Videos Discuss State Abortion Restrictions, Future of Pro-Choice Movement

January 4, 2013 — Our video roundup includes a unique assortment of Web videos hand-picked by our editors. This week, we feature segments examining the atmosphere in the states going into the 2013 legislative sessions, as well as the future of the abortion-rights movement.

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow examines abortion-rights opponents' waning enthusiasm for mandatory ultrasound requirements after Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) drew national scrutiny for supporting a measure that would have forced women seeking abortions to undergo transvaginal ultrasounds. The final bill was amended to require abdominal ultrasounds, and several states later abandoned similar measures, according to Maddow. She also discusses McDonnell's recent approval of new abortion clinic regulations and speaks with National Organization for Women President Terry O'Neill (Maddow, "The Rachel Maddow Show," MSNBC, 1/2).



On MSBNC's "Morning Joe," Time's Rana Foroohar discusses the cover story in the latest issue about how the abortion-rights movement has lost ground since Roe v. Wade 40 years ago. The movement is now grappling with internal debates over how to move forward in the face of shifting public opinion and opponents who have become increasingly effective at the state level, she explains (Brzezinski/Scarborough, "Morning Joe," MSNBC, 1/3).