Wendy Davis Persuasive Speech

Wendy Davis “kick-started” her campaign by standing in a court room for 11 hours straight talking about putting a ban on abortion after 20 weeks. The exception Davis advocated for would be more broad than the abortion law in Texas today. Allowing women to abort for a bigger range of medical issues, including a wider range of fetal abnormalities. “Texas only allowing post-20-week abortions in the case of fetal abnormality with "severe, irreversible brain impairment" and threats to a woman's life.” (Amanda Marcotte, Wendy Davis, Hero to the Pro-Choice Movement) During Davis’ 11-hour filibuster, many people stayed to the very last minute. But making sure to commit an act of civil disobedience, when the clock struck mid-night, they screamed
at the top of their lungs to end the trial. The Senate was unable to vote on the bill before they ran out of time. Davis and other law makers decided to join the protesters outside after the surprising victory. The delay she set on the current abortion law (in 2013), was that it is right and okay for a woman to abort a baby if it was threatening the mother’s life or the child could never lead a successful life or were going to die at birth. At 20 weeks or before, you can usually find these things out by this time. Senate Bill 5 is an abortion bill that made clinic standards impractical and inhumane.
The bill would have restricted women getting an abortion past 20-weeks. The purpose of this 11-hour filibuster was to limit this bill. Her perseverance was heard across the nation. Barack Obama tweeted, “something special happening in Austin tonight” (Wendy Davis Filibuster) As a fitness enthusiast she had the stamina required for the gruelling feat of endurance. The rules are strict: no digressions, no food or water, no leaning on a desk, no bathroom breaks. And no sitting - Davis's chair was removed when she started speaking, hence the need for comfortable footwear. (Bob Daemmrich) Davis never took a break, she talked for 11 hours straight and never gave up on what she believed in. As hundreds of supporters crowded in trying to get a seat, she spoke of her own abortion story trying to relate to the audience and her supporters. The proposals called for abortions to be banned after 20 weeks, clinics to upgrade their facilities to be classed as surgical centers and doctors to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. They would have forced 37 of the state's 42 clinics to close, according to opponents, making it very difficult for women in rural areas to obtain an abortion. (Corbis, Wendy Davis
Courage) If the filibuster was going to succeed, it could kill multiple birds with one stone. “A proposal to fund major transportation projects as well as a bill to have Texas more closely conform with a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision banning mandatory sentences of life in prison without parole for offenders younger than 18 might not get votes. Current state law only allows a life sentence without parole for 17-year-olds convicted of capital murder.” (Texas senator against abortion). Anti-abortion lawyers and law makers questioned Davis, asking her things suggesting that the bill is to only secure women’s rights. She answered professionally, and then carried on with her case. Lawmakers even made harsh and rude suggestions to throw her off topic and mess with her emotions. “Debate in that chamber ranged from lawmakers waving coat-hangers on the floor and claiming the new rules are so draconian that women are going to be forced to head to drug war-torn Mexico to have abortions.” (Texas senator filibusters against abortion bill). Davis questioned why vasectomies and colonoscopies aren’t required to take place in such clinics. "Because I've been unable to have a simple question answered to help me understand how this would lead to better care for women, I must question the underlying motive for doing so." (Davis). All Republican’s eyes were on Davis, looking for any mess up or slight violation to end the trial. Democrats made sure to stall nearly all night Sunday, the bill didn’t get to senate until early morning Monday. Through all of the attempts to pass the bill, Davis’ strong courage and perseverance and encouraging words motivated women who the bill would effect. Davis succeeded, freedom for women to do what they want with their bodies!