Trump and Vance backed anti-abortion activists in March for Life speeches yesterday.
There was a rally yesterday in Washington, it was the annual March for Life rally and the first chance to see what intentions as regards womens health are now the election is over.
Two points of interest: Firstly, there has been a Federal Act in place, the federal Free Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which
penalizes people who threaten, obstruct or injure someone who is trying to access a reproductive health clinic – or who vandalize a clinic.
Trupp/Vance are pardoning all those convicted under the act,
Trump dramatically declaring they were realising the "persecuted".
Secondly concerns about access to abortions and related aspects of womens health, including criminalising abortion. We know already its only possible in certain states
But there are changes which are not so obvious Mike Johnson, (house speaker) "did win big cheers from the marchers, though, when he mentioned a recent executive order that declared that people are divided into male and female “at conception”.
That language evokes the doctrine of fetal personhood, which holds that embryos and fetuses should be granted full legal rights and protections – and which, if fully enacted, would totally outlaw abortion as well as potentially criminalize abortion patients
Most of the marchers feel there should be no exceptions - ie no abortions at all - except for ectopic pregnancy.
"Human life starts at conception,” said Henry Cooper, an 18-year-old march attender from California. “An abortion is never medically necessary. Ectopic pregnancy is something else. That’s not considered an abortion. There’s always something you can do.”
“Besides ectopic pregnancies, there are no cases where abortion improves the likelihood of the mother surviving other than a non-abortion way would,” agreed Luc Lessard, 18, of Colorado. “There’s no real cause for it.”This is just ignorance.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the pre-eminent membership organization for US ob-gyns, has repeatedly emphasized the medical need for abortion access. At least five women have reportedly died after abortion bans affected their medical care.
As of January 8, 2025, 12 states have banned abortion Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
Here is a state by state summary of restrictions. You'll see it's very widespread, complex, and punitive.
www.context.news/money-power-people/roe-v-wade-which-us-states-are-banning-abortion#
(Quotes on abortion rally from the Guardian)
JaneJudge
I completely agree with you, it should be the women/girl pregnant’s ultimate decision.
Casdon You’re so right, it’s not about our own personal feelings, those feeling strongly about never having abortion need not have one.
I feel most sorry for any women having a late miscarriage or a still born baby, all that grief and then being punished?
Allsorts
Let America sort themselves out they don't dare what we think, why would they? We have more than enough doom and gloom with our government
We are women, we care about other women and their rights being slashed
I have news about ectopic pregnancies: it’s still considered a medical abortion. I’ve had an ectopic.
My stance is simple: if you believe abortion is murder, don’t have one. But laws shouldn’t be enacted to force personal beliefs upon everyone else.
It’s reproductive slavery.
I think women only should make any decisions about women’s matters.
The US has rejoined Geneva Consensus Declaration.
Member countries can be found here. www.theiwh.org/the-gcd/
This group believes that women do not have a right to abortion.
Add this to the 4 states that have been allowed to sue to stop abortion medications from being sent through the mail.
We are about to have a nationwide abortion ban in the US.
Is anything being said about hysterectomies in childbearing age?
Nothing yet, though I haven't read everything.
We can anticipate what is coming though by having a look at Project 2025. 2/3 of trumps orders mirror P2025 and there are at least 8 P2025 authors in his cabinet. The worst of which is Russel Vought. He is a main architect of P2025 amd will be in charge of all money for Federal.agencies.
During his confirmation hearing this week, he was asked if he plans to follow the impoundment law. He refused to answer the question.
I am not sure 'dont have one' is an effective argument really. It isnt one we would apply to other debates, I was and am opposed to assisted dying, and to be fair I dont think anyone told those opposed to AD 'well just dont do it'. I am pro choice but think it is perfectly reasonable for people to hold different views on abortion.
This is a useful reference for an authoritative text on the development of the foetus
www.britannica.com/science/sexual-differentiation
Well, we knew this would happen, didn't we? I mean Trump has made himself very clear on this issue.
Those of us who are not US citizens cannot do anything about this.
We can waste our time condemming it, or point out that it is odd that a society that still has the death penalty ( at least in certain states) finds it acceptable to force children to be born who were conceived during rape, incest or by parents knowing that they suffered from a serious hereditary illness, to say nothing of those doomed to a deprived childhood as their mothers cannot afford to support them.
Why not leave the US to solve its own internal problems, and concentrate on tidying up our own backyards?
Or make our views known considering the new American international policies that spell disaster?
Handmaids tale comes to mind.
Safe abortion should be a human right.The right wing evangelicals in some of the backward US states are taking things back to the dark ages. A woman should be in control of her own body, not be at the mercy of bigoted politicians and judges,mostly men.The hypocrisy of Trump and his ilk beggars belief.A lot of women are going to die unnecessarily.
AuntieE
Well, we knew this would happen, didn't we? I mean Trump has made himself very clear on this issue.
Those of us who are not US citizens cannot do anything about this.
