Weeks After Davis Revelation, Dukes Says She Had Abortion
*Editor's note: This story has been updated throughout.
Two weeks after news emerged that state Sen. Wendy Davis terminated two pregnancies for medical reasons, another Texas legislator talked about her own abortion during a heated debate Saturday on women’s health.
During a panel discussion at The Texas Tribune Festival, state Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, revealed that she has had an abortion. After Dukes argued that there are false perceptions about the psychological effects of abortion, Republican Molly White, who is running unopposed to represent House District 55, said that women who have not had abortions don’t have ...
Comments (35)
Brian Mayes via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wow. This was once a private issue. Now liberal female candidates view it as a badge of honor.
Robert Monsivais via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Okay, what does she want a medal for aborting a baby. I guess good for her.
Bob Kemins via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Well when the female republican candidate blames her drug and alcohol problems on her abortion it is fair game to call BS on that. Which is what went on here.
Jodi Callaway Cole via Texas Tribune on Facebook
When you remove stigma and shame from your decisions and own them, you remove a tremendous tool of control from oppressive and judgmental people. Good for her for calling out a bluff with her truth!
Nancy Marsac via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There is absolutely no reason to have surgical conditions to prescribe RU 486. A D&C is less dangerous than a colonoscopy. So why the fancy digs?
Nichole Nanez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Really? They're gonna trample over each other coming out of the woodwork. "Me too! Me too! I've had 3 abortions. I'm triple qualified to represent the women of Texas!"
Shannen King Shapiro via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Wow, it's a baby killer bonanza in Texas.... I'm so proud.... : / not really.
Kimberly De La Garza via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Did anyone do it after 20 weeks? Shouldn't that really be the issue
Erik von Holstein-Rathlou via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Who cares?
Ramona Lauderdale Honan via Texas Tribune on Facebook
They are supposed to be proud of this?
Stephen Smith via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Great. Abortion chic. Now Democrats will come out of the woodwork bragging about how many babies they have killed. Maybe making notches on their belt for every abortion.
Stephen Smith via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I mean it is great seeing people that celebrate murder. I'm sure the Germans in the 30's felt the same way.
Desmond Taylor via Texas Tribune on Facebook
It is a rite of passage for Democrats.
Ron Wood via Texas Tribune on Facebook
so she is another baby killer
Shannen King Shapiro via Texas Tribune on Facebook
So, what they're really trying to say is that being irresponsible with their sexual healthy, not once, but multiple times somehow qualifies them to govern this state!! God help us!!
And btw, visit the pharmacy isle for crying out loud!
Sonja Mumphrey via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Shhhh.
Marvin Tunchez via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Hilary 2016!
Bill Rote via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Go Wendy! I wore this shirt proudly at Moral Monday protests in North Carolina!!
Pamela Johnson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
We need to break through this good ole boy patriarchal shaming and come together supporting each other. The patriarchs always control us by taking an issue that they think they can bully us with. We need to come together and say " sister, I support you." No one will ever walk in your shoes, whatever you do with your life, it's yours, not theirs to judge. We need to form a solid coalition against domestic abuse against ALL women and pass equal pay resolutions, and stronger workplace harrassment laws.its time for women to support each other instead of falling victim to the divide and conquer strategy that has kept us from achieving our full potential as people.
Diane Treider via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Of course, slam the Democrat for one abortion,and ignore the Republican with two who also claims it led to drug and alcohol abuse; which one?
Paul Hughes via Texas Tribune on Facebook
The country is going to hell when people speak of aborting babies with pride and a smile, and clueless minions swallow it without a peep.
"Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence...? But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God...," Jeremiah 5:21-24.
Nancy Olson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Pretty soon, everyone will tell their story without shame. It is legal. Their business. And that prim matron that teaches your Sunday school class and that babysitter of your kids and the investor of your money and the woman who sells you your Mary Kay and the woman who delivers your mail -- and maybe your own sister, or even MOTHER...is going to share an abortion experience. I guarantee, no matter how godly you are, someone you know and love has had one. Careful with the hatred/judgment.
Nancy Olson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
There's "pride" and then there is honesty. Learn the difference. Check dictionary.com if confused.
Nancy Olson via Texas Tribune on Facebook
And any MAN YAPPING about it needs to shut it and back away, now. Not.your.damn.business. EVER.
Patricia Budak
The point here is a woman may have an abortion and go on to great accomplishments. Represent her constituents. Be a champion for children who are wards of the state. Be the one member of the Texas Legislature appointed chair of a committee on the safety of children. Adopt one of those children and lovingly raise her as a proud mother. Representative Dawnna Dukes is a role model all Texas women can admire and emulate.
Melissa Fenton via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Yay Nancy! Well said.
Fred Garvin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
I think more and more women will start to step forward and come public with this. Ultimately it's a private matter, but once people realize not only how common it is, but that women of all backgrounds (conservative/liberal, rich poor) have had abortins, then maybe we can have an honest discussion.
Fred Garvin via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If anyone wants to understand how conservatives really feel about abortions, google "Scott Desjarlais."
Robert Deuell
Given her views and some comments she made yesterday and in the past, one might argue whether Dukes has suffered from her abortion. But what was sad, whatever her circumstances at the time, was that so many in the room applauded and cheered the fact she had an abortion. The pro choice crowd has always reminded us what a tough and difficult decision getting an abortion can be and it is for some, but it is not reason for celebration. Abortion is the taking of a human life. What was discussed yesterday was the fact that some women are not getting their abortions from competent physicians in a safe clinic. I am amazed that those who want abortions out of the "back alley" are content to move them to a substandard medical facility without proper after-hours followup by the people who performed the procedure.
Dawnna Dukes
@Robert Deuell "Given her comments she made yesterday and in the past, one might argue whether Dukes has suffered from her abortion ..... people in the room applauded and cheered the fact that she had an abortion".
Wow! You are a real hoot! You should be on Comedy Central or better yet on FOX News because your FACTS on both accounts are incorrect. First of all your implied statement on my mental stability is an insult which implies a problem with your own. Were you offended that this woman would not back down or bow down to you? Those days are way gone. You certainly had no problem with my "mental stability" when I was sympathetic to you prior to the debate on your re-election loss and lawsuit with Right-to-Life.
Second, the audience did not applaud that I stated I had an abortion, if such was the case they would have applauded when Rep.-elect White from your party shouted that she had two abortions and was thus the only person qualified to an opinion. They were applauding that I myth-busted erroneous statements made by Ms. White and you, former Senator.
After reading your comment/statement here, I sure will not miss you in the legislature. May God keep you, may God bless your sweet heart and I wish you all the best in your next endeavor.
M.j. Kroner via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Thank you, Rep. Dukes. Your willingness to talk about this difficult experience will help many other women.
Ben Rockett via Texas Tribune on Facebook
If my wife has the right to kill OUR un born children I got the right to slap her silly. Law of the jungle has no flag
Hannah Riddering via Texas Tribune on Facebook
Good for you, Dawnna! Thank you for speaking out, for speaking truth. I also have no regrets about mine.
Kelly Johnston via Texas Tribune on Facebook
"I killed my baby!" Yep, that's a winning slogan.
Janet Morana
In a root canal, of course, no one dies.