Abortion

Morning Roundup: Emergency! Women Must Be Forced into Ultrasounds

Beth Saunders

Two men can be listed on the birth certificates of their twins in Connecticut, Saletan looks at the Gosnell case, the "state of the unborn," Rep. Smith's new protected class of people, and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) declares forced ultrasound bill to be an "emergency."

Two men can be listed on the birth certificates of their twins in Connecticut, Saletan looks at the Gosnell case, the “state of the unborn,” Rep. Smith’s new protected class of people, and Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) declares forced ultrasound bill to be an “emergency.”

  • The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that two gay men who used a surrogate to have their twin boys may be listed as the parents on the children’s birth certificates. A GLAD attorney involved with the case said that this, “historic decision honors the intentions of everyone involved in bringing these children into the world, and provides those children with the protection of having two legal parents from the moment of their birth.”
  • William Saletan of Slate looks at the Dr. Kermit Gosnell case, the statements of pro-choice writers and organizations, and then his (ultimately final, no more arguments allowed) opinion.
  • Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony List gave a first annual “state of the unborn” speech yesterday, urging all anti-choicers to support the Chris Smith’s radical anti-abortion bill. (The state of the unborn? Probably the same as it always is – still not born yet.)
  • Sarah Posner at Religion Dispatches points out that Rep. Chris Smith wants to create a new protected class of human beings. In his statement on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, he says “And let us recommit today to even more persevering prayer, fasting and hard work to ensure the human rights of all, regardless of age, race, religion, sex, disability, immaturity or condition of dependency.” Note that sexual orientation is of course not included, but “immaturity?”
  • Governor Rick Perry of Texas has declared forcing women to view an ultrasound before an abortion to be an “emergency issue.” Apparently, women must understand what’s “truly at stake.” Thanks, Rick, for looking out for us womenfolk. We wouldn’t know which way was up unless you were there to point the way.

Jan 25

Jan 24