Do you ever feel like we’ve stepped back in time, landing in a world reminiscent of a black-and-white sitcom? Are we about to see Rizzo and the Pink Ladies pop around the corner? Because when it comes to women’s rights, it certainly doesn’t feel like the 21st century.
In our last election, we again missed the chance to elect a woman to lead our country, despite a number of highly qualified, passionate female candidates. Women continue to fight for equal pay, safe work environments, adequate parental leave, and to have their voices heard in cases of harassment. In Texas, the situation has become dire, as misogynistic leaders trample over a woman’s right to control her own body.
What on earth is happening in this country? Are we trapped in a bizarre time loop? Is Doc Brown here? Is Marty McFly going to show up? It feels surreal, doesn’t it? The recent Texas abortion law feels like a meteor hit the Earth, sending us back in time by decades.
Thankfully, there are courageous individuals in Texas and across the nation who refuse to accept this blatant violation of human rights. They are prepared to speak out, take risks, and fight for reproductive rights. One such individual is Dr. Mark Johnson, an OB/GYN in San Antonio who understands that abortion is healthcare and is committed to his patients’ rights.
“I realize that by providing an abortion beyond the new legal limit, I am taking a personal risk, but I believe in this strongly,” Dr. Johnson stated in a Washington Post op-ed. “I have daughters, granddaughters, and nieces. I believe abortion is a crucial component of healthcare. I can’t just sit back and watch us regress to 1972.”
Dr. Johnson performed a first-trimester abortion on September 6, shortly after the draconian law was enacted in Texas. Why would he risk legal repercussions? Because he feels a “duty of care” to his patients, just like any responsible physician should.
He recalls the reality of women in 1972, when abortion was nearly impossible to access in Texas unless a psychiatrist deemed a woman suicidal. Those with means were sent to clinics in other states, while many women resorted to dangerous and illegal methods.
“I witnessed three teenagers die from illegal abortions that year,” Dr. Johnson recounts. “One girl came into the ER with her vaginal cavity packed with rags. She succumbed to septic infection days later.” These haunting memories fuel his conviction that safe abortions are essential healthcare.
For 45 years, Dr. Johnson has provided comprehensive healthcare services to women, including routine check-ups and abortion care. However, this new law has decimated access to abortion services, shuttering approximately 80 percent of the services he used to offer.
“Now, anyone who suspects I’ve violated the law can sue me for at least $10,000,” he explains. “For me, it feels like 1972 all over again.” Dr. Johnson understands the dire consequences of restricting abortion access—women will suffer, get hurt, and potentially die.
He willingly took a stand against this unconstitutional law, stating, “I wanted to ensure that Texas didn’t escape accountability for this blatant attack on women’s rights.”
And what has happened since? Yes, the law has been challenged, and Dr. Johnson has faced lawsuits. The first lawsuit against him came from a man named Tom Richards from Arkansas, who claims to be a “disbarred attorney” seeking to right wrongs, despite his own legal troubles.
The absurdity doesn’t stop there. Another individual, Jake Martin from Illinois, is also suing Dr. Johnson, though he identifies as pro-choice. It seems these lawsuits have little to do with actually protecting women and more to do with personal vendettas.
Meanwhile, those who typically oppose abortion, like legislative director for Texas Right to Life, have chosen to ignore Dr. Johnson for now, dismissing his actions as a “stunt.”
While the situation feels maddening, the frivolous nature of these lawsuits may actually highlight the ridiculousness of the law itself. No one wants the courts bogged down by such nonsensical cases, and perhaps these actions will expose the law for what it truly is—a failed attempt to control women.
We extend our gratitude to Dr. Mark Johnson, who is courageously challenging an unjust law and advocating for the healthcare women deserve. His actions are a testament to the fight for reproductive rights and the ongoing struggle against the erosion of women’s autonomy.
For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post, and for authoritative information, visit Make A Mom and Rmany.
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Summary:
This article discusses Dr. Mark Johnson, an OB/GYN in Texas, who is openly challenging the state’s restrictive abortion laws. He believes abortion is a crucial aspect of healthcare and has taken a stand by performing a procedure that defies the new law. As he recalls the tragedies of the past regarding illegal abortions, he emphasizes the need for women to have control over their reproductive choices. His courage highlights the ongoing fight for reproductive rights in a climate that often seeks to undermine them.
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