolyn L. | 11am
Although I am against setting limitations on women's health and their reproductive choices, I think that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. I strongly agree with Breona's comments about the issue and I don't believe other people should have a say on what a women can or cannot do with their body. If abortion clinics are reduced from 40 to 10, will it stop there? Or down the road will another case appear to completely get rid of abortion clinics in the state of Texas? Then what will happen when women "take matters into their own hands?" This topic is very sensitive and is way deeper than just people's opinions, it also deals with religion and people's beliefs. I am not fully education on this topic so I will stop here because I don't like talking about something unless I'm really education about it.
I remember when this law passed in Texas and I thought, wow I bet this will make a lot of people angry. I'm not surprised that this case has gone up to the Supreme Court. I hope the Court rules in favor of keeping the clinics' guidelines so that women who chose to have an abortion can at least do it safely.
I agree with the statement in the article saying that playing politics with women's health is wrong, and I wish more people saw that. I believe many take a stance on this case by thinking of whether they're for or against abortion, but this is about women's health. I don't think having guidelines is an undue burden, I think it's something necessary in order for women to ensure that they're going to receive the best care possible.
Alicia V. 11 a.m.
Francheska Bridwell, TTR 2-3:20 pm
In reading everyones comments before I decided to read the article I can see where the other opinions are coming from and are extremely valid. When I read the article that was attached the numbers seems concerning to me that there are currently 40 clinics where 60,000 abortions take place a year and 5.4 million women able to reproduce in Texas alone. There is one issue that was not discussed and that is why some of those women are choosing to receive an abortion and one cannot differentiate between one persons need to receive one to another persons reason not to receive one. There are many women who are raped, going to have children who cannot live a normal life to certain levels, and those who are too young. I am sure there are many many more reasons why women receive abortions and I am in favor of adoption but in some cases those 9 months to give the child to another family can ruin the mother's life depending on her situation. Adoption is a beautiful thing, both my parents are adopted and I fully support the alternative to abortions, but in decreasing the amount of clinics I feel that there will be more issues arise with the small amount of foster families, orphanage homes, and overall amount of parents who are able to adopt. Overall there is no grand solution that would make everyone happy but at the end of the day no one individual can judge the actions of another. I feel that decreasing the amount of clinics is a good idea but from 40 to 10 may be a little extreme. I think that if they have the reasons as to why the women get them they should evaluate the extreme cases in relation to how many clinics are really needed.
Laura Carr, 2 pm class
I feel that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. As my classmates have basically covered all the bases, and while I think Texas is making VERY VERY VERY baby steps at making some real changes instead of relying on "good ol boy, God fearing" logic.
I understand, no one wants to think of a baby being killed. No one WANTS to think that. No one wants to permit that. No one wants to even have a little bit of blood on their hands for that. Understandable, I don't blame them. And while I personally could not see myself ever getting an abortion, I feel that it should be left to a woman to choose.
As silly as it may sound to some people, I agree that limiting these clinics to mostly metropolitan areas is troubling, as lots of people do not have to means to travel that far for an abortion. I am from a very small town near Abilene, Texas. While girls getting knocked up and married off is not uncommon, I remember talking to a girl I knew and asking her what really made her decide to keep her child. She did not respond with any joyful feeling, or any divine moment, or any heartwarming memory. She literally told me that she definitely didn't want the child, but the closest abortion clinic was like 4 hours away, so she just figured she'd keep it.
Now, I know that sounds crazy and completely falsified, but she really did say that. And you're thinking, "If you really didnt want a baby, a 4 hour drive is not as bad as 18 years of life?!" But really and truly, a lot of people don't have the means to travel to these clinic destinations.
BUT at the same time, as someone who would want women's health to be taken seriously, and if that meant decreasing the amounts of clinics to ensure accuracy, safety, funding, and so on, I wouldn't be opposed to that. Quality over quantity would definitely apply here. BUT THE QUESTION IS HOW MANY UGH. I agree with what has been said above me, that decreasing it may not be such a terrible idea, but 10 seems kind of out there.
There are just so many perspectives on the issue, and while I know many who feel passionately one way or another, these are a few of the most popular opinions I seem to encounter. (Not saying these are all, or every person feels this way, just what I thought was interesting.)
Laura, 2 pm continued
So of course there is the religious perspective on abortion. I myself am a former Church of Christ member, but since then have put myself in more of a spiritual relationship with God instead of an actual organized religion. (Nothing against people who are in them, just not my jam.) And it makes sense, I agree, and many who stand on the issue aren't necessarily wrong about how they feel. What is interesting to me, is I have encountered passages during my time in the church, (Hosea, Numbers, 1 Samuel to name a few) that do not seem to give them idea that God is exactly pro-life. I think alot of people associate their pro-life stsnce as something from the Bible itself, a clear direction that pro-choicers are all apparently missing. Maybe it is just me, but I feel that the pro-life standpoint comes from just a personal moral conscience, and not actual religion. But that's just me.)
And yes, it would be such a great world if every baby could find a loving home, and every child grow up with people who love them. It would be a great idea if every "unwanted" child could go to a family who could not physically make it through a pregnancy, or to families wanting so badly to add on but just can't get the kinks worked out. But unfortunately the adoption system is flawed, the time is high, as well as the cost. To me, it isn't exactly the one stop shop fix all to the issues.
And then there those who believe fully in the programs that are set in place, such as foster care. I'm a tad biased, spending a little time in the system myself, and it was FAR from anything I would ever put a child through. I think some people get lucky, and get great, wonderful, life changing families. But sometimes the harsh reality is many do not. Foster care is not exactly a guarantee stamp of a better life than the one you left.
Then of course, there are some people who are not a product of their actions(ie victims of abuse/children) to which I believe therapeutic abortion should be available to. For the most part, most people I talk to about this seem to be sort of on the same page on this facet of it.
And then there are people who chalk it down to strictly an issue of overpopulation. No one wants to think of a living, breathing life that way, but some people do. A decent amount of people that I've encountered fall into this category.
Then there are a few pro-life, or rather pro-birth people I have encountered, who believe that even from a financial standpoint, there are programs in place to help those who are struggling, so they should have the child. Who believe that by God that is a human life, but don't you dare take any tax dollars out of my wages to help you support it.
Then there are a few "you just need to take responsibility for your actions" folks. And I'm not saying I disagree, I definitely do not think abortion clinics should come with punch cards of getting your fifth one free, and there will always be people who abuse the system. A question opposers of this particular view seem to have (or from what I have noticed in my experiences) is that, if this person who is coming for multiple abortions is that carefree or that inconsiderate, why WOULD you want them to actually carry to term? Why would you want these ideals potentially put into more offspring? (Not saying everyone from this situation falls into this frame of thought, just what I have noticed.)
I am in no way trying to generalize and "stereotype" and it is not a one size fits all issue, but these are just a few of the things I seem to have encountered when I talk to people on how they feel on the issue. And I am sure there are a million other variations on how people feel besides the ones I seem to encounter the most. I personally enjoy talking to people who have differing views, and hearing what exactly makes that so sacred to them. It's interesting to me. It's been very interesting reading the comments so far, and people's reasoning, evidence, and thoughts on why they feel the way they feel.
I unfortunately believe that the state will vote to limit abortion clinics. When I say unfortunately I think about the rights a woman has to her own reproductive system, the fact that by saying unfortunately I am not running around telling any pregnant woman to get an abortion and about how the problem with the American idea of "pro-life" tends to end up being more "pro-birth." I personally would like to see them not do this as it WILL BE detrimental to women's health across the board. You hear stories of 13-year-old's never letting on that they are pregnant then leaving the child in a trash can at school or stories of coat-hanger-abortions, that make us all wholeheartedly heartbroken. People will continue to have unprotected sex, and whether it is "right" or not, will continue to have abortions whether they be legal or illegal.
I love adoption. I love that *some* people are so willing to give a child a chance at life when they before lived a very dismal one, but the problem I have with pro-life is that it often tends to be pro-birth. Thousands of people will go to a pro-life rally and hold up their signs, but very few of them do much other than that. If you want to really save these babies, then you have got to follow up after the birth of them or else your ideas and motives turn out shallow and void because then that child often times it hurled into a world where they cannot survive or thrive. You can argue that God will lift them up or that they will just have to work harder like others before them, but when you are placed into depravity and never taught how to be strong, there rises anger or hopelessness, creating a dismal life.
At the end of the day it all comes back to the idea that sometimes there are grey areas and not everything is going to be black and white.
Rachel S., 2:00 pm
Obviously, this subject is very touchy, as stated, but I think Texas will end up making the decision to limit the abortion clinics from 40 to 10. I would be happy with that decision if they chose to do so. Though I could see them ruling in favor of leaving the abortion clinics. I feel as if limiting them will only make things far more complicated. We either need to have clinics or not have clinics. So ideally, we would go from having 40 to none. I do not believe this is an intrusion because it involves another life. I know it's a hard subject to speak on and opinions are everywhere but I trust that this will work out how it is supposed to and i'm interested to see where this goes in upcoming years.
Brooke C., 2 p.m.
I think that the law for Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics for the state. The state of Texas usually stays pretty firm in their traditional ways and have always had a more conservative approach on the ways they do things. This is a right of privacy case but its also not like the state is trying to rule for zero clinics, I think if that were the case then the court wouldn't be in favor of it. In this case the state only wants to decrease the amount so I think they could be ruled in favor for on this one. I am pro life and pro adoption but under the circumstances the woman was rapped I believe she should be able to have the option on abortion or not. I think that if the decision is ruled in favor of Texas and they drop to only 10 clinics might be hard with the state being so large but I think if this is something that important to the female she will make the drive. This might make women think more about their actions and that there isn't a place down the street to fix it anymore. I think it would be good for Texas though, I like that they can hold traditional ways even with the society changing so fast now days.
Malik M. (11a.m)
I hope the Supreme Court will not pass the Texas law that limits the amount of clinics that perform abortions because what I like to believe is that the Supreme Court follows the Constitution, not the Bible. Our government's purpose is to enforce our freedoms, and I think that if they start to limit the number of clinics, yes for some it will be a victory, but for some, they may feel that their rights have been taken away. I am not surprised that Texas passed this law, because it is such a conservative state. But as a whole, I like to think America is a liberal country, and if they pass this law, I think that some of the principles our country was found on may be forgotten about.
The notion that the USSC will pass a law that will limit the number of abortion clinics is absurd. If they do it will no doubt be overturned with in the next five years. America is a liberal country and although there are roots in faith and christianity we have pulled so far from that in so many ways that this is just the next step. Gay rights was a the forefront of the debate and they recieved marriage rights. The clinics in Texas will reopen and grow after the decision comes out in June. The positive effect on our economy and the negative effects to millions of women will be too extrodinary to ignore. Women in the state of Texas deserve the right to make a decision what ever decision that is it is important to respect their rights granted to them. Life, the importance of free will is synomomus with it. The USSC can not ignore that.
Nick Hayes (11am)
Like what the majority of everyone else said, I think that Texas will rule in favor of limiting the amount of abortion clinics in the state. This is still a very conservative state with the same old beliefs that were here since back in the day. Majority of the state probably still feels that the idea of abortion is wrong and inhumane to begin with whether its because of religion, or just personal beliefs. If you would ask me personally about the subject I would say that I believe every life deserves a chance to exist in this world, but at the end of the day, I also believe that a woman has the right to make her own decisions. As a male, I don't think I should have as much say on the subject as much as women due to obvious reasons, but if abortion is the route that some wish to take then they should be able to take it. Also, even though I stated in the beginning that I think Texas will rule in favor of the limitations, I don't necessarily agree with the decision because of everything I explained. Everyone (including women)should have the right to make their own decisions without limitations in place.
Sean Munoz(Online)
I believe that the USSC will ultimately end up passing the law and the number of abortion clinics in Texas wil dwindle. Even though Texas has some fairly liberal cities, such as Austin, Texas as a whole is still predominantly considered a conservative state. That being said, with all the changes that our country has been demonstrating, such as the legalization of gay marriage, I hope that this law will be overturned in a short amount of time. Making abortions more difficult to access for women will not drastically reduce the number of abortions, it will reduce the number of safe abortions.
I believe the USSC will rule in favor of Texas's law to reduce the number of abortion clinics from 40 to 10. It is a drastic reduction, but one I have not yet made my mind up about. I can see this being a problem for the mother's. I fear it will lead them to take drastic measures and seek out unsafe options. But I have a firm belief that abortion is wrong no matter what and that the reduction of clinics is a big win.
I want the mothers to be safe. I want them to be smart, too. I don't want abortions to be legal.
But I can't have all of these things. I do not know how I feel about this.
So I was THRILLED to hear that SCOTUS granted certiorari in Whole Women's Health v. Cole. Like... Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that I was throwing a party on Friday when the decision came out. This case will be incredibly important because it will FINALLY define what is meant by an "undue burden".
I truly believe SCOTUS will rule in favor of Whole Women's Health and overturn the two provisions of HB2 that are up for debate; the ambulatory surgical center requirement and the admitting privilege requirements. Both of these requirements do nothing to actually protect women's health. ASC requirements are ridiculous and are not necessary in non-surgical abortions (which a vast majority are) and admitting privileges are difficult for most doctors who provide abortions to get because abortions very rarely require hospitalization and so they cannot meet the admitting requirements.
These restrictions serve to make it as difficult as possible for women to get an abortion. If the law were to go into effect, there would not be an abortion clinic west of San Antonio, and there would be only one clinic south of there, in McAllen, which could only provide care to patients in the four surrounding counties. To require a pregnant person to travel hundreds of miles, spending hundreds of dollars in gas, lodging, and childcare (as many women who have abortions already have children), not to mention the loss in pay, definitely presents an undue burden on a person seeking an abortion.
Katie S., 11 AM
Sara Elmiaari
11 a.m.
This is a very sensitive topic. I'm going to go ahead and start with the basics.
Women have a right to what they want to put their bodies through. That means mentally and physically. If a woman does not feel like she can go through with the process or having a child, or knowing that she cannot imagine her child growing up in foster homes, etc., she has the right to have an abortion if she chooses to.
It should never be anyone's right to tell another what to do, unless it somehow effects their health. I believe that after three abortions, a woman's body and mind are effected dramatically, so therefore, it is strongly discouraged. In that case, if a medical professional is telling the woman that is the situation, should she not have an abortion.
We also go back to the whole idea that history repeats itself. I'm sure many of us know how women, even to this day, have tried to have abortions in dangerous ways due to expenses or lack of clinics where abortions can take place. If abortion clinics are not made available, it's only going to lead to more dangerous ways for women to have abortions, not stopping them from doing so.
I'm going to stop there. But, just as a reminder, it's not about what we might morally believe about a certain issue, but the fact that it goes back to being able to protect a person's right to do what they feel necessary.
Paul L.
11 a.m.
