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
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