Editor’s Note: This was originally published a couple of years ago, but its message remains pertinent. It is therefore proposed that it be re-read. The text was composed prior to the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade.
The concept of the media “bubble” has been a recurring theme in our writing. This phenomenon describes the disconnect between reporters and the subjects they cover. When reporters meet pro-lifers in person, it is akin to an anthropologist encountering a new tribe in New Guinea. However, as the adage goes, one should not begrudge a gift horse its imperfections, even if they are visible (in this metaphor, the juxtaposition of error and truth).
The Washington Post presents an intriguing narrative, accompanied by a striking headline and sub-headline.
In Texas and beyond, conservative Republican women are helping to lead the fight to restrict abortion: Democrats like to say that Republicans are waging a ‘war on women’. That erases the conservative Republican women who are working to ban abortion.
From the outset, the term “erases” is an apt description. If one begins from the assumption that only women who align with the Democratic Party or who write for their numerous media allies are worthy of consideration in the abortion debate, it is evident that those who hold pro-life views have been “erased.”
However, should one’s eyes be opened by chance, what then?
This is the methodology employed by Rebecca J. Kreitzer, Abigail A. Matthews, and Emily U. Schilling. Moreover, in almost all cases, the term “conservative” is used in conjunction with the term “pro-life.”
The opening paragraph of the article provides an insight into the overall tone of the coverage. It is advisable to disregard the use of the term “restrictive/restricting” by the writers, which is open to interpretation.
Last week, the Supreme Court allowed the most restrictive abortion law in the country to take effect since Roe v. Wade codified abortion as a constitutional right. Many in Democratic circles say that men shouldn’t be making laws about women’s bodies. It’s part of a broader pattern of overlooking the influence of Republican women in American politics.
But in fact, Republican women play a prominent role in restricting abortion.
The article is nothing short of astonishing. The article examines the manner in which Republican women are prominent in enacting and protecting protective abortion laws. It notes that, in fact, in many instances, they are more conservative than Republican men. This information is not new to those who are pro-life. It is evident that the majority of those in leadership positions within our Movement are female.
Please provide examples from the story. The following four examples are presented for consideration.
#1. The first point to be considered is that, in the United States, women elected as Republicans are more conservative than their male counterparts. Republican women elected in the past 20 years have been found to be more conservative than their earlier counterparts, with instances where they have been even more conservative than Republican men. In Congress and in state legislatures, Republican women are demonstrably more supportive of abortion restrictions than their male counterparts. This is particularly evident when the ideological distance between Democratic and Republican women widens, which has been occurring as the parties, in general, become increasingly polarized. No further elaboration is required.
#2. The second point to be considered is the following: Republican women were responsible for the introduction of more than half of the 32 abortion-restriction bills presented in the Texas House of Representatives and 10 of the 15 bills presented in the Texas Senate. Similarly, at the state level, there has been an increase in the number of women elected to office in Texas. These women are predominantly pro-life, and their influence is becoming increasingly evident. The most conservative woman in the Texas House, Republican Rep. Shelby Slawson, introduced the House version of the six-week ban, H.B. 1515, during her first year in office.
In their concluding remarks, the Post authors cite the example of “More states are following Texas’s lead,” a statement that is particularly noteworthy in light of the fact that two of the six states in question have female governors.
#3. The third point to consider is that women are the driving force behind numerous interest groups that provide lawmakers with model legislation designed to overturn Roe in the courts. It is notable that women play a significant role in numerous interest groups that have been instrumental in developing model legislation designed to overturn Roe v. Wade in the courts. The president of the National Right to Life is Carol Tobias. Ingrid Duran is the Director of State Legislation at the National Right to Life. Jennifer Popik, JD, serves as Director of Federal Legislation. Furthermore,
#4. The fourth item on the list is as follows: The subheading “Women Judges Support Abortion Restrictions” appears in one section. Subsequently, Kreitzer, Matthews, and Schilling enumerate the names of numerous federal judges appointed by the pro-life Trump administration and previous pro-life Republican administrations. Furthermore,
The article in the Post concludes on a somewhat wistful note.
Americans are deeply divided over whether these policies benefit or harm women. But there’s no doubt that conservative women join conservative men in shaping abortion policy.
It is important to note that conservative women have historically played a pivotal role in influencing conservative men’s stance on abortion policy. This article makes clear, for those willing to set aside their biases, that the role of women in protecting unborn babies will only grow larger. This may be achieved through the enactment of legislation, the leadership of pro-life groups such as the National Right to Life, or the upholding of protective laws in the courts.
Daniel Miller is responsible for nearly all of National Right to Life News' political writing.
With the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency, Daniel Miller developed a deep obsession with U.S. politics that has never let go of the political scientist. Whether it's the election of Joe Biden, the midterm elections in Congress, the abortion rights debate in the Supreme Court or the mudslinging in the primaries - Daniel Miller is happy to stay up late for you.
Daniel was born and raised in New York. After living in China, working for a news agency and another stint at a major news network, he now lives in Arizona with his two daughters.