I do hope that the USSC rules to put this proposal into action. An abortion is a very sensitive process that requires much thought and consideration for the woman, the man and both of their families. Yes the 4 major cities/areas would be the only places to do so, but if a woman does live far away from the areas specified, it would give her some time on before and during the travel to have one. If it is truly worth having an abortion, then going out of your way to make that happen should not be a big factor in deciding to go through with it or not. I think that the USSC should rule to lessen the amounts of clinics because 1) it costs the state more money (tax dollars) to keep the other locations operating and 2) if you do not live in a city nearby, it gives someone an opportunity to make such a life-changing decision considering travel time and convenience of doing so. Personally, I am against abortion and I would hope that no one would ever make such a decision, but I would rather have less locations to have more time for consideration than to have more of a convenience of taking that action.
I believe Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics. I personally do not agree with the idea of government involving itself in personal decisions such as keeping/not keeping a baby. I hope the Court is able to see that keeping the clinics open will actually benefit lives by providing women a safe place for women's care. I believe if the state really cared about these babies, they would put more effort into their lives long after birth, rather than when they are fetuses. I respect all religions and the ability to practice your religions as you please. If you believe abortions are wrong, that is fine, but not everyone does therefore, that rule should not be forced on everyone. The freedom to be able to make whatever decision you want is something that makes this country so great. I hope USSC remembers that.
America is changing and Texas has enacted a law that may try to restrict that change. I feel as though the ruling will be against the Texas law. Texas will most likely lose the case. Many women do deserve the best standards from an abortion clinic; however, this Texas law simply seems like masking tape to try and run abortion clinics out of business.
America is changing and Texas has enacted a law that may try to restrict that change. I feel as though the ruling will be against the Texas law. Texas will most likely lose the case. Many women do deserve the best standards from an abortion clinic; however, this Texas law simply seems like masking tape to try and run abortion clinics out of business.
11AM tuesday/thursday
mason Taliaferro
In my opinion i say that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics in this great state coming from the fact that are in general are very conservative old school type of state. that being said i dont really see it fair to limit the clinics when you do something you cant just do it half way do it are do not do it not something in between thats not how we where taught to live. i think when someone is pregnant its a blessing and you should not be able to take that blessing away there is a lot of families out there that wish they could have that blessing coming there way everyone has a right to live in my opinion and that should not be taken away before they are born its not fair. so i do hope that they pass this its still one step closer to the final step where we need to be. another very good thing that will happen if this passes is it will give families a better chance at adopting a kid if they can not have one there selves, thats a big thing to me it will make some families so happy for the rest of their lives.
Dean Garcia (online)
I do not personally agree with law getting involved in what choices people can make with their body. And I don't see the point of limiting the clinics. If you're going to do that then you might as well shut all of them down, but I could see how just limiting the clinics the government could hide behind the excuse of not banning abortion just making it harder to access those services. I don't think the clinics should be tax funded, and backed, I think the people using the clinics should be paying most of the cost and that will take care of the public paying for these services. It is a tricky question on where the clinics should be at, because if one person has access to this treatment then the next should have the same right to having it easily accessible. Having it in select cities would give people more time to make a well thought out decision instead of making an impulsive decision.
I think Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics. I definitely hope so, and hope they continue to limit abortion clinics until there are none left. It's mind boggling that some people still view abortion as a "personal choice" and don't realize it is murder. Being pregnant is a blessing. I've never heard one person say they wished they chose an abortion, but I have heard people say that they wish they DIDN'T have an abortion.
Gina Boss TTH 2pm
I think Texas will rule in favor of limiting the clinics. I don't personally agree with abortion, and think that limiting the clinics is a good idea. However, I do understand that there are many circumstances that some people undergo that many of us can't possibly begin to understand so I also feel as if intrusion upon private decisions is not something we as a society should allow to happen.
Wes Seale T TH 2PM
After reading the article and a few others I fear Texas will rule in favor of limiting the clinics. We are still a very conservative state and we have officials who pride themselves and boast about their extreme right nature.
I would hope that the court rules to keep the clinics open. They provide so much more to women than abortions and it seems these other services are glossed over in the name of controversy. Only around three percent of their total business is covered by abortion and these clinics receive no state tax money for the service. By shutting down the clinics you will be taking away affordable easy to reach health care to thousands of women who will have no where else to go for their check ups and such.
Yes abortion is a touchy subject but shutting down clinics is not the answer to this problem.
Justin Clark - Tuesday/Thursday 2pm
Jalyn Hall, Online.
I think that the most important part of this issue is the fact that it is more about the religious or moral views, rather about women's health and the means that women have to make the best decisions for HER. The following statement sums up my opinion on the issue, Nancy Northup said, “Playing politics with women’s health isn’t just wrong,” she said in a statement. “It’s dangerous for many women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands.”
I think that because of the conservative views of most Texans, Texas will decide to close the clinics and create more obstacles for women to obtain access to an abortion. I would hope that the Supreme Court would rule in favor of allowing the clinics to stay open and provide for those women who chose abortion because they think it is what is best for her situation. Limiting the number of clinics and designating them to metropolitan areas creates a burden for mothers who do not have the means to get to the city to get proper procedures done, which creates dangerous situations that women may feel pressured into because in their mind they have no where to go. Most “abortion clinics” are not solely for abortions. Many clinics are also the main source of affordable women’s health that provides sex education, safe medical procedures and annual check ups. Taking away these resources may create a rise in the number of unwanted pregnancy because women will be deprived of the proper sex education and preventative measures that these clinics provide.
In instances such as rape, then what? Will the government force women to carry the baby of a crime or would they provide the financial means of getting to and from these limited facilities around the state? In a situation such as rape it is hard enough for a woman to deal with the situation and the emotional burden, but to force a woman to go through more obstacles, by closing more than half of the abortion clinics, is cruel. It creates more of an emotional burden by drawing out the process that many women try to escape from and put in the past, stress trying to figure out when and how she will get to a clinic and a financial burden for having to provide transportation and perhaps overnight arrangements if the clinic is too far for a day trip.
I take the pro-choice viewpoint, and I know there are many that disagree with my views. This issue is so controversial, and I see the religious viewpoints and its validity, however I think that we as citizens, lawmakers and peers should be more concerned with women's health and create a common ground that focuses on the issues of safety and allowing women to make the choices concerning their own bodies based on their personal situation.
Abortion as always will be a hot topic and one that many people do not touch because of heated discussions that come from it.
I am pro-choice. I believe that every woman has a right to make a decision, medical or not, on her own merit when it comes to her own body. If a woman feels that an abortion is necessary for her, at that time in her life to obtain one, then so be it.
I find it disgusting that so many men in politics have the nerve to create laws and discuss, debate and preach to other law makers on what a woman can do with her own body and tell women they are wrong for what they are doing. I think any man, in politics or not shouldn't try and tell any woman what they can or cannot do with their reproductive system. A man wouldn't want another man or woman to place legal restrictions on how they use their penis or semen. Couldn't masturbation be considered a form of aborted life? If a man's seed can help create a baby then shouldn't that be considered child abandonment or a version of abortion as well?
I hope that SCOTUS rules in favor of the clinics and the doctors that work in those clinics. They are doing nothing wrong. It would be a shame for more people to not just lose their jobs, but for all the women who need services in those clinics, including abortions to be left without access to medical care.
Abortion as always will be a hot topic and one that many people do not touch because of heated discussions that come from it.
I am pro-choice. I believe that every woman has a right to make a decision, medical or not, on her own merit when it comes to her own body. If a woman feels that an abortion is necessary for her, at that time in her life to obtain one, then so be it.
I find it disgusting that so many men in politics have the nerve to create laws and discuss, debate and preach to other law makers on what a woman can do with her own body and tell women they are wrong for what they are doing. I think any man, in politics or not shouldn't try and tell any woman what they can or cannot do with their reproductive system. A man wouldn't want another man or woman to place legal restrictions on how they use their penis or semen. Couldn't masturbation be considered a form of aborted life? If a man's seed can help create a baby then shouldn't that be considered child abandonment or a version of abortion as well?
I hope that SCOTUS rules in favor of the clinics and the doctors that work in those clinics. They are doing nothing wrong. It would be a shame for more people to not just lose their jobs, but for all the women who need services in those clinics, including abortions to be left without access to medical care.
11AM Tues/Thurs
Victoria, M; Online
I believe that abortions are situational. I wouldn't get an abortion myself but because of my own religious views and the fact that I believe all lives should have a chance. But with that said, that is MY choice, and people shouldn't be stripped from their right to make their own choices. It's a matter of health and circumstances, not just religious views. I take a pro-choice view on this issue, because who am I to make a choice for someone other than myself by asking lawmakers to restrict women of their choices.
As for my opinion on the law, I understand the safety and health concerns that are involved in making clinics have admitting privileges, and be at the standard of an Emergency Clinic. A woman seeking an abortion may be looking for that option at the current time, but may desire children in the furture. There are many things that can go wrong in an under-prepared clinic, which may prevent or cause difficulties for a woman seeking conception in the future. However I don't know how strict those guidelines should be versus how strict Texas has required them to be.
I am concerned with the political agenda behind this case being picked up in a Presidential Campaign season. Women's health issues should not be used as a platform to manipulate voters. It could be said that in the past the Supreme Court has a trend of voting in favor of abortion supporters; therefore I believe that the majority opinion will be in favor of keeping the clinics open. I do think that there will also be requirements added to the clinics by the Supreme Court in order to stay open. I don't however think that they will be as strict as what the Texas Courts have ordered.
Hanna F. 11 a.m.
I can only hope that the court will rule that this law is unconstitutional. I think it is absolutely crucial to maintain access to proper care in abortion clinics. Limiting access DOES NOT prevent abortion, it prevents SAFE abortion. This is people trying to police a woman's body, this is people trying to make a woman's healthcare public policy, this is people making a woman's health a political statement. Just as you mentioned in class, those privacy cases about contraception weren't involving condoms, they were specifically targeting female birth control. This proves to me, that the issue is less about the actual act, and more about telling women what they can and cannot do.
We can argue the beginning of life until we are blue in the face, but that means absolutely nothing. Whether it's an ethical choice or not, it should remain a choice. It really is as simple as, "You don't like abortion, then don't have one." NOBODY should have the right to tell some one else what is best for them and their situation. I believe women are more than capable of making that decision for themselves. I'm not saying that there aren't anti-choice women, but most people trying to make this a policy are old white men (who are incapable of getting pregnant, jsyk.)
I believe that the court upholding these ridiculous laws would be absolutely detrimental to the public health and welfare of our citizens.
Just a reminder to my classmates: Texas isn't ruling anything, the Supreme Court is making this decision about Texas, so...be careful folks, read carefully.
Patrick H Sloan, 2:00
I don't believe the USSC will rule for the new law. This is placing an undue burden on thousands of women that don't live in major cities in Texas. Texas is a big state, and if you live in El Paso or Eagle Pass, one would have to drive a few hours minimum to get to an abortion clinic. Otherwise, one would have to go to another state or even Mexico. I understand the court is made up of 5 justices appointed by republicans and 4 justices appointed by democrats, however, with past rulings on infringing personal right and whatnot, I do not believe the new law will be approved by the supreme court.
Thao-My Nguyen, 2pm
In my opinion, I don't believe the USSC will rule for the new law. By limiting the resources to get proper abortion, other dangerous factors will arises. Also by limiting the number of abortion clinics or even get rid of it all, doesn't necessarily mean some women will stop having abortion. This will lead to more desperate and life threatening situations such as self induced abortion and will definitely take a negative toll on her body/mind. I agree with what Hannah F. said in the above comment.
I hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will rule that the Texas law puts an undue burden on women seeking abortion. Most women that seek abortions do so because they are not financially able to support a child or even financially able to have the child. Vaginal births, on average, cost $2,600 without complications, and C-sections cost $4,500, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Not to mention if you are uninsured or prone to complications genetically or physically. Some women would have to travel 200 miles to receive an abortion including traveling to different states. If a grown woman wants to receive an abortion that is between her and her doctor. Limiting the places a woman can get an abortion and in many cases requiring her to travel 200 miles to do so, will make her have to take extra time off work, spend money to travel, and notify others that she will be traveling; which takes away her privacy and ability to even make a decision in many cases. So my hope is the U.S. Supreme Court will rule this law creates an undue burden and is not constitutional to someone's implied right of privacy.
I meant to say SCOTUS will rule in favor of Texas limiting the number of abortion clinics.
I believe that the USSC will rule that the limiting of abortion clinics is placing an undue burden on women and their privacy rights. With this being said I believe they will undo the closing of majority abortion clinics, because this creates dangerous counter actions that women will have to take in order to get the abortion if they are not near the clinic.
Victoria Robinson, 11am
I don't have a clue what SCOTUS will rule, but I hope they rule that Texas closing abortion clinic as unconstitutional. I understand that abortion is a touchy subject for all, but closing abortion clinics in areas that have high pregnancy rates is not safe. Women will turn to other means of aborting a fetus, which is risky and dangerous. I understand that adoption and foster care are always an option, but a woman will terminate a pregnancy if she chooses, regardless of there being an abortion clinic near her or not. Limiting access will not stop women from having abortions, it will only create unsafe environments for those who are determined.
Catherine B. 11:00am
I think Texas won't win. I think keeping the clinics open is a good idea because regardless, if a women wants an abortion then she'll do whatever she can to get one and many of those methods are dangerous. Might as well at least have a safe place to do it at. Yes, adoption and foster care are options. But, a lot of Americans look outside the U.S. to adopt and those babies who aren't adopted go into foster care, which is actually really sad because of how broken the foster care system is and a lot of kids don't end up in the best foster homes. There's pros and cons to both choices. Even if you don't agree, the abortion is a private matter between and woman and her doctor.
James H. 11:00am
I found the comment by Attorney General Ken Paxton in the article compelling when he said, “the advancement of the abortion industry’s bottom line shouldn’t take precedence over women’s health.” To me, this brought up an interesting argument that I had not fully considered in detail in relation to my opinion in a woman's right to have an abortion. The quote addresses the obvious political nature that has developed from the controversy in the topic of abortion. In addition, the quote addresses women's health with regards to the advancement of the abortion industry and how the advancement of the industry's bottom line shouldn't come before women's health. The comment makes me wish that the topic of abortion focused more on the concern with the health of the women and the child involved, rather than the regulations of access to having an abortion. However, my personal convictions hope for women to choose to give birth to the child when considering abortion.
Estela P. 2p.m.
I believe the ruling will be in favor of limiting abortions mostly because Texas is pretty conservative. Personally, I do believe people have a right to do what they want with their body and have a right to privacy, as long as they are not hurting anyone. So I do hope that the limiting of abortion clinics follows through because it is an innocent life that pays the price in these situations. As a pro-life person, it's not a matter of telling women what they can or can't do with their bodies, it's about giving a voice to the voiceless.
Samantha G. 11:00AM
Much like many of the previous comments regarding this difficult article, personally in my humble opinion I would have to agree with the majority and say that Texas should place limitations on abortion clinics. A few good friends of mine were adopted, and imaging them not in my life is tragic. However, I also agree that it is the woman's choice in how she approaches the situation. It's the woman's body at the end of the day, and therefore only she has a legitimate say in how she will deal with her pregnancy.
