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As we all know, discussions about "religion" usually involve opposition to reproductive health care being accessible, or even available at all. But for some people and groups, their religious beliefs REQUIRE access to abortion care. Jessie Hill, "Religious Freedom Claims Could Provide New Path to Protect Abortion Rights," (Sept. 18, 2024), https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/religious-freedom-claims-could-provide-new-path-protect-abortion-rights notes that there are ongoing cases in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Utah, and Wyoming arguing that denial of access to legal abortions violates the plaintiffs' religious beliefs. Hill says that these cases have had mixed results.

Three Jewish women in Kentucky sued, alleging that they had a religious duty to procreate, but they feared they would be denied abortions if medically necessary, and their ability to use IVF was impaired. They lost at the trial court level in mid-2024, but have appealed.

An Indiana appeals court upheld the grant of a preliminary injunction to prevent the abortion ban from being used against the plaintiffs (from a number of religions) on the grounds that they were denied free exercise of religion in circumstances when abortion was consistent with their religious beliefs. The state of Indiana has applied for the state supreme court to review the case.

A group of Missouri clergymembers sued under the state constitution's ban on establishment of religion. However, the trial court dismissed the case; the plaintiffs appealed the dismissal.

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You really can't trust Trump to not sign a ban. To trust someone, they have to demonstrate they have convictions. Other than the 34 felonies, Trump has none.

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This substack is doing a magisterial job of daily reporting on state ballot measures, but if you want a brief summary, see Mary Ziegler, "State Courts Determine Whether Abortion Rights Amendments Will Go Before Voters," https://statecourtreport.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/state-courts-determine-whether-abortion-rights-amendments-will-go-voters (Sep. 19, 2024).

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Love love love Mary Z

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My overall macro feeling about her book is it is a way to generate revenue. Her behavior such as lack of interest in First Lady responsibilities, complaining about the Christmas decorations for the White House, spending most of her time in NYC and lack of interest and involvement and her dislike of his daughter etc tells me she’s just waiting things out. Trump is old. My take on a young pretty 54 year old woman.

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Saw the news about the former First Lady’s book and came here for the real scoop.

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I got about 1/2 way through the Guardian article & wanted to throw my phone across the room. I didn’t of course, but the former First Lady is proving herself to be as grifty as her husband. History will not be kind to her hypocrisy. She might be beautiful on the outside (somewhat paid for at tax payer expense btw), but the inside has not proven to be anything other than … ineffective as a champion of anyone other than her family. Just like her failed “be best” campaign, she failed to have any sway about SCOTUS choices or the repercussions from separating children from their families at the border. I’m disgusted by that article.

Love what NJ is doing. All states that care about pregnant women should follow. Hate that we are here, but too many don’t pay attention to laws in other states, especially if they don’t pay attention to this issue.

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Jessica, I was delighted to receive your book the other day!

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Read this article about 2 guys in TX wielding power and their goal includes abolishing abortion among other things.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/02/magazine/texas-politics-billionaire-preachers.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

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Yes I live in Texas. How do I discourage people from supporting the Rockets! Another reason for me to dislike sports. They are a monopoly and now this

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How do we protect ourselves from billionaires wielding bully power & money to try to buy candidates. Interesting and delightful that their choices have often lost, but the real power seems to be in the primaries. That article is scary. The info came from ProPublica btw. That website they built will help journalists follow the money. When the election is over, it will be interesting to research /follow the anti choice $.

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Got your book yesterday and I’m looking forward to starting it today!♥️

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Thanks every day, Jessica, and calling out Melania's timing and stealth pro-Trump messaging is right on the money, as she always is!

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Is the Melania crap part of the anti-abortion groups’ deception?

I’m seeing itty bitty rumblings of a Women’s March in Chicago.

Are they worried it will detract from GOTV efforts? I’d sure like to shout,

“Let the states decide? No! Let women decide”

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Oh great point. Like how you think.

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I still want to know how she secured an "Einstein visa." There is nothing extraordinary about her or her abilities to warrant an EB-1 visa. Even her "modeling career" was mid.

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Melania is a c u next Tuesday.

She doesn't care about anything but herself.

How many abortions has she had?

Talk about immigrant deportation, I would pay for her plane ticket back.

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Oct 3Liked by Jessica Valenti

Jessica - I’m happy to write to journalists and complain/explain that they are not representing the “abortion ban” issue correctly. Not to add more work to your plate but if you help point us in the right direction - we are ready and willing soldiers. My husband was a journalist and said he always read emails from readers.

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I've been thinking about doing something that's like an explainer for journalists once the book craziness dies down!

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Imagine if there was a word doc created that people could sign their name, save as a pdf and send in to their local media. Or … This would be a great project for one of those organizations who already have their websites set up for contacting legislatures, but they might need help with the wording. Joint venture. Maybe someone on here knows someone. Could tie it to fundraising “to cover costs” $1-$5.

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This is a great idea.

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Jessica, you are so poised and in command of your subject matter on that Morning Joe clip. 👏👏👏👏

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Ahh thank you!!!

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Oct 3Liked by Jessica Valenti

Catholic medical care for women = towels and a bucket

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One day that might be an oppo ad if Catholic hospitals continue to make poor decisions. People forget or don’t realize pre-Roe there were sepsis floors. Now people are sent to the parking lot or sit in waiting rooms or they finally leave and try another facility. The stories will keep coming as long as there are mafia allowed to report them.

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I wrote “media” & spellcheck changed it to “mafia” 🤦‍♀️

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Nightmare

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