KCRW To the Point: Ultrasounds, Heartbeats and the Politics of Un-Planned Parenthood
Host Warren Olney
The US Supreme Court’s Roe versus Wade decision legalized abortions in 1973. But the argument over the “right to choose” versus the “right to life” has by no means been decided. We hear about the torrent of proposed abortion restrictions produced by last year’s conservative victories in state legislatures and on Capitol Hill.
Ultrasounds, Heartbeats and the Politics of Un-Planned Parenthood (12:07PM)
Congress isn’t the only place where conservatives won big in last year’s elections. In Texas, Ohio, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma and other states, conservative legislatures and governors elected last year are considering proposals designed to restrict abortion. “Right to life” proposals include requiring pregnant women to watch ultrasound and listen to heartbeats, and de-funding Planned Parenthood. Indiana is about to become the first state in the nation to deny public funds to Planned Parenthood if Governor, and prospective presidential candidate, Mitch Daniels makes good on his promise to sign House Bill 1210. Advocates of the “right to choose” warn about unintended consequences that could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and more abortions than ever. We hear how new technology has produced new proposed restrictions and how the issue might play in next year’s presidential election.
Guests:
- Jim Banks: Indiana State Senate
- Betty Cockrum: Planned Parenthood of Indiana
- Andrew Kohut: Pew Research Center
- Jeanne Monahan: Family Research Council
- Nancy Northup: Center for Reproductive Rights
Listen to the segment on KCRW.com >