Being that Texas is a conservative state and so stuck in old fashion ways i believe that they will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. I would not agree with the ruling because I believe that everyone has the right to do as they choose when it comes to whether they are ready to have children or not. Although I am against abortions when it comes to myself, I think it is unfair to those who are in favor for abortion clinics to have limited access to them. Women should have the choice to do what they want with their bodies and how they choose to handle these situations not the government.
Angelica Buitron 11:00 a.m.
I'm not for abortion but I feel the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in favor of limited clinics in the state. I'm in hope that a miracle would allow there to be an overturn just in that clinics like Planned Parenthood provide more services than just abortions. Although I personally wouldn't have an abortion, I do feel women have the right to decide for themselves
Alexis Aguirre 2PM
I honestly can't say what I think the Supreme Court will rule, mostly because every time I guess, I am wrong.
This type of case is close to my heart being that I am a woman and come from a town where teen pregnancy and poverty are very high. I can only hope that the Supreme Court will set aside their personal beliefs to decide a fair and right choice. The issue, which many people seem to forget, is not whether abortion is right or wrong. The issue is whether it should be legal and what rights women have over their bodies.
The decision to have an abortion is not a very light one. There is a large thought process that goes into females making this very difficult decision. Limiting abortion clinics even more than they already are can make this decision even more difficult. Besides, when is the last time outlawing or limiting access to something ever stopped people from doing what they needed to do. Closing abortion clinics down won't stop people from having abortions. It will stop them from having safe ones.
Nathalie Sterling (Online)
First I would like to mention that I am highly against setting limitations on women's health and reproductive choices, but regardless of my opinion I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. I don't think it is ethical for others to have a say on what a woman can or cannot do to their own bodies. I feel that women us should have the option to choose what we feel is the best for our situation at that time. Texas is much too conservative to give women these options and they would rather implement limitations. I just hope that these restrictions don't result in women finding more dangerous ways to get abortion operations done.
I personally believe that the clinics should not be brought down to a limited number, nor do I believe that the Supreme Court will limit the number of clinics. With so many things that were once illegal that are now legal or are taking steps to become legal (such as gay marriage, marijuana) I believe that the Supreme Court will rule against limiting the number of clinics. As the world progresses, it seems that U.S. is becoming more lax and pro human rights than it has ever been before. I personally believe that women have the right to their own choice and hope that the Supreme Court views this issue in the same light.
Adam R. 2 p.m. TR
I believe that Texas will try to rule in favor of limiting clinics, however I think the supreme court will shut Texas down. I think women should be able to access healthcare and it's a personal right. I believe closing planned parenthood clinics (of which, abortions account for like 3% of the things done there) will not stop abortions, just stop safe abortions. It's a private matter that should be in the hands of the woman whose body it is. (2pm t/th)
Abortion being a very touchy subject I believe that Texas will eventually rule in favor of limiting the abortion clinics. This case falling under the right of privacy, but its not as if the state is trying to completely get rid of abortion clinics. I am pro abortion, and believe that as a women we should have the option whether to keep or abort. There are several situations where a lot of people who are pro life would bend their beliefs. For example if someone was rapped or something similar. By decreasing the clinics to 10 around the state of Texas would make it harder for women to have access to these clinics. Some women don’t have the resources to take time out of their day for a road trip across the state. Though it makes it harder for women it might have some impact on them to absorb the situation since it wont be as accessible as before. I admire that Texas still holds on to their traditional ways instead of letting certain voices have full impact on the state.
Meili Rodriguez
T/H 2PM
I would like to speak on the abortion topic as a whole and offer a perspective that I think is important for anyone fighting either side of this issue to understand. I feel like the first question anyone asks when starting the conversation on abortion is "Are you pro-life, or pro-choice?" These are NOT mutually exclusive opposites. Many people adopt the thought that being "pro-life" means you are 100% against abortions, which I'm sure you could automatically see is false if you ask even a small sample of 10 "pro-lifers." The other, even more absurd in my opinion, school of thought is that if you are "pro-choice" that you are pro-abortion, as if people on this side of the issue are death-seekers who thrive off killing babies. This sounds ridiculous written out and yet there are thousands who believe this. I don't think abortion can be as black-and-white an issue as the media and general population make it out to be, making it even harder for a "just" legal system to rule on. This leads me to my personal opinion on how I hope abortion laws will be resolved to: ban? No. Regulate? Yes.
Meredith B
T/Th 11AM
I am against Texas' attempt to limit women's health care options. I understand that this new law is supposed to protect women's health by imposing more strict regulations on Planned Parenthood centers, but I'm not sure that I believe that's what the lawmakers intent really is. I think their intent is to put Planned Parenthood out of business by giving them more difficult hoops to jump through. Personally, I'm against late term abortions. 20 weeks is a lot of time. I mean, an average person starts showing at 12 weeks, so 20 weeks is ample time to decide what to do. It's called personal accountability people. But I still beleive that, until a certain point, it is a womans choice to have an abortion. Becuase of this , I think that it is a shame that so few Planned Parenthood locations are open today. I hope that the Supreme Court can help open back up the Planned Parenthood locations.
Samantha C. Online class
It saddens me that this issue is STILL a topic of debate. A women's body and her health are her own--to do with as she well pleases. That is the bottom line. To try to circumvent the laws already established by closing "abortion" clinics that in reality are a valuable asset for many women unable to find reliable--safe healthcare
is shameful
I hope the USSC will soundly end this debate. Roe v. Wade will NOT be overturned...and women's bodies should be off limits.
Desiree T. T/TH 2pm
11;00 AM
I hope that the USSC will over-turn the Texas law. I believe abortion is a personal right/choice of the mother alone! I think Texas was wrong to reduce the number of clinics in the state... If someone really wanted, or needed an abortion, the state gov. just made it more of an inconvenience to get to an abortion clinic. Maybe this was intended to reduce the number of abortions in TX, but I highly doubt it. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the pro choice argument, and allow the "shut down" clinics to re-open.
I think that the ruling will favor the limitation of abortion clinics. This is an extremely sensitive and controversial issue. Personally, I am pro life and am very pleased with the original rulings. Unfortunately, this will always be always be an issue here in the US. Both sides have their specific points and have demonstrated them time and time again on our campus. What some people don't get a lot of the time though, is just because people may not agree, it's not a slight against the other. People sometimes forget that it's okay to disagree.
Shannon C.
T/TH 11
Abortion is one thing that people refuse to compromise on--and understandably so. Regardless of how easy it is to identify all sorts of logical fallacies used on both sides of the argument, it's virtually impossible to sway someones opinion on it. It either is a life, or it isn't. People either have a right to do as they please with their own bodies, or they don't. It's unlikely that any middle ground for ideas, in regards to abortion, can be reached in which both opponents and proponents can sit comfortably with.
Now regardless of my personal opinions on abortion, I don't believe that having less access to abortion providers is in Texas' best interest. I think that until we develop someway to completely mitigate all unplanned pregnancies (sorry, but teaching "abstinence only" doesn't work), and because we don't live in a dictatorship, we need to ensure that access to abortion is practical (in terms of ease-of-access) and safe.
Dustin Online
Corey Daniels, 11 AM
I believe now that Texas ruled in favor of limiting the clinics, I believe SCOTUS will rule in favor of the clinics and say that Texas cannot limit them.
Personally, I would love for every woman to be able to have full rights to her body and what she does with it, just like a man. Although I personally don't enjoy hearing of abortions, I understand the necessity and reasonability for a woman to choose abortion. She should have that right.
No matter where you side on the issue of abortion, it is my belief that it should be the woman's right to choose, not your neighbor, not your priest, and not the man waiting your table. Odds are, they won't be the one raising your child if you are unable to and you are forced to place it in foster care. Other times, a child is raised in a life of struggles because the mother just wasn't ready to raise a child, and of course, dad is no where to be found. Ask me how I know this personally. Luckily, I turned out alright. Many don't. If it were up to my mom, she would have rather had me when she had my brother, 10 years later, established, and 'ready' for me.
Whether or not if SCOTUS agrees with Texas's limitations, holds no bearing on women still being able to find the services they need. Albeit, it may be harder, they will still find the services they require and the end results and numbers do not change.
Alex Young
TH 11am
Though I think Texas would rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics, I believe that there is a strong chance that the SCOTS will overturn the Texas law and rule in favor of the clinics. I also think that in this day in age, that is what the majority of the people of the United States would like to see happen.
This is a really touchy subject, one of which I see good and bad on both sides of the argument. Though I believe that women should have the rights to make these kind of decisions for herself, I also think that abortion clinics should have some limitations as to when a women can have an abortion. For example, I think that once a woman is in the last term of her pregnancy, it should be too late for her to have an abortion. I don't think having that limitation is entirely unfair to the woman, because adoption is still another option if the woman were to decide she cannot keep the child.
I think it's sad that as a country, everyone feels it is their right to decide what a total stranger is going to due with their body... But in this world, everyone feels they have the right to speak their mind. I don't agree with the Texas law of closing them down, but I hope it gets denied.
With more clinics closing, it could leave someone no other option and to take unsafe measures to do things themselves.
The article said one part of the law is about regulations concerning buildings, equipment and staffing. Were these actual hazards to the clinic? Or just an easy way to get each place shut down? This does concern me because, I would want a real doctor, not someone with a certificate of approval to operate on me or anyone!
“Playing politics with women’s health isn’t just wrong,” she said in a statement. “It’s dangerous for many women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands.”
^^^Exactly how i feel on the matter^^^.
whoops, that was my comment!!! ^
Taylor W 11:00
I think it's sad that as a country, everyone feels it is their right to decide what a total stranger is going to due with their body... But in this world, everyone feels they have the right to speak their mind. I don't agree with the Texas law of closing them down, but I hope it gets denied.
With more clinics closing, it could leave someone no other option and to take unsafe measures to do things themselves.
The article said one part of the law is about regulations concerning buildings, equipment and staffing. Were these actual hazards to the clinic? Or just an easy way to get each place shut down? This does concern me because, I would want a real doctor, not someone with a certificate of approval to operate on me or anyone!
“Playing politics with women’s health isn’t just wrong,” she said in a statement. “It’s dangerous for many women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands.”
^^^Exactly how i feel on the matter^^^.
Taylor W. 11:00
The Supreme Court should not pass the law that limits the amount of clinics that perform abortions in Texas because the Supreme Court should follow the Constitution and not the Christian bible. The U.S. Government is in place to protect our freedoms and if the law is passed and the number of clinics is limited it will take away from U.S. rights. Texas is a conservative state, but the United States can be viewed as liberal and if this law passes, the United States will begin to forget the principles that this country was founded on.
In my opinion on the subject of abortion, is that I am pro choice in the matter. When I say pro choice I'm not trying to shun those who happen to be on the pro life side for their views at all. The idea to me is a very muddled topic that at sometimes speaks to irrational concepts or defenses to justify both sides of views. I've heard "What if your parents had aborted you?" and "Would you abort baby Hitler?" both concepts are out there. My opinion of it is this the government is hurting itself and pandering to the controlling audience to get votes. Then with these decisions they are potentially putting women in danger because the can't receive the proper medical procedure or having to drive out of their way. Since Roe v. Wade this issue is plagued with people on both sides and people infringing on others private rights.
To me the fact that most of the deciders on the issue are men is a little off putting. When I say that I mean this is a big women's rights issue that should be handled by women in this particular case. For those women who want abortion to be illegal, here is my question. I you were to allow for the government to vote and make abortion illegal, which would take away one of the rights of women. What would stop people from gojng forward and saying "Lets take away women's right to vote next" it is a very slippery slope that could happen.
To place a women in this kind of atmosphere is crazy. Now when discussing what took place on the quad; one I know it is free speech, but the idea is to scare a person with these images is lunacy. To compare abortion to the genocides that are happening in Africa, the Middle East, and of the Holocaust is a messed up fear based content,
Now when it comes to the decision that the court of Texas will make, the conservative side will prevail cause they will make it the matter of the state. Now if and when the Supreme Court would step in I believe that they will rule that moving clinics out of the way is unconstitutional. This in a big way is the denial of healthcare to a woman.
Chris Barrera 11am
Alexzandra A. (11am Class)
I believe the Texas Courts will rule in favor of keeping the limited number of abortion clinics and I think it will become even a bigger problem in the state of Texas. Agreeing with what Nancy Northup said in the article, woman will go to extreme measures if an abortion clinic is not an option. I also believe that it's unconstitutional to make this decision of downsizing the number of abortion clinics available. Again agreeing with Northup, politics and women's health should not be used in the same sentence, this is an issue that I believe no matter what the ruling will effect and upset many women. Our health and body are personal issues that should not be taken into the hands of courts or politics or even individuals who can not understand what all women go through.
Mary Hinds 11:00 class
I think that the Supreme Court will overturn the Texas law that limits the number of abortion clinics. I think the USSC will do this because in the Planned Parenthood v. Casey case the Supreme Court ruled that states may not place undue burdens on the constitutional right to abortion. In my opinion, limiting the number of abortion clinics in Texas will cause an undue burden on women that live very far away from the remaining 10 clinics. It'll be interesting to see how this case turns out because the Supreme Court will have the chance to clearly define what exactly an undue burden is in terms of a state's right to regulate abortion.
Alexandra Walker
TTH 2pm
After reading the article, I believe that the Supreme Court will rule that Texas limit it's abortion clinics, meaning there will only be 10 clinics for women seeking an abortion. While we are living in a time where times are changing and opinions are more open, Texas has remained a state whose values are old fashioned. With Texas being the second most populated state, this will make it very hard for women to get abortions if the SC rules this way. With about 60,000 women in Texas seeking abortions and only 10 clinics, the capacity will be very limited. I do not think women should be restricted on getting an abortion. Every women's story is different and each women should be allowed to rule on their own body. I am very interested to hear the ruling on this case.
Caitlin P.
Online
From what I know about Texas being a mostly Republican state, I believe that the courts will rule in favor of limiting the number of clinics. I, though Christian, understand where Nancy Northup is coming from. I feel that if we close these clinics where women can have this procedure done safely while it may deter some and have them rethink the decision it won't deter many. Those that won't change their minds will just resort to more drastic measures that could more than likely result in endangering their lives. That said I personally, think that it isn't the best option. There are so many people incapable of having children of their own who are struggling to adopt that would want that child that's being given up.
Marcus Dallas
T&TH 11Am
I think the courts will for sure rule in favor of limiting the number of clinics. I personally think they should get rid of all the clinics. I think adults should be more responsible and have to raise the kid. But limiting the clinics will fore some females to take matters into their own hands and possibly hurt themselves.
Bianca Herrejon
Online MC 4301.080
I think that they will get rid of all clinics. This issue has been going on for awhile and they have been cutting down funds on planned parenthood and shutting them down. I have always been pro choice. I think that men who are involved in deciding this will never understand what a women goes through, and I don't think anyone should have the right to tell you what to do with your body, especially if it is based on what is morally correct. I do think that after being 12 weeks pregnant, abortions shouldn't be allowed. Just like no one should be able to tell you who you can and can't marry. People have their reasons as to why they want an abortion. Which is why cutting down on funds for planned parenthood and shutting them down isn't a good idea. Many women depend on planned parenthood for free contraception pills.
