NBC Mentions 'Demonstrators on Both Sides' of Texas Abortion Debate, Only Shows Abortion Activists
During a news brief on Wednesday's NBC Today, anchor Natalie
Morales noted that following "tough new abortion laws" being approved by
the Texas house of delegates, "Demonstrators on both sides of the issue
descended on the state capitol building and erupted in screams and
cheers immediately following last night's vote." [Listen to the audio]
However, the footage that rolled on screen as Morales talked was only
that of abortion activists chanting "Shame on you!" throughout the Texas
state house. Such footage belies the fact that sixty-two percent of Texans agree with the ban on abortions after twenty weeks, not to mention a plurality of Americans.
During a report on Tuesday's Today, correspondent Gabe Gutierrez did take time to feature a pro-life rally – which he labeled "anti-abortion" – at the state capitol:
CROWD [PRO-LIFE PROTESTORS]: Pass the bill! Pass the bill!
GUTIERREZ: Today another showdown is expected at the Texas state capitol. After more than a thousand anti-abortion protestors rallied last night.
MIKE HUCKABEE [FMR. GOV. R-AR]: We are the voice of the weak and the vulnerable. Let us stand for life.
However, the general tone of Gutierrez's segment was how Texas "has become the epicenter of the national debate over abortion" due to the "controversial" legislation.
Here is a full transcript of the July 10 news brief:
7:07AM ET
NATALIE MORALES: The Texas House gives provisional approval to tough new abortion laws in the state. Tuesday night the House voted 98 to 49 for the legislation.
[ON-SCREEN HEADLINE: Texas Abortion Bill; Vote On Tough New Restrictions Expected Today]
Demonstrators on both sides of the issue descended on the state capitol building and erupted in screams and cheers immediately following last night's vote.
[ABORTION ACTIVISTS CHANTING: SHAME ON YOU! SHAME ON YOU!]
A final formal vote is scheduled for today. The bill would then go to the state senate.
