The Breakdown: Lawmakers Pass Strictest Abortion Bill in the Country

Getty Images: Julie Bennett / Stringer

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The One Big Thing

Alabama Passes Strictest Abortion Law In Country

On Wednesday, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed into law a controversial abortion bill that is being called the strictest in the country. The law would punish doctors who perform an abortion with life in prison, with the only exception being “to avoid a serious health risk to the unborn child's mother.” The law does not exempt rape and incest victims. Overall, the law severely limits a woman's right to a legal abortion, something that's expected to be challenged in the courts. Alabama is not the only state to make news around women’s rights, with states such as Georgia and Kentucky considering legislation of their own. As news broke, the bill and the legislators who passed it became subject to intense backlash from prominent politicians on both sides of the aisle, celebs, and the ACLU. Meanwhile, the law is being praised by pro-life supporters including women in Alabama, the majority of whom generally oppose abortion rights.

(Pop) Culture Shock

Arthur Character Mr. Ratburn Comes Out As Gay and Gets Married

Hey! What a wonderful kind of day. Earlier this week, Arthur, the children’s television show with an absolutely killer theme song, kicked off its 22nd season (yes, they’re still making new episodes) by revealing that one of its longtime characters, Mr. Ratburn, is gay and getting married to his new aardvark husband, Patrick. “We believe it is important to represent the wide array of adults in the lives of children who look to PBS Kids every day,” said PBS. While many are excited to see the representation in the children’s show, this is actually not the first time the network has featured a same-sex marriage. In 2005, a spinoff of the series called Postcards from Buster featured a lesbian couple.

The Good News Is...

Young People Across The Country Sending Cards to Support Muslim Americans

While hate crimes towards Muslim Americans has risen dramatically since 2015, members of the DoSomething community have stepped up to support mosques across the country. DoSomething recently re-launched the Sincerely, Us campaign, which asks members to create and send in cards to celebrate Eid Al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of Ramadan. When the campaign first launched in 2017, our community created over 44,000 Ramadan cards, which were distributed to every mosque in America! (#NoBigDeal #ShamelessPlug)

That's What They Said

“While the United States is not currently in a position to join the endorsement, we continue to support the overall goals reflected in the call.”

-Official Statement from the White House, declining to sign onto the Christchurch Call for Action, a push by New Zealand and France to encourage tech companies and countries to work together to end the use of social media in acts of terrorism.

Quick Hitters

Why aren’t more people talking about… how children born overseas to same-sex American couples are being denied US citizenship?

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka... the first all-woman surfing club was recently founded with the purpose of creating a safe environment to learn and have fun.

My hero today is… Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, 19, who we recently honored at our gala! He’s been an influential climate advocate since he was 6. (All I did when I was 6 was watch Arthur on PBS).

I’m obsessed with... ONE! MORE! DOG! This pup named Jackson belongs to one of DoSomething’s newest staff members, Jackie! My desk is right next to hers, so I have the fortune of seeing this dog’s picture every day.