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. I agree with Breonas comments about the abortion issue and I definitely do not agree with other people telling and making laws for other women about what they can and cannot do with their own body. I strongly agree with the statement in the article where it said that playing politics with women's health is wrong. Its confusing to me how more people don't see this as wrong and not fair. If abortion clinics get cut down to more than half and then maybe even down to no clinics, are people really prepared to see what can come from that-like women taking matters into their own hands? Then what? In my opinion, banning or trying to take away the ability to get an abortion to where it is almost impossible will sadly not stop women from trying to abort their baby. It will result in severely unsafe and dangerous ways and outcomes for the woman and the baby. This topic obviously is very touchy and has been since it plays in a lot of factors such as religion and people's beliefs. A woman's body is hers and I do not think her right to it should be taken away like how some people want it to be.
Anna Siegmund
T/TH 11am
In my personal opinion, this law is outrageous and just another way for the conservative party to take advantage of women's personal rights. The law of abortion shouldn't even be something that is put in the hands of white males. It is a women's issue and it should personally be made into a referendum. Now, the subjective matter of why people are even issuing these kinds of laws is completely clueless to me.
I hope that the courts will not rule in favor of this law and that women will be able to keep their rights. The fact that Texas is one of the most populated states with on 10 abortion clinics is terrible. They need the right to choose what they want to do with their bodies, or else they will take matters into more extreme measures. This could potentially not only endanger the lively hood of the mothers but of the fetus too. Like the women politicians said, "It's dangerous for women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands." We should not have such a centralized and soft tyrannical government that we cannot even choose to do what we want with our bodies. I understand the authority concerns of keeping up regulatory surgical center, however, if you're trying to shut down every clinic in the state of Texas completely removing funding to a service that is supposed to help the impoverished how are they going to keep up with those standards of living?
2:06 p.m.
Media Law
November 18, 2015
As big of a national issue that this is, I think the state will therefore have less clinics. There is a comment at the top about having adopted family members and that hits home for me as well. Two of my cousins are adopted and I cannot imagine what it would have been like not growing up with them. There are many families out there willing and wanting to adopt. If the state will crack down on this, many of these kids could have a solid chance at a good life with a good family.
- Brennen Blakemore
Jennifer Galvan, Online
This is a difficult topic to discuss but having a different background then most people here, I do not believe in abortion. I was raised in a catholic family and attended catholic school until I graduated high school. Obviously they taught us the importance of life. I remember this one trip we took, we went to see a lady talk who had found out she was a baby from rape. Instead of a persons name on her birth certificate, it had a police description. She then found out that her birth mom tried to abort her 3 times with no success. When I think about the odds of everyone being here it makes me think we all have a purpose. My mom was told to abort me because of a medical condition and she wasn't supposed to have kids. Abortion is a very hard topic and a personal one to me. I know women who have dealt with the hardships of abortions. Every one has told me they regretted their decision. The mental state of fear and judgment stays with them their whole lives. I know a lot of people don't agree with me, but I think that adoption is a much better option. I hope that Texas does limit these clinics.
Roy Zorola - 11am class
I personally abhor the idea of abortion, but I hope, and believe, that the USSC will rule against Texas and say that the state is placing an undue burden on women. Our freedom is one of the most basic and precious rights as Americans, and we should not be so keen to allow the government, or lawmakers with particular beliefs, to impose those views on everyone without consideration of those people's view. For all the talk about limiting the reach and scope of the government, I wonder why some issues like this are conveniently ignored. The power should rest entirely with the people if we wish to protect the integrity of what it means to live in America.
Gissel Gonzalez - 11 a.m.
The political issue that is abortion in the country:
In my opinion, there is absolutely no reason for politics to have anything to do with abortion or a woman's body. I do believe that the USSC made the right decision in Roe v. Wade, and I don't understand why state governments can't just leave the law as it is. Whether a woman has an abortion or not is not any of their concern. Especially not when these politicians are making their decisions based off of religion. Although I am not religious, I was raised Catholic (kind of), and I understand what I "can" or "cannot" do, but what my religion is has nothing to do with another woman and her body. And everyone else trying to put restrictions on abortion clinics because of what their religion tells them is just ridiculous and wrong. Politics has no place here. Women should have a choice and an option to do as they please and state governments, especially Texas', need to stay out of it. And for Texas to claim the new restrictions are for the women's health is ridiculous too. Anyone who knows anything about Texas politicians knows all they're trying to do is keep women from having an abortion. Instead of doing what's best for women, which is what they're claiming to do, they're just changing things for their own selfish reasons.
Charlotte Howe.
T/Th 11AM
Like many of my peers, I also believe that Texas will do everything within its power to limit abortion clinics within the state. I feel like by doing this, Texas is limiting the power of Texan women to make a very personal decision that ultimately affects them more than anyone else. While I am not advocating that I think abortion is something that should be taken lightly, women should be able to make this choice for themselves. A disturbing amount of pregnancies are unwanted, resulted from rape, sexual abuse or under-aged and uneducated sex.
Abortion is a very “touchy” subject for many people but the state placing huge restraints on the availability of abortions can ultimately result in way worse situations.
Taylor Farrell, 2pm TTH
I hope the USSC rules to put this proposal into action. After reading the previous comments, I see that I am one of very few with this opinion. Abortion is an extremely touchy subject and I am not one to push my opinion down peoples throat, but I feel strongly about this subject. I think reducing the amount of clinics is a good thing because it would give women the time and opportunity to think before making a rash decision. I am against abortion and I know many people disagree. They have their reasons and I have mine, but ultimately I believe having fewer locations would give women more time to consider their options.
Richard Murphy T/Th 11AM
I also think Texas will do whatever it can to limit abortion clinics down to 10. Personally I am pro-choice but I can definitely understand where both sides are coming from. I don't understand how limiting abortion clinics is going to really help anything. If someone really wants to get an abortion then they are going to travel to the nearest one anyway and have it taken care of. This ruling will just make it harder for some women who are more than likely already struggling. But one good thing that could come from this ruling would be that some women will now have more time to think their decision through. Luckily it is still their decision!
Hannah Jackson 2:00
Let me preface by saying that I myself was adopted as a baby - and also that it was the greatest thing that ever happened to me, so I do understand both sides of this subject.
While I believe that Texas will most definitely rule in favor of closing even more clinics than it already has, I can't say that I agree with the decision. With the understanding that there will still be clinics left, and the option will still be available - just more difficult to act on for some - I do not, under any circumstances, think that it is the governments job to make this type of severely personal decision for any woman. A woman should be able to do freely to her body what she sees is necessary. With that being said, playing Devil's advocate, I don't see how Texas thinks that leaving some clinics still open will do what they are hoping it will do. If a woman has made up her mind, and there are still clinics open and the action is still legal, I feel as though she will find a way to make it happen.
Jasmine Davis 2 p.m. class
I think the USSC will rule in favor of the Texas Law. As a self-declared liberal, I am personally pro-choice. However, as we learned in class, we must think about principle and what our society wants/needs. According to the Casey case, abortion clinics cannot place undue burdens before receiving the operation. As we look at this case and the Texas Law, there are only two provisions: "all clinics in the state must meet the standards for ambulatory surgical centers" and doctors are required to "have admitting privileges at a nearby hospital." These provisions do not sound like an undue burden like in the Casey case. As much as I want Texas to lose, I feel the that USSC will rule that 1) there are not any undue burdens and 2) pro-life citizens will have moral support as well as pro-choice citizens will have (limited) access to abortion clinics.
Magdalena A.
2PM
This will always be a sensitive issue, and at the end of the day everyone will stick to what they believe is right. I hope that the supreme court will fairly interpret the case, and make a decision based on what they represent. As professor Martinez explained in class, “they have the role to play out what the constitution stands for.”
Rebecca B. 2 p.m.
I am not sure what the decision will be from the U.S. Supreme Court but I hope that it will take into consideration the possible health risks that can come into reducing the number of available clinics in the state. I understand the decision a woman makes to get an abortion should not be taken lightly but it's their right to choose so from the USSC decision in both the Planned Parenthood v. Casey and Roe v. Wade.
In my opinion by reducing the amount of available clinics for women in Texas it is more likely that women will seek other means to terminate their pregnancy that could be life threatening. There are many reasons as to why a woman chooses an abortion whether she was raped, diagnosed with a life-threatening illness or the fetus develops a deadly defect. They should not be penalized for making a choice they feel is the right one for themselves.
The NYT article states that Texas has 5.4 million women of reproductive age in the state and of that 60,000 get abortions a year. This is a significant number. If a woman lived west of San Antonio it would extremely limit her right to choose.
Danielle N. 11 a.m.
I have sat here thinking very carefully about what I am going to write. This is a very personal subject I'm sure to many people. I believe that anyone should have the legal right to make the decision to do whatever they want to their own body. However, I think that they should be given that right if the decision only affects their own life and not the life of another. I do not want to upset anyone, this is just my personal and honest opinion.
No one wants to think of an abortion as killing a baby, but in my opinion, that is exactly what it is. Killing someone standing next to you is murder. Tell me how killing someone that could one day be standing next to you, isn't also murder.
I used to work in a daycare and one of my co-workers, who already had 2 children, told me that she has had 8 abortions in her, like it was nothing. She continued to tell me that when she tried to have a 9th abortion, her doctor told her that if she aborts one more time then she would physically never be able to have another child. So, she had the baby. One woman had 8 abortions, just because she simply wasn't ready for another child. I can't even imagine having a baby right now. It is the last thing I would want and I'm just not ready for it. Even so, I believe that things don't happen by chance, but that there is a reason for everything, whether that means I keep the baby or give him/her to someone who can give him/her a life. Again, I can't say I could imagine the stress that giving birth to a child would have on my mental or physical health, but I still think that women (myself included) should be given the choice keep their baby or put the baby up for adoption, not keep their baby or erase the baby from existence.
11 a.m.
In the article, Liptak revisits the Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision. In the decision, it is stated that "undue burdens included 'unnecessary health regulations that have the purpose or effect of presenting a substantial obstacle to a woman seeking an abortion.'" Liptak said there would only be four clinics left in Texas, specifically in Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. I think the court will need to decide if having limited clinic capacities (only four clinics and having to commute to those locations) is considered to be an "undue burden" for Texas women.
Personally, I am pro-life. However, I do not agree with the radical approaches some pro-life supporters use to spread our message. I personally do not condemn women who have had or are contemplating getting an abortion. Instead, I have been taught to comfort those women and to help them in whatever way I can. Personally, I am not ready to be a mother. I am only 20 years old and still have to graduate next semester. But, if I were to become pregnant, I would recognize the baby as a baby and not refer to him/her as "it." As if "it" is the "end of my life." As harsh as this may sound, if you decide to have sex, then you should be ready for the effects of your actions. As for unplanned pregnancies in the result of rape, I empathize for those women. It is not fair at all but, I sincerely hope that they decide to give that child a chance and possibly put them up for adoption. I personally know so many women who have reproductive diseases and other struggles that have so much trouble trying to get pregnant or to just live.
So what do I think the court will decide? I honestly do not know.
Sepehr Olfatmanesh
Online
Personally, I am pro-life. However, abortion is legal in America. I am NOT arguing whether that is right or that is wrong. But it is the law, and the law prevails over all religious or philosophical opinions in the United States. The precedence of law over religion is a unique and critical element of the Constitution.
You may have a philosophical belief that you have the right to carry guns in Massachusetts. if you come to Massachusetts with a gun, you will be arrested. Your philosophical or religious opinion does not take precedence over the law of the land as voted upon by its citizens.
Arguments about when life does or does not begin have nothing to do with the actions Texas and other states take to deliberately circumvent the law. I have no issue with anybody who disagrees with the legality of abortion. However, nothing you write or say makes a difference unless you convince your countrymen and Congress to change the law.
I have no idea what the Supreme Court will decide, but I just know they're going to have tough arguments.
Michael M. 2 a.m.
I am adopted myself so having heard and read a lot about abortion has made me come to realize that it honestly should be up to the woman, not religion or the government to regulate a woman's wish to abort or not. Rape happens, whether we want to accept it or not and sometimes pregnancy occurs from it. A woman who is faced with this shouldn't have to have a child that she didn't plan or want. I am a conservative myself so for me to say this is very difficult because I believe in pro life. Now say it was a relationship and the girl got pregnant, fine she knew what she was doing and so did the guy, it takes two to tango. In that case it should be kept. I personally hope that the wish to down size on abortion clinics here in Texas doesn't occur because a woman should be allowed that option.
Jonathan V (T/TH 2)
I believe any woman that chooses to make the decision to abort should have the appropriate clinics available to them. The reduction from 40 clinics to only 10 based on safety is far-fetched to say the least. In my mind it is unethical to place such a burden on women that are looking for help. After reading the stipulations that clinics should meet; I would like to have more concrete evidence of the dangers. I also don't believe there is enough individuals out in the world willing to adopt every child put up for adoption so some will ultimately find themselves stuck in the foster care system. I hope that the ruling is ultimately ruled unconstitutional but I'm not sure how the USSC will rule.
I'm hoping that the Supreme Court will rule to against the Texas law, allowing the abortion clinics to stay open. It seems to me like closing down so many abortion clinics places an undue burden on people seeking abortions, similar to the undue burden decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Requiring hours of travel, or even travel into another state for an abortion seems over the top, especially because travel is expensive and lots of people seeking abortions are doing so because they don't have the money for a pregnancy or a child.
Jacob Mickle (T/TH 2:00pm)
I believe that Texas will do it’s best to limit the ability to preform an abortion for women. As a male I can’t say I will fully understand what it means to give birth to a baby. No amount of reading or story telling will enable me to 100% grasp what it would truly be like. But I know that there are certain medical and rape scenarios that should allow women to be given the option. For non-medical or rape scenarios, I don’t find abortion to be the solution. Despite what the doctors said, my grandma had my uncle at the age of 53. My uncle is now married with my newest cousin on the way, and my grandma plans on cooking thanksgiving dinner for everyone just like every other year. Women are stronger then some people like to think. I believe when times are tough you just have to dig deep and figure it out. Young women can still have a baby, make a life for them selves and raise a good kid. I cannot say that my mother had me early, but she raised me by her self. I’ve learned right from wrong, integrity, and seen the ability a woman has with out a man. My mom could have be SELFISH and given me up at any time. But she loved me and I’m not sure if I could ever repay her for her scarifies.
I believe abortion for SELFISH reasons to be wrong. That hard work and commitment can produce good works. And if worse comes to worse and you fail as a parent, walk way and give your child an opportunity to be adopted so that he or she CAN be loved. It’s not a matter of “woman’s rights” to me. I see woman who need medical or rape trauma help and other who are SELFISH. If woman are equal to Men as I believe, then own up to mistakes just like a man has to pay child support for 18 years. Women are strong individuals, it can be done. I am living proof of that.
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. Although I completely disagree with that, it's likely to happen. It's just how a conservative state like Texas operates. I'm a very firm believer of separation of church and state so when people use a religiously driven argument against abortion I dismiss it immediately. Of course, abortion is a horrible thing. Nobody likes abortion and I'm sure no woman has ever enjoyed having an abortion, but this is about being able to choose what to do with your body. If a woman becomes pregnant simply because she didn't use a contraceptive and became pregnant, she should have the right to choose to have an abortion even if she became pregnant out of her (and her partner's) irresponsibility. If a woman is raped, then she should especially have the option to abort the baby. I know that this issue is immensely complex, but for me personally, it is as simple as a woman should have the choice to have an abortion under any circumstance.
