‘A night of a thousand vaginas!’ fights Texas abortion restrictions
Hollywood is no stranger to fundraising, but this time some of the country’s biggest comedians are putting on a show in support of Texas women who are facing down the state’s new abortion restrictions.
Taking place in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 19, the event is
titled, “A Night of a Thousand Vaginas!” and will raise funds for
women’s groups in Texas that are helping to guide individuals
through the state’s latest abortion law.
The show will star comedians like Sarah Silverman, Zach
Galifianakis, Jen Kirkman, Steve Agee, Queens of the Stone Age
musician Josh Homme, and more. Tickets were available for up to
$100, but the event is now sold out.
Organized by the women’s group “A is For,” which describes itself
as “an ally and advocate for organizations working to protect
reproductive rights,” the event has already come under fire
from conservative outlets like Truth Revolt and NewsBusters and
pro-life supporters.
According to The Daily Caller, “A is For is organizing this
emergency benefit to raise money for Texas abortion funds (Lilith
Fund, TEA Fund, Whole Women’s Health Action Fund, and Fund Texas
Women) who are working to help women affected by this law by
providing financial support to help cover procedures, travel,
lodging and child care.”
Texas’ new abortion law – which includes a ban on the procedure
for women past 20 weeks of pregnancy – has become a heated point
of contention ever since Democratic state Senator Wendy Davis
performed a marathon 13-hour filibuster in order to deny the
restrictions’ initial passage. Despite her efforts, the law
was passed in July.
In addition to the 20-week abortion ban, the law mandates that any doctor performing the procedure must have admitting privileges at a hospital within a 30-mile radius of the abortion clinic. Access to non-surgical forms of abortion, such as pills, have also been restricted.
Women’s groups have filed lawsuits against the law and notched an early victory when a district judge declared parts of it unconstitutional in October. Three days later, however, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals overruled that order and reinstated most of the law’s restrictions while it hears oral arguments for and against the restrictions.
Earlier this month, both sides appeared in front of the court to present their argument. It’s unknown when exactly the ruling will be issued, though many expect the case to ultimately head to the Supreme Court.
