Hollywood is no stranger to fundraising, but this time some of the country’s biggest comedians are putting on a show in support of Texas women who are facing down the state’s new abortion restrictions.
Taking place in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 19, the event is titled, “A Night of a Thousand Vaginas!” and will raise funds for women’s groups in Texas that are helping to guide individuals through the state’s latest abortion law.
The show will star comedians like Sarah Silverman, Zach Galifianakis, Jen Kirkman, Steve Agee, Queens of the Stone Age musician Josh Homme, and more. Tickets were available for up to $100, but the event is now sold out.
Organized by the women’s group “A is For,” which describes itself as “an ally and advocate for organizations working to protect reproductive rights,” the event has already come under fire from conservative outlets like Truth Revolt and NewsBusters and pro-life supporters.
According to The Daily Caller, “A is For is organizing this emergency benefit to raise money for Texas abortion funds (Lilith Fund, TEA Fund, Whole Women’s Health Action Fund, and Fund Texas Women) who are working to help women affected by this law by providing financial support to help cover procedures, travel, lodging and child care.”
Texas’ new abortion law – which includes a ban on the procedure for women past 20 weeks of pregnancy – have become a heated point of contention ever since Democratic state Senator Wendy Davis performed a marathon 13-hour filibuster in order to deny the restrictions’ initial passage. Despite her efforts, the law was passed in July.
In addition to the 20-week abortion ban, the law mandates that any doctor performing the procedure must have admitting privileges at a hospital within a 30-mile radius of the abortion clinic. Access to non-surgical forms of abortion, such as pills, has also been restricted.
Women’s groups have filed lawsuits against the law and notched an early victory when a district judge declared parts of it unconstitutional in October. Three days later, however, the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals overruled that order and reinstated most of the law’s restrictions while it hears oral arguments for and against the restrictions.
Earlier this month, both sides appeared in front of the court to present their argument. It’s unknown when exactly the a ruling will be issued, though many expect the case to ultimately head to the Supreme Court.