In my opinion its unfortunate that Texas has already ruled to close all but 10 abortion clinics in the state. SCOTUS is ruling on whether or not this is constitutional, and I believe that it is not. There is an argument that is it to save lives however, could you imagine if a bill was proposed that would limit a Texans ability to acquire a firearm? Both present the argument of potentially saving innocent lives, closing of all but 10 places you could purchase a firearm and then to match the time consuming and tedious steps a woman is forced to go through that come along with getting an abortion such as a waiting period, listening to the pulse of the fetus and a trans vaginal procedure, usually an ultrasound, in which the woman's vagina is probed, was matched equally by a waiting period, rigorous background checks, classes on gun safety and gun violence along with a certification process to even own a firearm, not even carry it, all this before a firearm was able to be purchased I doubt would be looked at and viewed in the same light in our great state. I imagine it would be viewed as unconstitutional paired with rants of government infringement. In my opinion I think that women should have the same relative access to birth control, contraceptives, abortions etc. as persons over 18 years of age have buying firearms in Texas.
Veronica Umana 2pm
I really hope that Texas rules in favor of limiting the amount of abortion clinics. I was reading the previous comments and many pro-choice believers seem to think that only pro-life people are pro-life for religious reasons. This is missing the point. It is a life, and because it can't fend for itself I don't think it should be killed only because the mother didn't want him/her or she just can't afford it. We are talking about a human life! I think taking the stance of a pro-life doesn't mean that we are against female sexuality or female rights. We love babies, and we also love women. There are definitely alternatives to having an abortion, and of course that goes for adoption. Even science proves that human life begins at conception, this isn't just a point made out of faith, and science clearly proves this. Yes, the ten commandments says "thou shall not kill" but also isn't it part of the law that we can't kill a human being? If a mother were to kill her 2 year old son would she not be punished for it because it IS against the law. How does a mere change of location from inside the womb to outside of the womb change the essential nature of the unborn? No, the government isn't trying to tell the women what they can/can't do with their body, they are just trying to establish less abortion clinics. These "strict laws" are put into place to protect women from the lies, deception, inadequate safety standards.
Olivia S.
11a.m. T/TH
I think that Texas will continue to rule in favor of closing clinics around the state. I think that SCOTUS may be able to come back saying that this is unconstitutional(which I somewhat hope happens). I can see both sides of the argument. That is why I think that these clinics should be available for certain circumstances. I believe that a woman has a right to her body and the choices that come along with that. It would be very sad for women to not have a reliable health clinic to look to in a time of need.
In the article provided I thought Nancy Northup was very accurate when she said, “Playing politics with women’s health isn’t just wrong,” she said in a statement. “It’s dangerous for many women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands.”.
Katherine B.
11 a.m. T/TH
As one of my classmates mentioned, Texas has already reduced the number of abortion clinics from 40 to 10, which in my opinion is very unfortunate. What is also unfortunate is that it would not surprise me if this continues to happen. I think we need to work on making sure these clinics have adequate safety standards and not shut them down. I believe that every woman has a right to her own body. Sadly, if their is not a safe environment for a woman to receive an abortion some women will go about it on their own means and that is terrifying. Yes, there is one argument that there is an option of adoption but there are hundreds and thousands of children in our below-par foster care system already who have trouble finding homes. I believe we also need to take into consideration the extreme cases where women are raped and become pregnant. In my opinion it is not the governments right to take away women's healthcare options. If someone doesn't believe in the right to abortion then that's great, don't get one. But who are we to take that option away from others?
Karlee Tobola, 2pm
I think that Texas will end up limiting the number of available abortion clinics. Personally, I wish that they wouldn't. I feel strongly about my belief in women (and anyone for that matter) having 100% control over 100% of their body. Things like this should be available to women if and when they need it. Some arguments are that women need to live with the consequences of their sexual activity, that if they're "old enough to have sex, they're old enough to raise a child" and that having an abortion is a "rash decision."
People who are knowingly and voluntarily destroying their bodies by suffering from drug and alcohol addiction have rehabilitation centers that they can check themselves into if they're on the path to sobriety. Addicts aren't forced to live with their bad decisions and outcomes of their mistakes for the rest of their lives - they're offered opened arms, second chances and no judgment, even though they are literally killing themselves with their addiction. But when a woman is confronted with the most personal problem that she could face, she is judged and told that she must bring this child into the world, regardless of her personal situation, background, or ability to be a parent and raise a child.
I think that when a woman must have to decide whether or not she wants to terminate her pregnancy, the last thing that she does is make a "rash decision." That is one of the most personal, emotional and traumatic experiences and decisions that a woman can face, and her decision is everything but rash. Every possibility, outcome and alternative is considered and whatever a woman chooses - whether it be to get an abortion or give birth - She should have the RIGHT to choose.
In Texas alone, there are just under 13,000 children in foster care waiting for permanent family placement. That doesn't include all children in foster care - only the ones that are awaiting permanent families. Throughout the U.S., more than 100,000 children and youth are in need of permanent adoptive families. What will this limit on abortion clinics do to the already overpopulated foster facilities? If every person that votes to have abortion clinics limited, adopted a foster child, I wonder how many children would actually have a family and how much the number of foster children would decrease.
I'm not shoving abortion down anyone's throat and this doesn't mean that I'm against adoption. I just believe that no matter what anyones beliefs are, it should be the choice of the individual. If an abortion goes against what you believe in and you don't believe that it's humane, then that's fine - I would never try to convince you otherwise and no one ever should. But don't limit my rights and tell ME that YOU have control over the rights of MY body. I think it's kind of ridiculous that it's even up for discussion in this country to pass such a law.
I am not quite sure which way the U.S. Supreme Court will rule. On one hand, I feel that the USSC has become more liberal as the country has, but on the other hand Texas is still conservative in many parts. It seems surprising to me that in this day and age a state as big as Texas would only have 10 abortion clinics. This is a scary thought because so many women will not have access to safe clinics for an abortion and then would result in women taking an irresponsible path to receive an abortion that could danger themselves. For me personally, I know that I would never get an abortion. At the same time, I do not judge others who have chosen to do so. I do not have a righteous reason but just that I am not comfortable with a procedure like that. I still feel that other women should have a right to make their own decision in the matter and have the ability to choose what they do with their body because of the country we live in.
According to the Casey decision, “states may not place undue burdens on the constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability. Undue burdens, it said, included “unnecessary health regulations that have the purpose or effect of presenting a substantial obstacle to a woman seeking an abortion (Liptak, Adam).” If the USSC upheld a law that allowed Texas to close the majority of the abortion clinics in the state it would place an undue burden on women seeking to terminate unwanted pregnancies. I know this is an uncomfortable subject for many but I support women’s right to choose. If the clinics are closed it would force women to take extreme measures to seek medical abortions. Many women may not be able to afford the journey to the nearest clinic and may attempt an unsafe procedure on their own. Other women may choose to have the child because they can’t get to a clinic. A child born to a mother who doesn’t want it will not have a good quality of life. The clinics this law would close also offer healthcare services to women. I hope the USSC upholds the law and prevents Texas from closing so many clinics that provide much needed healthcare to women in our state.
Jennifer A. 2 p.m.
Wow, this sure is a tough topic. Abortion is not something I like to regularly talk about because everyone has extremely different opinions, and I personally have mixed feelings about it. As a previous classmate has mentioned, Texas is only keeping 10 of the 40 clinics open, which I feel is unfortunate. I am personally against abortion, but I can see why it should be legal. If a woman really wants to have an abortion, she's going to find a way to get it done, so it's better for it to be done safely in a sterile environment by a professional. A woman shouldn't be forced to have a child that she does not want or can't provide for because she can't get access to the right healthcare.
11 a.m.
I think it should be a woman’s choice and setting limits on woman’s health is going to continue to be a pressing issue. I believe the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. I don't think clinics will ever be fully banned because woman will, "take matters into their own hands." I do strongly believe the state will limit as many clinics as they can so this prevents easy access to clinics and will be other reason why woman look away from abortion.
I think that the law has a chance at being overturned by the Supreme Court mostly because of previous abortion related Supreme Court decisions and because of the recent more "liberal" decision of allowing gay marriage to be the law of the land. On the other hand, it could quite possibly be upheld considering there are only three female justices and it's mostly males who are putting these laws in place that have adverse affects on women and can quite possibly change the rest of their lives.
Jeanine V. @ 11 a.m.
I am completely against this law and hope that it does get overturned by the Supreme Court. Before abortion was legal, women as stated in the article and by other commenters, would take matters into their own hands. Many would die or have severe consequences to doing at home abortions. And while I agree that adoption is a viable option and that most people should really consider it before abortion, it's not always the best option for women. Not to mention the large amount of children in the foster programs and the notorious horrible conditions they are put in. Women who are raped or victims on incest, have a child with a chronic disease, or even too young to have a child should be allowed the option without question.
These laws that limit the amount of abortion clinics and that make you have a sonogram to hear your baby's heartbeat to make you feel bad are just low ball, lame attempts to limit abortions.
Elyse Rountree 2 P.M.
I feel as though every women should have a right to chose whether or not she will have an abortion. Abortion is something that is frowned upon by citizens, but some women get abortions because they know they will not be able to care for the child and there are many more circumstances that come to mind why some women get abortions. The fact that Texas went from 40 clinics to 10 clinics is upsetting, especially for the woman who actually need the abortions.
I hope the USSC will rule in favor on what each of them believe in, not just what they believe is right or wrong. I do hope this is overturn and rule it's unconstitutional because everyone has a choice and they should agree that no child should be born into family where there is poverty and the child may not grow up in a family-oriented home.
Nicole Steimle
2:00 pm
I personally believe that each individual woman has the right to choose to have a baby or not. But from the Liptak article, I don't agree that the Texas law in question is unlawful. I think that women's safety and health should be the top priority. I think the building, equipment, and doctors should be held to some kind of standard for the safety of the people getting treated in them. This Texas law is not taking away the possibility of abortion. If a woman is adamant about having an abortion, she will find a clinic to go to. Texas in an enormous state, so to only have around 40 places available is already a small number to work with.
Ryan Kirkman 2 pm
This Texas law reminds me of the planned parenthood case because of the ruling made by the USSC. The court determined that the government can't place an undue burden on women who are trying to get an abortion. Limiting the number of clinics could be considered an undue burden. Only having ten clinics in a big state like Texas will make it very inconvenient for the women who live in rural areas. I'm sure this will be something the courts will have to consider. I think the USSC will rule against this law because of the way they have ruled on abortion and womens rights in the past. And if they rule in favor of it then they are saying that it is ok for the government to have control and power over the number of clinics that they think is appropriate. And what's to stop them from continuing to bring down that number down further if they win. We all know that the Texas government and governor are highly against abortion and want it to be completely illegal. I have a hard time justifying trying to control what women do with their own bodies especially as a male. As sad as abortions can be I don't think we should leave that decision up to the government.
Brenda Camacho
T.TH 11 a.m.
Abortion is a really touchy subject just because there is no right answer. Yes getting rid of a life so early on is really sad, but I can't be one to judge someone because it's not my life or my choice. I think the choice should be left to women in general not the government. Why does should the government tell me what I can and can't do with my body. There are many reason's why people chose to have abortions, and it's not something that is easy. So why are women being condemned and not being allowed to have a choice. When I found out that Texas was starting to keep women from doing what they feel they need to do it got me really mad, so I am glad that USSC is taking this case. I honestly hope they see this from the eyes of women and not just judge us. There have been many similar cases that we have gone over that gives me some hope that the USSC will give us a break.
Evan Barrera 2 PM
I have no idea what the USSC will rule, but I hope they rule against shutting down the clinics. If you have a state where more than 60,000 women choose to have an abortion each year, then I don't think it makes sense to have only about 10 abortion clinics. I think this makes things much worse, as people might try to find unsafe alternatives rather than driving long distances just to get an abortion. If I had to guess, I would guess that the USSC will rule in favor of closing the clinics but I hope they don't.
Haley G (2 p.m.)
As many others have stated, I too believe that Texas will vote in favor of limiting abortion clinics across the state. I feel that this decision and way of thinking is detrimental to our state. Personally I believe that government has no right to rule on what a person, male or female, should be able to do with their own body. As a woman it is the harsh reality that so many of the laws that are passed oppressing our rights have been by the hands of men who will never understand what it is like to be a woman or bring life into this world. For myself it is mind boggling that so many public officials in our state, as well as other conservative states, so harshly rule in favor of pro-life, yet rule against many forms of public care and assistance. If you care so greatly about the unborn fetus that a teenage girl, in poverty, is carrying, then why deny support for that same mother and child once she has been forced to give birth? Obviously these issues stretch much farther than one example and are extremely subjective, however I personally believe that my government should be more concerned with greater issues than when I decide that I am able to be the mother that my child deserves.
In my opinion, Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. Not that that is what I want, but from the endless articles and social media hype I can already tell this will be the decision made. Just like most of my colleagues have stated in their posts, I do believe that Texas is slowly but surely making some real changes. I am always really good at looking at both sides of an argument and I would have to say this is one is obviously a tough one. Yes, every woman should have the right to do whatever they want with their body, but you can also think about how many successful people there are out there that were adopted. I get it, no one wants to think of a baby being killed. Why would anyone want to even think about that? It is completely understandable. Although personally I would never get an abortion, I think it is fair for every woman to make the decision on wether or not to raise a child. Most of these laws are made by men who do not know what it is like to me a woman and bring life to this world. We must remember every person has personal struggles and we cannot judge based on a decision that is for them to make.
Evelyn G. 2 p.m.
Even though I grew up in a semi-religious home that was pro-life, I could never understand the logic behind these beliefs. Everyone is so bent on birthing every baby possible, but worry about it after that is done. "It's okay; you can always give it up for adoption." Does anybody really know what it feels like to be a child that is put into foster care? Why would you think that is the best for a child, when sometimes it doesn't work out and they are jumping from home to home?
"Motherhood is a beautiful thing. You'll regret it later." This saying only contributes to the social norms that women are working extremely hard to break every single day. Not every woman is meant to be a mother and forcing her to do so will not only affect her, but her child. Again, why would that be the best option for the child when it actually might be the worst.
As much as I am pro-choice, I don't know if I would want to have an abortion as a close friend of mine did a few years back. However, that was her decision to make, and I completely supported her and accompanied her.
D. Lopez 2 p.m. class
I think that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics, but I don't necessarily agree with it. I feel like there are certain situations where an abortion option should be given to women; such as rape victim's and things of that nature...I feel like if a woman falls victim to sexual assault, rape, etc. then she should have the option or whether or not to keep the baby it the assault results in pregnancy. But, for women who are just having sex all the time and accidentally gets pregnant, I think should have to keep the baby, and if they don't want it then they can give it up for adoption, but they made the choice to open their legs and have sex therefore they knew what could happen and should have to live with it.
