Fox News host takes on GOP Governor Greg Abbott over Texas abortion law, pledges to ‘end rape’

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Fox News presenter Chris Wallace confronted Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, about his state’s new anti-abortion law, asking pointed questions about whether the GOP lawmaker supported the prohibition of cases of rape and incest as the law is currently drafted.

In early September, the United States Supreme Court allowed Texas’ controversial anti-abortion law to come into effect in a 5-to-4 decision. The law effectively bans all abortions after a heartbeat is detected. fetal, usually around six weeks old. Critics have repeatedly explained that most women don’t even know they are pregnant at this stage of pregnancy.

Wallace raised the issue with Abbott in an interview on Sunday on Fox News Sunday, stressing that the law does not even provide for exceptions in cases of rape or incest. The GOP governor has already defended the law and argued that Texas will “eliminate” rape in the future.

“In 2019, which is the last year for which we have numbers, almost 15,000 cases of rape were reported in your state of Texas,” Wallace said. “And almost everyone says it’s serious undercoverage. There are a lot more cases that just go unreported.”

“Is it reasonable to say to someone who is a rape victim who might not understand that she is pregnant for six weeks: ‘Well, don’t worry because we are going to end the rape? as a problem in the state of Texas? ‘”the Fox News host asked the Republican lawmaker.

In this screenshot, Fox News Sunday presenter Chris Wallace takes on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, over his state’s controversial anti-abortion law on September 26.
Fox News Sunday / screenshot

Abbott responded by saying that survivors of sexual assault “deserve to be supported.” He said his state “is committed to making sure we deliver this by signing a law and creating a Sexual Assault Survivors Task Force in the governor’s office.”

Wallace then intervened, reiterating again that “there were over 15,000 rapes in 2019 when you were governor.” He asked Abbott if he would be prepared to sign legislation to change the current ban to include exceptions for rape and incest. Texas State Representative Lyle Larson, a Republican, introduced a bill that would make such exceptions, but it is not expected to pass the Conservative legislature.

“Do you want to sign it or not?” The Fox News host asked Abbott.

We have to get back to why the law was passed in the first place, “the governor of Texas replied.” The goal is to protect the life of every child with a heartbeat. “

Wallace cut again by asking, “Including the rape child?”

Abbot responded by insisting that the law was constitutional. However, the Fox News host then doubled down on his question, asking again, “But are you saying you won’t sign a rape and incest exception?”

The GOP governor kicked, saying it would not pass through the state legislature.

“You’re making an assumption that won’t happen because this bill won’t reach my office,” Abbott said.

Texas anti-abortion law used an unusual legal strategy in its attempt to be upheld by the Supreme Court. Instead of calling on state government officials to enforce the ban, it allows anyone to sue women who seek abortions as well as those who assist them in the process. The law imposes fines of $ 10,000, which would be collected by the person suing.

Critics – conservatives and liberals alike – have voiced concerns about the legal precedent created by the legislation. Many have argued that he essentially set up a self-defense justice system. Even some prominent Republicans have said they believe the controversial law, which reproductive rights activists support as unconstitutional, will eventually be overturned by the courts.

“I think the Supreme Court will erase it once it gets to them in a proper way. If it’s as terrible as people say it will be destroyed by the Supreme Court,” GOP Senator Bill Cassidy said. , a Republican from Louisiana, told ABC News’ This week earlier this month after the Supreme Court authorized the entry into force of the law.

The country’s highest court said in its ruling that its ruling should not be seen as resolving fundamental abortion issues.

“In reaching this conclusion, we stress that we do not purport to definitively resolve any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the plaintiffs’ trial,” the court said in the decision. In particular, this ordinance is not based on any finding regarding the constitutionality of Texas law, and does not in any way limit other appropriate procedural challenges to Texas law, including in the courts of the State of Texas. Texas.”

The Justice Department sued Texas over the anti-abortion laws, saying they are “clearly unconstitutional.” Other legal cases involving the law are also pending.

News week contacted Abbott’s press secretary for further comment, but did not immediately receive a response.


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