As I'm sure you are aware - Texas Senate passed legislation restricting abortion rights in the state. This was fiercely assaulted by democrats in the Texas Senate and House, but texas being a red state, it was pretty much a matter of time before the heavily conservative actions made it through.
This is one of those trivial time-wasters that grabs media attention and popular opinion - and boy has it done just that. It's ALL over the twittersphere, and practically every news outlet in the country is featuring stories about the bill. People from every state are voicing their support or detest of the bills' passing.
So what do you need to know about the bill?
-Abortions that take place past 20 weeks of gestation are banned
-In order for abortion clinics to remain open -they must be a fully staffed and equipped ambulatory surgical center; a measure which is implemented for health precautions.
-Requires doctors who preform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of the clinic
-Tighter restrictions on the pharmaceutical RU486
A little bit of information concerning RU486, or Mifepristone - it is a synthetic steroid compound used as an "abortion drug" during the first months of pregnancy - and in smaller doses as an emergency contraceptive. Studies have shown the medication to have a 96-99% success rate at terminating pregnancies up to 49 days in. (It may be relevant to add that one study reported a lower 92% rate in the mid 90's) The stuff has a ridiculous amount of off label uses over a wide range of treatments from breast cancer to psychotic depression. Side effects are generally mild and include abdominal pain, cramps, and spotting. Of course there are the rare circumstances where this is severe bleeding instead, and nausea to boot.
Essentially what this is doing is closing down all but about 5 or so abortion clinics in the state of Texas. Supporters say that these are efforts to protect the health of patients, while the opposition fears that Abortion patients will seek out so called 'back alley' abortion solutions. Images come to mind of the coat hanger or baseball bat.
Demonstrators for both sides of the issue took up arms in the senate gallery and outside, as well as across the state, feces and tampons were confiscated by security, and loud, violent protests occurred.
It's amazing to note that the Farm bill issue at the federal level has no vocal support - considering that the Food Stamp benefit was removed from it - a move that could have drastic implications on the millions of Americans who use food stamps (or SNAP) as a supplement due to their financial situations.
SO In conclusion. What will come of this? Bickering like crazy. Democrats will most likely file suit - and be joined by supporters nationwide. This will continue to be a media field day, and continue to increase squabbles in the democrat/republican ring.
Hopefully this information was presented in a way that is fair and unbiased and factual. If you are a registered Texas voter, feel free to contact your representatives/senators and voice your concerns in a calm and collected manner - it is, after all, their job to represent your views.
You can find your representative in the house here:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/resources/frequently-asked-questions/#who_rep
You can find your representative in the senate here:
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/Senate/Members.htm#FYI
As always, #VOTEVIRAL
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