I believe that the USSC will rule in favor of Texas. Though abortion is legal, each state is still allowed to put restrictions on abortion. The only problem Texas will have, is the fact that the new law is so strict. As long as Texas can prove their reasoning, then the Supreme Court should see that Texas is not doing anything unconstitutional.
In my opinion, I do hope Texas wins, because I am pro-life. I believe that every child should have a chance at life. And I hope women who have children that they did not ask for, will realize what a precious gift a child can be.
-Ana Z. 2 P.M.
In my personal opinion I believe that the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting the amount of abortion clinics in the state. I don't know if I fully agree with it though. There are things to consider with this though. Times are really chaining right now., not just in Texas but throughout the whole world. We are starting to evolve with things that we thought would never happen. I would not say that I am against abortion, I think that women should be able to have the decision of what they want to do based on the circumstances. If there were to not be any abortion clinics I feel like that would make women go back to getting an abortions "the old fashion way" or that is would be something they would have to find a private doctor that would do this known as "back - alley abortions," This would endanger women's health as well. Like I said I think that women should have the decision. If women were to not get abortions, the population rate would increase leaving many children without homes, and in foster homes. There are already so many kids that are in foster homes and never get to live in a real home which would just increase the rate of foster kids. Everything happens for a reason, I think that it is the women's decision but maybe they should make it to where you can get an a abortion depending on the circumstance.
Tessa Andrade 2pm
I do not think the USSC will rule in favor of Texas. Texas wants to drop their 40 abortion clinics to only 10 which is very extreme for a state as big as Texas with such a huge population of women and I think the USSC will see that. If the USSC lets this pass it will just give Texas the opportunity to eventually shut down all abortion clinics in the state. Many women who are getting these abortions are people who cannot afford to travel across state and therefore are being denied a right that all women should have, which is the right to make their own choices involving their body and life. The amount of women who actually give their children up for adoption after being born is very slim. They end up keeping the child, using government assistants to try and raise it and it is just not a good situation for the mother or child. Yes, abortion is not ideal and the women who choose that path will have to live with the choice they made, but it should be THEIR choice. I believe that the USSC will see that ruling with Texas would be unconstitutional and a set back to the rights of women.
Shelby Mueller 2pm
I think do not like the law trying to be enforced. Its not technically taking away a women's right to get an abortion however, it is making it as difficult as possible for that to happen. Abortion is a choice a women should be able to make without having to drive hours away to one of the few locations in Texas. Having only 4 locations in Texas is unfair considering the fact that Texas is the largest state in the U.S. Choosing to get an abortion is a hard, emotional decision already so making women who are not close to an abortion clinic drive for hours to do a life changing task is emotionally damaging.
And if this law is approved by the Supreme Court what about the smaller states? Will they only have one clinic available? I hope the Supreme Court roles against this.
Much to the comments that have been mentioned above, I think that the United States Supreme Court will rule in favor of Texas. I think that even abortion is legal it can still be regulated by the state how they see fit. The one problem I have is that the law is very strict, it seems like by limiting abortion clinics pro-life people can get more of a choke hold on pro-choice people. If you can limit the number if abortion clinics then who's to say when to stop.
Ultimately it is up to Texas to decide what will be unconstitutional. In my opinion I hope Texas doesn't win because I am Pro-choice and feel that every women has the right to choose.
In the issues of abortion in my opinion what a woman wishes to do with her body is what should be heard. A person should have options, it is there choice not another persons. as long as we have a first amendment we should always ask for options not be presented with a single choice decide be some other group.
damian,B 2p.m.
Brette Minton - 2pm TTH
Shortly after moving to Texas from Kansas, also an all-around red state, I quickly came to the conclusions that one of the Texas governments' goals is to rule women's bodies and make choices for them. For republicans desiring smaller government involvement, they certainly have no issue on making laws regarding others' rights. Abortion is an extremely touchy subject in general but I feel it is most talked about and fought in Texas politics. I believe Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics that get to stay open, if any at all in the long run. This issue, as we have previously learned, falls under the privacy tort. I have a very strong belief on women's rights. Women should have the option, no, the RIGHT to choose for themselves what is done to their bodies.
By decreasing the number of clinics in the state it will not only make it harder for women to get the proper care they need, but it won't stop unsafe abortions from happening.
"No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body." - Margaret Sanger
I hope that the USSC rules against Texas on this issue. I have faith that they will see the ethical dilemma behind shutting down these clinics as they have served as a need to women across the state. It has been strongly argued that abortion is an ethical dilemma itself, some even going as far as to calling it murder. But at the end of the day I truly think that women should have a choice of what they do with their bodies. I think that if these clinics are eliminated, it will take us back in history to a time where women sought inhumane ways of aborting these babies. I also think its important to realize that there can potentially be a lot of different circumstances as to why a young woman becomes pregnant, like rape for instance. I don't think that abortion should even be up for political debate, because I think it should be a bodily given right to women who have the choice. I understand where people are coming from with the tragedy of an abortion, but at the end of the day.. why are we speaking for these women? These women should speak for themselves. It makes me think back to the connecticut case where contraceptives were kept from people, once again.. I think ruling for Texas will be taking us back in a dark place of history.
Adriana Bueno - 2pm/TTH
I'm not sure how the Supreme Court will rule. I think it could go either way, but I hope they overturn this law. In my opinion, having less abortion clinics is not necessarily going to reduce the number of women who choose to have an abortion. It's just going to make it more difficult for them to have one, which could potentially lead to unsafe and dangerous methods. Texas is a huge state and 10 abortion clinics is not enough to cover all the women who might need abortions for different reasons. Even though this works in favor of conservatives who are trying to avoid women getting abortions at all costs, I think women should have access to abortion clinics if they were to need them. I understand that making abortion clinics accessible for everyone can also lead to reckless behavior and make people not take pregnancy seriously, but if a woman happens to get pregnant and is still too young, or is still in college or for whatever reason doesn't want to have a baby at that point in her life, she should have the right to choose what she wants to do. Having a baby is not something that should be taken lightly. Not everyone is prepared for that, and we should respect a woman's decision to end her pregnancy if she wishes to do so.
Conor H. (tues/thur, 2pm)
I think that the supreme court will rule in favor of Texas just because Texas is more of an "old fashion", christian state. I can't say that I agree with what is being proposed just because I believe that a woman can do what she pleases with her body. I also think limiting clinics wouldn't help much because women will just try and preform abortions themselves, and that's not safe.
I have personal and objective views on abortion. I personally would never get an abortion if I got pregnant since I would regret it for my whole life. I would feel like I took the life of a child who never had a chance. However, I know not everyone thinks the same way I do. I understand that a fetus is not considered officially alive until brain activity begins, so I think before that time, abortions are perfectly fine. It really only bothers me if it's used as a form of birth control for people who don't want to take actual birth control or buy condoms. I don't think that's common though. That's my two bits!
I'm not entirely sure how the USSC will rule, I can honestly see it going either way. Abortion is an odd subject for me because I feel like I stand directly in-between the two opposing sides. I grew up very conservative and I would say I'm a moderate conservative now, so I think that these abortion babies do deserve a chance at life. But I can also see how abortions are necessary, especially with pregnancies due to rape and what not. I mainly just have problems with late term abortions and people who are quick to get abortions as if it was a type of birth control or they're just not fully thinking things through. In the end, it is ultimately up to the woman; it is in fact her body and her call. I just feel like there are too many young women these days that are too quick to get abortions and don't fully process what they are actually doing. I've known quite a few women who are only 21-22 and have had 3+ abortions. I just think that's irresponsible and wrong.
Hans M.
2pm
I believe that laws regarding abortion are a difficult issue, but I don't believe that the right path for those lawmakers that advocate pro-life to take is to introduce laws that only cause issued for women. Many women who go to these clinics rely currently on the health services they offer and by causing such clinics to struggle such services doesn't just damage women's rights, it harms the heath of the women who need those services. The laws that Texas are trying to pass seem to go directly against the decision in the Casey case, in which they decided that no undue burdens should be placed on the Constitutional rights of women. With that in mind it seems to me that the Supreme Court will most likely not side with Texas in this case.
Miguel Perez 11:00am
Texas reducing the amount of abortion clinics by 30 in 2013 was tragic. A human being is the rightful owner of their body and can choose to do what they please. Yes, nobody likes hearing stories (and pictures) about abortions. It’s scary. But a young couple (because I’m sure most people that go to those clinics are young) may sometimes not be ready for such a huge responsibility. This to me is a big factor into why having these clinics disposable to young couples is important. But the reason I hear about the most on social media is that the government does not have a right to a women’s body and cannot limit what they can do.
Laura Garza
2 pm
Like most people have commented, I also think the state of Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics. Honestly, I'm not really sure which side I'm on in this particular argument. I do believe that every person deserves a chance at life, but I know there are certain circumstances where women truly feel that an abortion is the best option for them. Part of me wants the number of abortion clinics to be reduced, but I also hate the idea of women not having safe options and being forced to "take matters into their own hands."
Osita O. 2 p.m
I absolutely cringe with the talk of abortion. I can’t even fathom how much that entire process must hurt. Who would willingly want to put themselves through that. (Nobody would "want" that... of course.) Besides the instance of being raped, I cant comprehend why the "hand of death" should be granted to individuals to eliminate another human. I believe I hold this position because of how sexualized the American society has become. From what I witnessed, sex is becoming more and more nonchalant. You can buy the plan B pill like candy. I can only imagine individuals progressing to the abortion clinic when they realize they are out of the time frame for the pill to take effect. Again, I just don’t see why this atrocious act should be committed because one can't grasp the concept of what all sex entails. It's your body and you should be able to do whatever you like with it, I get that. However, to me it's similar to acquiring a puppy and taking it back because you did not know it was going to be difficult to raise it. Regarding the USSC topic, Ill state whatever happens, happens because at the end of the day a person is going to do what they please no matter legality.
Luis Luna
2pm
After reading the article I do believe that the supreme court will rule in favor of Texas. It's unfortunate, but they will defend their decision by saying that they are not placing an undue burden on these women, simply because they aren't getting rid of every abortion clinic. This is not an easy issue to talk about, and I don't know where I stand on this issue. In my personal opinion, I believe that there are cases where it might be necessary for a woman to have an abortion. I also find it ridiculous when I see men protesting in favor to get rid of abortion clinics. We will never know what being pregnant is like, so i think it's stupid and hypocritical when they argue against women's rights. Also, if men were able to get pregnant I don't think that we would be having this discussion. The courts would probably have many abortion clinics around the nation if that was the case.
Cindy c. Online.
I believe the UsSC will say the Texas law creates undue burden.
The restrictions about a doctor having hospital privileges for this procedure but not for others is one reason. Did you know your family physicians don't have or need hospital privileges anymore? Most never step foot in a hospital. Granted they aren't doing complicated procedures either, but you would be amazed what a primary care physician can do in their office without hospital privileges. This burden is a large one that creates a large amount of red tape for finding physicians willing to go through hospital credentialing (a tedious task with requirements on admitting and seeing a certain amount of patients, and must be redone every few years).
In addition, Texas is huge! With the population data the article presents, and the decline of clinics these regulations cause, the travel burden is a big one in some cases where the woman would have to be able to travel great distances to have the abortion.
Personally my beliefs are not what drives my comments-I feel the law won't stay as is because it is impeding on what was established previously-it does create too great of a burden for those seeking the abortion. Which the right was established in roe v wade and I don't see that being overturned.
I hope that the USSC does not pass a law that limits the number of abortion clinics, but it might happen based on politics in Texas. It would be a very bad idea because women would not have a safe place to turn to. They might end up resorting to unsafe methods that result in their life. Abortion Clinics can also offer other services that can help a pregnant woman. I do not wish to share my opinion on pro-life or pro-choice. Free will is a right that everyone has.
Ricardo Puebla (2pm)
Though i do not necessarily agree i believe that the supreme court will rule in favor of Texas.
It is my opinion that a woman has the choice to choose whether or not she wants to get an abortion. I dont necessarily agree with taking a potential like but that's not my place to say whether she should or not. There are extreme circumstances where an abortion is absolutely necessary such as a woman becoming pregnant after being raped. What kind of life would the child have knowing he or she was the consequence of a rape. Or if a child has a genetic or developmental disorder that could render the child deformed or impaired in some way. you have to ask yourself what kind of quality of life would the child have? There are other circumstances where it would be necessary but these are just a few.
I agree this is a very controversial and difficult issue, and there are valid arguments to both sides of the issue. However, if it were my body I know i would want to be in control. A woman should be able to choose for herself without the government getting involved.
Trevor Frank
Tue & Thur 2pm
While a subjective liberally-inclined person, like myself, would argue that the Texas lawmakers are crafting these new safety codes/measures as a smokescreen tactic to decrease the number of abortion clinics, I cannot deny that it's a brilliant maneuver to get their agenda passed. Although the legislature may take away from certain women's rights in regards to their access to abortion clinics, the law would improve health standards for women attending said clinics. In a smartly crafted paradox, women's rights would be restricted for the supposed purpose of women's health.
I don't want to think that the USSC would leave every woman west of San Antonio without an immediate center for an abortion, but at the same I worry that the law will be passed.
Anthony Balladares
November 22, 2015
Tuesday-Thursday 11 am
I do believe that women reserve the right to have an abortion under extreme circumstances as stated a couple comments above. Thus, i believe there should be a more strict process one should go through in order to get one. I see it as a child is a gift and under only extreme conditions should a potential life be taken away.
I also believe that the USSC will rule in favor of Texas and limit the number of clinics.
Tyler Hull
Tuesday-Thursday 2:00
Daniela G 2pm
Unfortunately I think that because of Texas' history regarding this subject, the state is going to limit the abortion clinics. In my opinion I would much rather the clinics not be limited being that Texas is such a large and populated state, and 10 clinics is simply not enough. There's reasons why a woman might not want to have a baby and she shouldn't be told whether she can or cannot. Limiting the amount of clinics, and just pro life views in general I feel, is like telling a woman that doesn't want to have the baby "too bad". I don't get why the government (or just males in general) have a say in whether a woman is ready or not to bring a human being into this world. What women choose to do with their bodies is nobody's business but their own. It's not fair to even consider that if this happens, women might be tempted to take matter into their own hands. I hope the USSC puts their morals/beliefs aside and rule against this so we can move forward and not back. Then again, history repeats itself.
This is a very sensitive topic that can upset many people. I had this discussion with people from both sides and even though everyone has very good argument I personally beleive this is a decision that a woman has to make based on her situation. I also beleive that, it must be such a difficult and painful decision, probably the hardest one a woman has to go through.
I have a friend who had an abortion and even though it seemed as a solution at that moment, she still thinks and talks about it, it is very painful to me to hear her talk about it, I can't imagine how hard it must be for her.
Regarding the legal issue, I feel it must be a personal decision therefore no one should impose or influence a woman's decision as it must already be very complicated.
This being said, I know that it us also a painful situation for the men either being in relationship or not with the woman to go under this. As I said my friend who had an abortion, didn't give any option to her boyfriend, he can't get over the fact that he didn't have any control and still not able to recover from this.