We can waste our time condemming it, or point out that it is odd that a society that still has the death penalty ( at least in certain states) finds it acceptable to force children to be born who were conceived during rape, incest or by parents knowing that they suffered from a serious hereditary illness, to say nothing of those doomed to a deprived childhood as their mothers cannot afford to support them.
Why not leave the US to solve its own internal problems, and concentrate on tidying up our own backyards?
Or make our views known considering the new American international policies that spell disaster?
This report is 9 months old, but it shows that US anti abortion groups are alive and active in the UK, funding groups and campaigning, including contact with UK MP's
www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/06/extreme-us-anti-abortion-group-ramps-up-lobbying-in-westminster
Totally agree with that, Annma. Access to safe, legal abortion is healthcare. It's as simple as that.
what do you expect when y ou vote in Trump? It was obvious from day one what trump is le and his cronies too. I usually try to believe in the good of people until they prove otherwise, but have felt for many years that north americans take the buscuit, and doesnt what they have done now prove it. Who but another lunatic would choose to have a president who is a liar, cheat, encourages people to behave against the law , when he doesnt get his own way. He has the look of a two year old in a temper tantrum. What a pity that bullet missed the angle and only got his ear. Cant believe that I actually wish that someone had shot him , but then I wouldnt consider it murder in his case but PEST CONTROL1111
Surprise surprise.
It does not list all states.
undines
I am not sure that our finest right as women is to be able to murder the life within us. Many cultures believe that the soul enters the body at a certain point, at about six weeks of pregnancy, and I think they may be right. People have a right to pray for these unborn souls, outside abortion clinics. If our whole culture were turned upside down and motherhood were given the status it should have, fewer women would want terminations. The trend, which is apparently taking place in some areas, to abort later and later in pregnancy I find disgusting. I think we need to widen the discussion, respectfully and sensitively. Promiscuity and serial abortions are not a lifestyle choice to be encouraged. Many women are emotionally scarred for life by abortion. I am also wondering where the 'morning after' pill comes in all of this? Can't young women be encouraged to respect their bodies a bit more, and get sensibly prepared? Personally, I do not believe in abortion after the placenta has taken over, at about 14 weeks. There are times in life when you make a mistake and you have to live with it, and I've never heard anyone say they regret having a child (although I cannot know what they think) whereas many regret the abortion.
It's not a question of our "finest" right is it, it's the removal of a woman's autonomy over her reproductive and sexual health - there are those who would ban abortion even in cases of rape and incest, even if the victim was a minor. Just how much power and control should a state or a government have over a woman's, or a girl's body?
There is also the question of paternity rights - it's been suggested that rapists and those men who indulge in incest might well have legal rights, if they want them, over a child that a woman has been forced to bear.
... perhaps it would be easier if we assume that women actually have no rights, no autonomy - and start from that premise, do you think?
Many cultures may well believe that the soul enters the body at a certain point - they can believe what they wish, that is a private matter and not one to legislate on. And neither does that belief give them the right to pray outside an abortion clinic - or they could pray outside at night when it's closed, or even in their own homes. If abortion clinics exist legally, then women have an equal right not to be intimidated on what is a private matter between them, their doctor and their God and / or their conscience.
Promiscuity is a moral debate - and it should include men -the men involved in the sex / porn industry, who profit from the exploitation of women on every level. The men who lurk the streets looking for prostitutes; the men who frequent clubs and bars at weekends hoping to 'get lucky' and who not infrequently spike a woman's drink so they do.
Why do women have to carry the burden of, and be also responsible for, the behaviour of men?
There are times in life when you make a mistake and you have to live with it.
Words fail me.
If his MAGA followers and the Trump voters were FOR Abortion, Trump and Vance would immediately switch their position …he has NO ETHICS or Morals… The Worst person Americans could ever have voted for! Corrupt to the core.
There are reports on Byeline Times that Nigel Farage has been getting involved with this group. I will try to post a reference but I am on my phone.
here it is
bylinetimes.com/2024/11/29/nigel-farage-teams-up-with-extreme-anti-abortion-group-and-calls-for-debate-on-restricting-abortion-rights-in-uk/
Very specific links with Farage and the group outlined (also Braverman), and the issues it was all about,
which is the so called "right" to demonstrate outside UK clinics which offer services that include abortion
eg
"ADF International (UK) backed a recent National Conservatism (NatCon) event in Brussels, which included Nigel Farage and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman as speakers. After it was shut down by local authorities, the ADF backed an emergency legal challenge to the closure, and the event later resumed. "
Sorry but that is a terrible piece of journalism. It is cobbled together quotes of Farage on free speech and abortion.
The Independent’s version.
www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/nigel-farage-abortion-debate-trump-b2661900.html
I dont mean to be funny but it's perfectly within reason to ask questions about the abortion limit, I may not agree but people are entitled to debate it.
There is in my view no threat to the right to have an abortion in this country, I personally think this kind of reaction helps Reform not hinders them.
You have some interesting views Galaxy. However, other people don’t always share them, and it is quite valid for them to say what they think too.
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