Post by pavel on Feb 23, 2016 3:26:32 GMT -6
John Oliver: Here's why Texas' strict abortion laws don't protect women
John Oliver, as he’s wont to do, ripped Texas’ strict abortion laws as meaningless and hypocritical in the latest segment for “Last Week Tonight.”
He begins by explaining that the issue is more nuanced than the mainstream makes it seem. Only 19 percent of the country believes abortion should be completely illegal (including in cases of rape or when the mother’s life is in danger), Oliver said. If you’re part of the remaining 81 percent, then this segment is for you.
The report looks at how nationwide some 70 abortion clinics have been closed since 2010 due to the passage of new TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws at the state level. But a large portion of the commentary focuses on Texas, which arguably has the strictest abortion laws in the country after passing HB2 in 2013.
The law – currently paused as it goes before the U.S. Supreme Court – requires abortion clinics to maintain the same building standards as outpatient surgical centers and that doctors have hospital admitting privileges. While these regulations sound agreeable on paper and former Governor Rick Perry says they’re designed to protect women’s health, pro-choice says they really do the opposite.
Read more: www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/John-Oliver-shows-how-Texas-strict-abortion-laws-6847123.php