Nestor V 2 PM
I truly believe that any woman carrying an unborn baby reserves the right on what she plans to do with it. If for some reason, her circumstances led her to the conclusion to abort the pregnancy, the woman should have the proper avenue for her to go to in order to have a safe and secure abortion.
It should be no question on whether or not a woman may carry out an abortion with the help of a doctor.
It's very strange in our society where politicians and the conservative public hold a baby's unborn life in such high regard yet will turn their backs on the baby once it needs federal help to raise the child. People will say that if the mother truly couldn't take care of the baby, she shouldn't have had it in the first place or had practiced safe sex. If a woman truly wants to opt out early, she should be allowed to.
Emilia H TH 11am
Although I do not necessarily agree, I do believe the Supreme Court will rule in in favor of Texas and restrict the amount of clinics in the state.
I believe all women have the right to have the CHOICE of having an abortion depending on the situation. There are many situations that lead women to decide to get an abortion and by taking away these clinics, I feel the government is in away intervening in a women's private life and right to her own body. Instead of shutting down these clinics, lawmakers should focus on better ways to prevent these unwanted pregnancies leading to women having to make choice. What a women decides to do with her own body is her own choice and should simply not be pressured and forced to bring a child into this world that is not wanted. If many of these clinics do end up closing down, I fear many woman will have to take matters into their own hands.
Tiffany B. 2 p.m.
I think and hope the U.S. Supreme Court will rule Texas is putting an undue burden on abortions. I believe that it’s a privacy issue that should not be determined by anyone other than the woman seeking an abortion. Just because a state eliminates abortion clinics does not mean that a woman’s decision will change. Why not make it safe for a women to have an adoration and use the aborted fetus for something good, stem cell research. In regards to the protest on campus, I found it ironic that the pro-life organization consisted of middle age men that do NOT have a woman’s reproductive organs. Plus the horrifying pictures that was represented could have caused emotional infliction to those who could have had an abortion. I was very proud of my fellow classmates for protesting pro choice. In all, I feel it’s a woman's choice, no one else. In regards to babies being put up for adoption instead of being aborted, I find that the foster system is extremely cruel. In terms of the environment, we live in a world that consist of over population, which causes an increase of co2 levels and a decrease of resources. Plus, the more kids you have, the higher of chance you will live in poverty. In all, the state of Texas must not limit the abortion clinics and should invest in stem cell therapy research.
Makyla Jo M.
2pm
As many people have already said this is a very controversial topic and I can find myself even going back and fourth on what I believe is right. Personally social media plays a huge role in this, after watching video’s that are shared all over Facebook about pro-life I find myself getting emotional watching the graphic photos they show. However, at the same time I feel that a woman should have a right to be pro-choice. I am not sure how the USSC will rule to this case; I hope they do not limit the clinics in Texas because I believe that a woman should be able to make a decision herself about what she wants. Every situation is different and if the woman feels that an abortion is the best choice to make in her life at that point, then she should be able to do as she chooses.
Kate G. 2 pm.
Unfortunately, I fear the U.S. Supreme Court will rule in favor of the Texas law that limits the amount of clinics that perform abortions. I think that this is a huge mistake. People think that this will prevent abortions, but it will only prevent safe abortions. It's one of the longest-running political and social debates, but morality is subjective. A lot of pro-lifers have religious reasoning behind their stance against abortion, and while that's okay for their personal decision making, it shouldn't be enforced on everyone. A woman should have the right to make choices about her own body. Adoption or parenthood can't be the only options. Too many children are already without families and in the foster care system.
As discussed on the Facebook page, the ruling has been made on Texas abortion clinics. And while this may feel like a victory for pro-life advocates, it's honestly a loss in regards to women's health. I've gone back and forth on this issue, mostly because my big, sensitive heart conflicts with my logical liberal brain. I don't think abortion is okay. HOWEVER. I know that it's an extremely personal, emotional, and potentially life-threatening decision. I also know that women are going to get abortions even if ALL abortion clinics get closed. They'll just go about it in an illegal and unsafe way. If a woman is experiencing a life-threatening pregnancy (ie: if she allows the pregnancy to reach full-term it could kill her and the baby), why on earth should she be forced to travel hundreds of miles or go out of state to get quality medical care for this issue?? Why shut down the clinics that perform abortions safely using licensed staff?
I don't believe it's logical or even honest to attempt to legislate morality, as is the case with any abortion restrictive laws.
The ruling made in Texas is a huge loss for women's health. Limiting one of the largest states to just 10 clinics is abysmal. Religious reasoning should not stop a woman from making a choice about her own body. It's hard to say what the USSC will rule, I feel like they always surprise us however, i feel that they will probably uphold Texas's right to close clinics. I would hope that they find the closing of the clinics unconstitutional and find a way to have more clinics reopen in the state.
Courtney G - 11am
Of course this is a very sensitive controversial subject, in whichever way the court rules, (as we have seen in this class) that doesn't mean its the end. I think this will be an issue that is brought to the USSC until the end of time- because neither side will ever be satisfied. I think when deciding the law, especially in this area, should remember the law is created to benefit everyone, not just to reflect your personal views. In this particular subject wether I personally agree with it or not, closing these clinics would infringe on others rights who do. So just because I might not agree, we shouldn't have the power to step on others who might.
Chassidy Smith- 11 a.m.
My hope is that the U.S Supreme Court will not vote in favor of this law Texas is appealing to cut the number abortion clinics to only 10 throughout the whole state. Abortion is a a very contraversial for all the reasons stated in comments before and others. I do not agree that it is right for the government should play a role in controlling a woman accessibility to the option to abort. Each woman should have the right to choose what she does with her body and her life. I fear that if the U.S Supreme Court votes in favor of this law it will only encourage Texas to continue "reducing" these clinics until they are gone.
Adoption has often been suggested as a better alternative to adoption, but the truth is that the foster care system is overcrowded with children who are not getting adopted. And from my personal experience in the foster care system and witnessing some of the things that go on in the foster homes and group homes, I don't think a child should be brought into the world, because the government or a group of protestors said so. So many people want to force their pro-life opinion on women, but they are not contributing to another solution.
I think that what Texas did was a perfect example of government intrusion. Roe v. Wade is clear when it ruled that abortion is a private matter. I think the law that Wendy Davis stood for over 14 hours against, is intrusive and has created a state that I am embarrassed of. It is clear that women's health was not made a priority in this. I think that the U.S. Supreme Court will overturn the law that was passed. I think they are a little more progressive than those running our state.
Cassidi Johnson, 2pm.
I believe abortions should be legally used for exceptional circumstances including rape, adolescent pregnancies, and also pregnancies that occur in un-ideal situations where the unborn child will potentially live in sickness, danger, distress, traumatizing upbringings, etc. That last exception was pretty vague, but my rationale is on the basis of fetal development and parental responsibility.
1) I believe that abortion procedures should not exceed a woman's 7th week of pregnancy. Between 8 and 20 weeks of a woman's pregnancy is the period of rapid physical and mental development for the unborn baby. The baby's physical capabilities are growing (wiggling his/her fingers and toes), organs are developing and primitive neural pathways are forming. By the 20th week, the unborn child's nervous system is fully capable of transmitting its pain receptors to the baby's brain; meaning at this stage in the pregnancy the baby can feel pain.
My issue with Texas laws imposing such restrictions to limit the availability of abortion procedures is that it limits a female's right to choose. Making abortions too expensive and closing down a large number of abortion clinics is down right insulting for two reason: One, if pro-life advocates and policy makers actually considered the rational morality of fetal abortions, the limitations wouldn't be based on financial and locational availability. If morality concerning the baby and the mother were acknowledged, Texas abortion laws would limit the "timeframe availability" of conducting an abortion procedure and the timeframe would be set well before the 20th week of pregnancy. Two, a woman who meets the exceptional criteria described above should not be subjected to limitations regarding expenses and location because it could negatively affect her choice and right to get an abortion.
2) I believe in choice with responsibility. For a woman to engage in consensual sex without contraception, it is her responsibility to immediately seek guidance either from her guardian, sexual partner, or from a professional. However, abortion laws regarding rape victims should have its own categorization of legislation. If it takes around a month after sex to find out if you're pregnant, that leaves little time to make a decision to proceed with an abortion before 8 weeks of pregnancy. More often than not, rape victims experience a great amount of trauma after the incident but then having to deal with an abortion brings on a whole other wave of distress. Therefore, I do not believe rape victims and irresponsible young adults should have the same abortion rights.
Mario Garcia, 2pm
Like the article states, Texas is the second most populated state, meaning an enormous amount of women are affected by the decision to close more than 3/4ths of the available clinics. This is a huge, for lack of a better word, diss to both women's rights and women's health. Like with many things, limiting something or outlawing it won't mean it will just go away. Lack of clinics will cause more women to take extreme, unsafe measures to receive an abortion. This law would cause more harm than it would do good.
Abortion is a highly sensitive topic, one that will always remain so. There likely won't come an agreement across all parties. I hope there comes a day where all law will work to protect the rights of the people they govern.
Allison Crawford
11am
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting abortion clinics in the state. Even though I feel like the state will rule in favor of limiting the clinics, I don't think this will solve the problem. I honestly think it will be more dangerous. Growing up in a strict Christian home and abortion being against the bible, It is a very sensitive subject to talk about because I have a really close friend who got an abortion at a young age for personal reasons and then I also have a really close friend who is adopted so I choose not to say much on the subject. I would love to see the ruling of the clinics turn into positive because every child deserve a chance at life but living in today's society, unfortunately I don't feel like society will see it that way
Avery A 2pm
I think the ruling will be in favor of limiting abortions. Texas is pretty conservative and although I don't agree with limiting the number of abortion clinics I feel like it will happen. I think people have a right to decide for themselves what they want to do with their own body. Everyone also deserves the right to privacy. There are so many factors for each individuals decision on abortion and that is their own right. I do not think it would be fair to women to limit the number of clinics. They should be able to make their own choice and have the resources they need.
Jamie H. 2 pm
With this being a sensitive topic as most students have already expressed, I too am unsure what the court will rule. In my opinion, cutting down from 40 to 10 clinics is quite the jump, especially when it comes to the size and population of Texas. I don't think cutting down on the number of abortion clinics will solve the issue of abortion. However, I do believe that a woman should be able to make the choice for herself. I think that there are many things one has to think about when it comes to having a child and if a woman feels the need or want to get an abortion, I believe she should be able to do so, and do it safely.
This topic will always be controversial, and neither side will be satisfied with any compromising decision. I personally am pro-choice, and I believe that placing these due burdens on women is not right. It is a woman's choice to do what she pleases with her body, and this is just another way the government can control us in order to please themselves. However judging from how the USSC has made decisions in the past I do think that they will keep as many abortion clinics open as possible in order to do what is best for the majority of the nation. The justices were chosen to think in an unbiased manner, and I think they will-or at least I hope they will-do what is right for the majority, not just what their personal preference may be.
I think that abortion is murder. I think that a forming human with cells is still a potential human. The fetus has the potential for life and taking that opportunity away from the unborn child is unfair to them. I hope that the law is passed that makes abortion illegal, there are plenty of options for potential mothers, adoption and such. Irresponsible people should have to take responsibility for their actions.
I think that abortion is murder. I think that a forming human with cells is still a potential human. The fetus has the potential for life and taking that opportunity away from the unborn child is unfair to them. I hope that the law is passed that makes abortion illegal, there are plenty of options for potential mothers, adoption and such. Irresponsible people should have to take responsibility for their actions
Kathleen Leising 2:00 P.M.
I believe that abortion should be a woman's choice. The vote is a hit to women's health and will encourage women to seek out unsafe abortion options. I feel like the Supreme Court will rule to keep this issue a personal choice for women. Lots of women in the U.S. will be impacted by this vote so it will be interesting to see what the USSC decides.
Greg Dunn, 11 am.
I think the USSC will uphold the Texas law because it will find that the law is not an undue burden. The law states that it is shrinking the number of clinics to ensure that the facilities are safe. That will suffice for the court in my opinion. It will ultimately come down to the fact that there is still access to abortion clinics in the state. As the NYT article states, the decision is going to come down to Justice Kennedy. The court's divisiveness among the conservatives and liberals basically means this whole law will hinge upon Kennedy's decision... We'll see what happens in June.
I do not believe in placing laws on women's reproductive rights. However, I do believe Texas will vote in favor to reduce the number of clinics. One thing that stood out in the article that I feel that most people ignore is that women will find a way to have an abortion- no matter the circumstances, just like people who use illegal drugs will find a way to get what they want. Reducing the number of clinics is harmful to those who can not access one of the major cities. If you look at statistics people who go to Planned Parenthood rarely go for an abortion. Most women visit for yearly exams, breast exams and other services for a low cost. Reducing the number of clinics can create a bigger problem beyond abortions.
Ashley DeBolt
11 a.m.
Jordan Aragon 2 pm
I believe that the USSC will probably keep the limited abortion clinics in Texas. Texas is a republican state and that means pro life in this sense. Texas is planning to reduce the amount of abortion clinics in the state from 40 to 10. Although that will make it harder for women trying to get abortions to actually find a place to get an abortion, there will still be 10 left for the women willing to get an abortion. This law will make it harder but not impossible to get an abortion. I think that women should be able to do what they want with their bodies to an extent. I do not agree with abortion but who am I to tell someone what to do with their own body.
I am pro choice. Texas has predominantly been a pro life state and because of that the majority of the state is trying to make it hard for abortion clinics to be operational and abundant here. I hope the Supreme Court will rule against the limitation laws because it seems Texas is trying to get around the ruling that abortions are legal by making it very difficult for them to be open. As a woman I believe this case is incredible important. If females do not have means to undergo proper major medical surges it will lead them to go to a clinic that is unsafe. By doing that Texas would be putting it's female population into a deeper health risk.
Ashleigh Setta
Media Law 2PM
In my personal opinion, everyone should have the ability to make their own decisions without judgement or defamation. It's a womans private life and body parts that she is entitled to having done whatever she wants with. I don't think a law should get in the way of letting someone choose what they want that will be best for them. I also disagree with the protests on campus about abortion. While screaming things in someones face can get their attention, a vast majority of people sidestep all of that and see it more as humorous watching the commotion and others trying to argue back. It's not that they are wasting their breathe protesting but they're aren't any direct or efficient results after the fact other than some riled up students and faculty.
media law 2pm class^
I believe that the state will vote to limit abortion clinics. I personally do not think the state should do this because it will be incredibly detrimental to women's wellbeing as a whole.
Regardless of the law, people will continue to have unprotected sex and will continue to have abortions be it in more dangerous, whether abortions be legal or not. Speaking as someone whose mother was adoption, my hope is that everyone would want to give a child a chance at life. However, I do believe that it is a choice each individual must make. It is up to each person to do what they believe to be best for all parties involved. It is up to your own moral compass to guide your decisions not a government mandated law.
Jessica G. 11 a.m.
