What a Day Podcast Summary: "Abortion in Trump's America" (December 19, 2024)

Host: Jane Coaston | Guest: Mary Ziegler, Professor at UC Davis School of Law

1. Introduction and Overview

[00:02]
Jane Coaston opens the episode by highlighting significant news topics, including President Donald Trump's efforts to disrupt government funding and the impending release of the House Ethics Committee report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz. The primary focus, however, centers on the evolving landscape of abortion laws and policies in America, especially in the context of Trump's political resurgence.

2. South Carolina's Planned Parenthood Funding Case

[00:54]
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case originating from South Carolina that, while not directly about abortion, significantly impacts it. South Carolina seeks to defund Planned Parenthood by cutting Medicaid funding for its healthcare services, including mammograms, birth control, and STD testing.

[02:15]
Mary Ziegler explains that the case revolves around Medicaid rules and the right of recipients to choose their healthcare providers. The state aims to deny funding to organizations like Planned Parenthood by targeting the non-abortion services they provide. However, Planned Parenthood argues that Medicaid statutes ensure patients have the right to select their providers, a point that lower courts have contested, leading the Supreme Court to intervene.

Notable Quote:
"Pro-life states like South Carolina should be free to determine that Planned Parenthood and other entities that peddle abortion are not qualified to receive taxpayer funding through Medicaid." — Attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom [02:30]

3. Texas Lawsuit Against Abortion Pill Mailing Doctor

[03:07]
Jane Coaston brings attention to a lawsuit filed by Texas against a New York doctor who has been mailing abortion medication to individuals in states where such practices are banned. This case raises questions about interstate commerce and the ability of blue states to protect their residents from legal actions stemming from out-of-state providers.

[03:19]
Mary Ziegler highlights the lawsuit's significance as it challenges the protections blue states offer to their residents, especially when those residents seek reproductive care from out-of-state providers. Texas argues for the applicability of its laws to the doctor, potentially setting a precedent for similar interstate conflicts.

Notable Quote:
"This is the first real test we've seen of an interstate conflict of this kind come to fruition." — Mary Ziegler [03:25]

4. Legal Landscape of Abortion in the Lead-Up to Trump's Potential Second Term

[04:06]
Discussing the broader implications, Mary Ziegler outlines a fragmented legal landscape regarding abortion. While numerous states have enshrined reproductive rights into their constitutions, others have implemented new bans, leading to a complex patchwork of laws that either expand or restrict access.

[05:00]
Ziegler emphasizes the uncertainty surrounding Trump's potential second term, noting that his administration could bring national-level restrictions that override state initiatives. This could involve executive actions or congressional bans that would significantly alter the current state-by-state approach.

Notable Quote:
"Whatever's happening now may or may not change pretty profoundly when Donald Trump takes office." — Mary Ziegler [05:10]

5. Impact of Trump's Judicial Appointments on Abortion Access

[07:40]
Mary Ziegler predicts that a second Trump term would likely result in the appointment of federal judges who are more conservative and aligned with the Dobbs decision, potentially leading to further restrictions on reproductive rights. Additionally, there are plans to revive the Comstock Act to limit access to abortion-related medications and paraphernalia.

Notable Quote:
"Trump is going to nominate people to the federal bench and probably to the US Supreme Court who are at least as conservative as the current justices are on reproductive issues and probably more conservative." — Mary Ziegler [07:45]

6. Shifts in Public Opinion on Abortion Amid Increased Restrictions

[09:02]
Contrary to the tightening restrictions, polling indicates that Americans are increasingly pro-choice as more states impose abortion limits. Mary Ziegler suggests that Republicans may mistakenly believe they have a stronger mandate on abortion rights than they actually do, potentially leading to greater backlash if restrictions continue to impede access.

[09:21]
Ziegler warns that as more people personally experience restrictions, the public backlash could intensify, challenging Republican strategies and forcing a reevaluation of their approach to abortion legislation.

Notable Quote:
"If that starts to change, I think the backlash will be much greater." — Mary Ziegler [09:25]

7. Current Political Developments and Their Implications

a. House Republicans and the Government Shutdown Threat

[10:34] – [15:06]
Jane Coaston transitions to broader political news, discussing House Republicans' decision to reject a bipartisan spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. Influential figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump publicly opposed the bill, signaling potential chaos in government funding mechanisms.

[14:45]
In contrast, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) successfully passed, despite some Democratic reservations over provisions like the removal of gender-affirming care for military dependents. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer expressed satisfaction with the bill's passage, highlighting its defense and technological advancements.

Notable Quote:
"At least Congress is passing something." — Jane Coaston [15:00]

b. Release of House Ethics Committee Report on Matt Gaetz

[15:06] – [16:16]
The House Ethics Committee voted to release its investigative report on former Congressman Matt Gaetz, detailing allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. Gaetz denied the claims on Twitter, attributing his past behavior to youthful indiscretions and asserting he has since reformed. Mary Ziegler characterizes the move as a "revenge tour," though Gaetz appears unfazed and continues his political career.

Notable Quote:
"It's a revenge tour. And they're not winning because Matt's already." — Mary Ziegler [16:05]

c. California's Bird Flu Emergency and Mystery Drones

[16:16] – [18:28]
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in response to bird flu detected in dairy cows and a severe human case linked to backyard flocks. Concurrently, reports of mysterious drones in the Northeast have stirred public concern, though President Joe Biden dismissed them as "nothing nefarious." The Senate blocked a bill to empower law enforcement to track these drones, citing civil liberties concerns.

Notable Quote:
"Whatever is going on here seems super normal and I for one, will not be worrying about it at all." — Chuck Schumer [18:23]

8. Paris Hilton's Advocacy Against the Troubled Teens Industry

[18:28] – [21:57]
Jane Coaston shifts focus to Paris Hilton's revelations about the "Troubled Teens Industry," which encompasses residential facilities and therapeutic boarding schools often marked by abuse and lack of oversight. Hilton shared her traumatic experiences at Provo Canyon School in Utah, where she endured physical and sexual abuse.

[20:20]
Hilton has been actively lobbying for greater oversight of youth residential programs, culminating in the House passing the Stop Institutionalized Child Abuse Act. This legislation mandates the creation of a federal workgroup to develop recommendations for improving care in such facilities.

Notable Quote:
"These programs promised healing, growth and support, but instead did not allow me to speak, move freely, or even look out a window for two years." — Paris Hilton [20:20]

[21:46]
Hilton expressed profound satisfaction with the bill's passage, deeming it the most meaningful work of her life and a significant victory for protecting vulnerable youth.

Notable Quote:
"I never felt prouder in my life. This has been the most meaningful work of my life, and it's just been so emotional just to hear that our bill has passed." — Paris Hilton [21:46]

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks

[21:57]
Jane Coaston wraps up the episode by emphasizing the importance of peaceful political transitions and the upcoming presidential inauguration. She also promotes exclusive content and encourages listeners to subscribe, review, and engage with the podcast.

Final Note: The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of abortion laws in America, the potential impact of Trump's return to the White House on reproductive rights, and broader political developments that influence these dynamics. Additionally, it highlights significant advocacy efforts by public figures like Paris Hilton to address systemic issues within youth treatment facilities.

Notable Contributors:

• Mary Ziegler: Professor at UC Davis School of Law, expert on abortion history and politics.
• Paris Hilton: Advocate against the Troubled Teens Industry, survivor of abusive therapeutic boarding schools.

Produced by: Crooked Media
Recorded and Mixed by: Desmond Taylor
Executive Producer: Adrienne Hill
Theme Music: Colin Gilliard and Kashaka

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