9 Reasons You Should Be Worried About What's Happening in Texas

In the middle of night on early Monday, the Texas House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 5, a draconian anti-woman piece of legislation that would ban all abortions after 20 weeks and force most abortion providers in the state to close their doors.  Republican representatives spent 9 hours debating their "jobs"...oops I mean "fetal pain" bill but they got sick of citizens talking about trivial issues like their "health" and decided to pass the bill while everyone was sleeping. If this isn't enough to convince you that what's going on in Texas is freakishly screwed up, then keep reading.

1. Abortion Would Virtually Be Banned In Texas.

Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Action Fund is baffled. "If this passes, abortion would be virtually banned in the state of Texas, and many women could be forced to resort to dangerous and unsafe measures," she said.

2. The Bill Would Close Down 80% Of Texas' Abortion Providers.

If the bill passes, the amount of abortion clinics in Texas would go from 42 to only 5. That would make a legal procedure completely impossible to get in all of West Texas. What do you think happens when women can't get safe abortions? They go back to methods that were used in 1960's or dangerous back-alley clinics. Is this what Texas wants?

3. The Texas Medical Association Is Publicly Opposing The Bill.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are against the bill too. Why? Because there's nothing pro-life about it. It will put millions of women's health into danger.

4. A Majority Of Texans Are Against The Anti-Abortion Law.

According to a bi-partisan poll, Texans largely disapprove of the special session that is aiming to pass the bill. The survey was conducted June 17-19, 2013 and showed that 63% of people thought the state has enough abortion restrictions. Only 34% of Texas actually trust the governor when it comes to women's health. I don't blame em'. 

5. 13 Million American Women's Lives Will Be Affected.

In case your high-school geography is a little far right now, Texas is big. There are more than 13 million women living in Texas, which makes this bill the most far-reaching anti-abortion bill in the United States.

6. According To His Twitter, The Founder of the Bill is Kind Of The Devil.

Of course the person who came up with this bill (only) has 666 followers. 

7. This While The Co-Sponsor Of The Bill Thinks Rape Kits Are Abortions.

Jodie Laudenberg, a Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives tried to defend the abysmal claim that their bill should make no exception for victims of rape or incest. Her answer was even more distressing than the argument she was trying to make.  "In the emergency room they have what’s called rape kits where a woman can get cleaned out…The woman had five months to make that decision, at this point we are looking at a baby that is very far along in its development," she said on Monday.

8. One Senator Will Speak For 13 Hours To Block The Passage Of The Bill.

After an impressive citizen filibuster of the bill, democrats have announced their intention to do it on Tuesday to block the vote. Fort Worth’s Senator Wendy Davis has announced her intention to give a 13-hour speech to filibuster the bill. Let's wish her luck. Since Americans from all over the country sent protesters pizza and coffee, maybe we can plan to send lots of carb-filled supplies to Senator Davis too?

If you want to pitch in, Reality Check has organized a funding scheme to buy some food for all the citizens trying to fillerbust in Texas on Tuesday. You can also sign Planned Parenthood's petition or donate to The Lilith Fund, Annie's List, Naral Texas or Planned Parenthood Of Greater Texas.

9. Oh And The Bill Is Unconstitutional.

Why? It directly contradicts Roe V Wade and challenges a woman's constitutionally protected right to have an abortion. Passed in 1973, the court decision guaranteed women's access to abortion until viability of the fetus, which is at about 24 weeks, not 20. That's why most 20-week bans have all been brought to court and this one will too.