In my opinion I believe that women should have the right to chose what is best for them and their situation. I don't think anyone one should place any sort of judgement on someone for doing what they want with their bodies because in the long wrong it's affecting them and not you. With that being said, Texas being the conservative state that it is, I think that they will end up reducing the number of abortion clinics again. I don't anyone ever plans on ever getting an abortion but i think that if they chose to do so they should have the option to do in a safe place and reducing the number of clinics will limit that. I grew up in El Paso where there was no clinics nearby and i heard several stories of girls going across the border to get the procedure or get the pill which i think is potentially far more dangerous than getting it done in the states. Unplanned pregnancies happen and we should have an option for everyone.
Devon M. Online
Jake N
2 p.m.
The issue of abortion and women's rights regarding that have always boggled my mind. Although I would never condone abortion personally, as a man, I wouldn't expect to have the right to make those decisions for American women. Closing many of these clinics only does a disservice to the women that desperately need them. Closures in the places like the rio grande valley are forcing women to have to travel hundreds of miles to the next if they even have the resources to do so. These closures only go to show this state lacks the critical thinking of the whole picture, in my opinion.
Laura A 2PM
Seems like some people misunderstood what's going on, the US Supreme Court, not the Texas Supreme Court, will be ruling on this subject.
Very happy to see people expressing their personal opinion and how they hope the US Supreme Court will rule and in my opinion the Texas Law doesn't stand a chance.
There are less than 1% of abortion procedures that go wrong and need hospitalization in Texas. Therefore, if Texas is looking at protecting women it is going to loose. Unless the attorney general comes up with substantial evidence, this law is going to be over turned.
If Texas were really concerned about women's health it would replace abortion clinics with a better solution. Instead they want to eliminate the only health care solution for some women in our state.
In my opinion half of the loop holes you have to go through in Texas to receive an abortion create undue burden. Having a women listen to what her fetus will endure during an abortion and then going home to think about it for two days is not necessary.
I think Kegan, Sotomayor, Breyer, Ginsberg and will probably rule against the law. I think it will be very interesting what Scalia and Thomas will rule. This case will really rely on whether or not Texas can prove that this law protects women's health, and not only the life of the unborn child.
Naomi Y.- 2 p.m.
I would like the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Texas law due to my personal opinion of the matter. Yet person opinions have no place in the law, objectivity is key, so I do not believe the Supreme Court will uphold the law.
Looking at the consistency of past rulings on the issue of government intrusion of personal issues, the Supreme Court has criticized government intrusion saying it defeats the concept of liberty. Specifically in the case of Planned Parenthood of South Eastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, the Supreme Court did not only uphold the Roe V. Wade decision but it revoked the use of certain state restrictions on abortions.
The Supreme Court has previously agreed that the government may not cause undue burden on women's rights to have an abortion. The limitation of abortion locations does just that.
Megan L
2 P.M.
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics from 40 to 10. Although I don't believe that they should limit the number of clinics because women should have a say on what happens when put into that situation. Sometimes becoming pregnant wasn't planned and what if they were raped? I would understand how having that child could be difficult.
Like Nancy Northup said in the article “It’s dangerous for many women who will have no safe and legal options left where they live, and may be forced to take matters into their own hands." Therefore women should be given the opportunity to go somewhere where a trained professional can take care of it. I believe women should have that choice instead of bringing a child into this world that they won't want or be able to provide for or give a good life to.
Juliana D. 2PM
Abortion is a subject that I don't exactly know how to react to. I am female, but I have never been pregnant. Since I have never been pregnant with an unwanted baby, I cannot properly empathize and understand the situations these women encounter. My religious views tell me that all abortion is wrong and is not something to condone, but I do not believe that it is the same for every woman. Personally, I could not go through the process knowing the impact I was having on an entire world growing inside of me. Abortion causes me to think in philosophical ways that probably make the subject way more complicated than it is to most, which, I believe, is why I could never personally go through with it. I know many women have concrete reasons that are understandable, which is why I think it should be a choice. I believe in choosing that abortion isn't something I personally want to practice, so believe that every other woman should be able to make a decision for herself.
As for a Supreme Court decision, I do not believe it is fair to lower the amount of abortion facilities in Texas. It is a large state with a giant female population, and that would hinder many women from getting them. Although this most likely is the point, I do not believe it makes sense to do this.
Ruben M.
2pm
I believe that Texas will rule in favor of limiting the number of abortion clinics. I believe the majority of Texans will support this decision, but I believe there will inevitablly be some who disagree. It is my personal opinion that abortion, and the accessibility of the procedure, is something that individuals should have the right to decide and patronize if they wish. I know that this is something that will always be a controversial topic, and no matter what is decided in the end, there will still be a group of people who do not agree with that decision. I feel like every woman should have the right to decide what they want to do with their body, and I believe the government should not be in any way in control of the medical decisions of our bodies. Abortion is something that can be personally dramatic and devastating, but it does not bring any harm to the general public. By limiting the number of abortion clinics they aren't necessarily stopping the entire process of abortion. what they are doing is making it more difficult for those members of society who wish to patronize such a business to do so.
Laura H. - 2 p.m.
Despite all of the comments about what the USSC will rule, I'd like to expand more on the topic of abortion. I believe planned parenthood clinics serve a different and bigger purpose than just performing abortion procedures. Clinics give women access to total care addressing all issues pertaining women's health by providing mammograms, pap smears, blood tests and contraception options. These procedures, including abortions, have played a significant role in women's care. If permanently taken away, women are more prone to unsafe alternatives for abortions. These women who want an abortion will go to all lengths to make it happen, whether it be legal or not. Therefore, I believe the USSC should rule in favor of funding planned parenthoods.
Being from McAllen, Texas, I have met others who are predominantly hispanic, many which are from low-income households. There's a direct correlation between lack of sex education and unplanned pregnancies in the state of Texas, which I was one of those who was not educated. This brings me to think how women are supposed to prevent unplanned pregnancies when they receive no education about contraception methods.
Also, conservatives claim that they're pro-life, but lack the proper support for low-income women to raise a healthy child. How could one be pro-life if they're essentially setting up women to fail? Like mentioned before, if women really want abortions, they will have them no matter what; might as well provide safe options than them going to extreme lengths for abortions, which could cause serious long-term health issues.
This should not be an issue of morality, it should be an issue that focuses on the well-being of women in our society.
Despite being a topic I mostly avoid in conversations, I do believe in pro-choice. As a male I have never felt like my opinion really mattered on the subject on the count that I am not the one having the abortion and it is not my body. I do believe that Texas will minimize the clinics in the state primarily on the fact that it is one of the top conservative states in the country, which I also do not have a problem with. I do feel clinics should be in reach of anybody that needs an abortion because imagine what some would do if they had no choice. I do believe abortion will never be completely banned and thats ok with me. It is a personal right that belongs with the beholder in my opinion.
I think that the Texas law will win. I am pro-choice, however I think that this law isn't terrible. It's in the concern for safety, since performing an abortion is a serious procedure. There are so many things that could go wrong, and ensuring that a woman will not receive a botched abortion is important. We've learned in class case after case about how we as a nation have gotten to where we are now concerning the right's of ourselves and our bodies. I'm a firm believer that there is nothing the government should be able to limit when it comes to your own being. I've been reading a lot of the previous comments, and I'm glad to see so many of my classmates having a constitutional approach to viewing abortion, rather than an emotional approach. The issue will never go away, and pro-choice and pro-life supporters will always be at each other's throats. The demonstrations in the last couple of weeks concerning abortion in the quad really bothered me. Although I support a woman's right to choose whether she wants to keep the baby or not, seeing giant, blown-up images of aborted fetuses isn't what I want to see when walking from class to class. Seeing that doesn't change my mind, it just makes me uncomfortable in a place where I should feel safe. Although i recognize the quad area as a "free speech zone," I feel nothing was accomplished by either side of the argument by their counteractive protesting.
Erin O. T/TH 11am
I have no personal experience with this issue and while everyone else seems to have a strong stand on one side or the other of abortion, I do not. When I think about it, my opinion constantly sways in my mind. I don't think I would ever actually come up with a certain stand on the issue until I was actually put in the situation. Although, with this law, it seems as if the law makers and government officials are simply making excuses to pass a law in favor of their opinion. Just because they don't like it, they will do everything and say anything to justify it. Being a woman and knowing that if I needed this medical procedure that would be difficult to access would upset me as well as knowing that government officials in my own state were the people responsible for it.
Randi S
Online
Michelle B. 4301 Media Online
I am hoping that the USCC wraps up this trilogy of cases with a woman's right to seek an abortion statewide and not just in four major cities. Further, the onerous conditions now placed on the doctors performing procedures alone will limit those willing to, or being able to afford continuing. The Casey decision guarantees that an undue burden will not be placed on women when seeking this procedure. I don’t know what part of limiting this procedure in four cities out of a gigantic state does not illustrate undue burden.
As a much younger woman, I had people very close to me experience multiple procedures in a city where there were many more options than today. The fact that there were multiple options to choose from, one could make an informed decision as to whether or not the facility was credible and safe. Had those options not been available, many lives would have been altered in ways that one cannot ever know.
I am hoping that the USSC rules against the laws imposed by Texas as I believe they are veiled arguments to restrict a woman’s right to choose. This is an example of the state government overstepping their bounds in our personal lives. They claim that they are looking out for the health of women, but I believe this is a veiled approach to limit the number of abortions performed, which in and of itself is restricting a woman’s right to choose.
Pam Paz
Media Law 4301 Online
Nancy Northup could not have made a better point when she said playing politics with women's health is not only dangerous, but could also force women to take matters into their own hands. Personally, I don't think I would ever get an abortion, but I think women should have the right to choose what they do to their bodies. Ken Paxton's comments about the law being passed in order to prevent women from substandard care is a bunch of hoopla. It's his personal agenda, and it's all politics. If they were so concerned about women being subjected to substandard care, why not pass laws to make better facilities? I think that the Texas Legislature who passed the law imposing stricter requirements for abortion clinics should really consider how this will do more harm than good.
For one, Texas has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates. Not all, but many young mothers are not mature enough to take on such a huge responsibility and the child ends up suffering. Not to mention the government assistance taxpayers have to pay for programs such as SNAP, WIC and Medicaid. In no way am I inferring that these programs are not necessary and beneficial, but some people take advantage of the system. Additionally, whether we agree or not, some people don't want to have children. The state should not play God with people's lives by enforcing stricter laws that make these types of procedures unattainable. Further, not all women can afford to see a private doctor. Limiting the number of women's health clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, takes away one of the only options some women have for reproductive health. Unfortunately, I believe the Court will rule in favor of Texas.
This is rightfully so a very tough topic. I used to be completely against abortion until the last year or so, when I have personally met people who have experienced an "unwanted pregnancy" and all dealt with it various ways. I admire all of these women for the decision that was ultimately theirs and the reasons why they chose their specific decision.
When I look back at my late teenage/early 20's, I KNOW that I would have had no business raising a baby. How would I have supported it when I (still) can barely support myself? Not only just support he/she, but make sure he/she lived a comfortable and happy life. As a woman, I really hope we all will forever have the choice to choose and act on what we know is right for us at such crucial parts of our lives.
Kristen Redwine (Online)
Juan Venegas
Online
I am going to against the flow of comments but say that I agree with the law being created. While this law may seem like it is a pro-life move I also see it as a safety concern. The law itself isn’t the worst we have seen and the issue it deals with is an abortion, which is something that should be taken serious. The procedure should be done in a safe environment ensuring that everything goes good and isn’t just a fast procedure. Being Texas, I think the law will win and will proceed but the issue will never go away. It is just one of those issues where you will have both sides never reaching an agreement. It is something that will always have a split decision with pro-lifers having rallies and with pro-choicers having protests. Texas however is a big republican state and therefore I see the law being passed.
I personally think that abortion is the mother's choice. Ultimately it falls on either the parents or a third party to raise the child, but if the child's quality of life is put at stake because it can't be cared for properly, it shouldn't happen. Some people will argue that a shitty life is still a life worth saving, but the majority f these people don't live the most shitty lives out there. Not all can sympathize with children that are abandoned, in foster care, abused by the system or any other plight of people growing u without parents and honestly not all lives should be produced. I just think back to Ted Bundy or Osama Bin laden and think the world might be a better place if some people just weren't born.
Jalondra J
Online
NIcole Kukla 2pm
I think Texas will reduce the amount of abortion clinics. In Austin, I believe there is only one Planned Parenthood and the Texas Women Health Center... I do not think people understand that until you are personally faced with making the choice of abortion then you do not understand the complications surrounding this topic. People say "abortion is murder" but honestly how are you to judge until you are going through this hard time personally. It is a woman's personal choice to have an abortion or not. This is all I can say on this blog without getting heated about this topic...Your body, your choice.
I believe that Texas will reduce the amount of abortion clinics within the state. I think that Texas being considered a "Bible Belt" state has a huge influence on this decision. I think it'll boil down to what is right and what is wrong from a religious standpoint. I don't think there is anything wrong with having an abortion if you have the right reason. If you have been raped and don't want to be faced every day with carrying the child of your rapest then you should have the choice of an abortion. If you are the type of individual who resorts to abortions as a form of birth control then I do not agree with that. I try not to speak too much on this topic since I have zero experience but I had to respond to this post for credit haha.
Janelle H.
Online
Erin DeWitt 2PM
I do think that Texas will in fact limit the number of clinics. I 100% do not agree with this. I think this is a giant mistake and is very harmful to the vast number of women in Texas. Smaller towns will not have the safe option of having an abortion in a clinic and will in turn go to some backwoods doc that could seriously harm the woman.
Living in Texas is something that's a bit difficult when you have very progressive views. The whole topic of abortion is a sore subject and people tend to get really upset when other peoples opinions differ. So with that being said, I do think women have the right to abortions and I do not think a man has the right to determine what I can and cannot do with my body. We are letting people's personal views influence basic human rights and I do not think that's okay.
I have had friends who have both had abortions and given babies up for adoption. In my experience the ones who have gotten the abortion suffered less physical and emotional distress than those who carried the baby to term and gave it away.
I believe that Texas will rule in favor for limiting abortion clinics. Me being the 100 percent Christan has lead me to hope that Texas will rule in favor for this. Growing up and in Texas with christan parents I was always taught that abortion is never okay and I will always believe that. I understand everyone does not have the same beliefs but I think limiting the amount of clinics will help decrease the amount of abortions in Texas and that is what we need.
Stephen M. | 11am
I think because Texas is one of the more conservative states that it will be in favor of setting limitations on women's choice of abortion. I think Texas legislatures will get away with this because they didn't completely erase the option for women to get an abortion simply limiting it, and I believe the Supreme court might see that as enough. However, I do believe this will greatly effect the women in the state of Texas, cutting the clinic proving these procedure as Nancy Northup mentioned could cause women to want to take these things into their own hands. And don't get me wrong I absolutely understand wanting to save babies lives, but if that means putting other women's health at risk it I don't know if it is worth it. Another thing is that I can't help to but to feel that the government did this in an almost childish way to retaliate for not being able to completely eliminate abortion clinics. This is clearly infringing on women's right over their reproductive system and more than that these clinics provided a safe place for women's care and now they are gone. I would like to see the Supreme Court against limiting these clinic, but a part of me highly doubts it.
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