Senate Bill 5: Let's Compromise

            I am writing my critique on an article from the Austin American Statesman, written by Alberta Phillips. The article is titled Davis’ Filibuster Shifts Abortion Debate To Women’s Rights and is Alberta Phillips’ take on Wendy Davis’ 11-hour filibuster against Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 would make abortion after 20 weeks illegal and make abortion procedures expensive, making the unspoken agenda: drive abortion clinics out of business.

            The article begins with Alberta pointing out very notable events that Texas has made in regards to advancing the number and status of women in politics. Awesome. The mood then shifts and points out that women’s rights have become less important and are being made less attainable by the “male dominated GOP leadership.” She then states that the Republican Party is using their position to basically strike down the rights of women, whether they be family-planning rights or employment rights. One fact worth noting is that Rick Perry did veto the Equal Pay Bill, which would have helped women in the fight for equal pay in the workplace. 

            Wendy Davis said she would be in support of Senate Bill 5 if it took into account exceptions such as fetal abnormalities or health risk to the mother. I couldn’t agree more, I am anti-abortion but I am fully aware that there are always exceptions to the rule. I agree with Alberta that the issue of abortion is not black and white and never has been. There are multitudes of factors that could influence anyone to be “anti-abortion” or “pro-life.” I honestly feel like Alberta is on point with many of her opinions but some of them are a little too harsh. For example, she says that Senate Bill 5 forces women to get a trans-vaginal probe if they want an abortion. This is hard to believe and I’m pretty sure that doctors cannot legally force a woman to have this procedure done. Just like most procedures, one has to consent before a doctor can legally do anything to you.

            I do agree with Alberta when she says that the men in the Republican Party seem to be conveying the message “Know your place. We’re in charge.” They are blatantly less focused on women’s rights and this just will not do. We, as a state, as a very proud state that used to make women’s rights a priority, should focus on the word “equal” and show other states how much women are valued. I believe that her articles are intended to educate and infuriate women, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Personally speaking, I tend to work/fight harder if something that I am passionate over is about to be taken away. Food mostly. Cake.