The overturning of Texas’ abortion restrictions by SCOTUS was a huge win for women’s reproduction rights. Many celebrated with sharing the news and even personal testimonies on social media.
Wanting to join the dialogue, The Daily Show tweeted, “Celebrate the #SCOTUS ruling! Go knock someone up in Texas!”
Celebrate the #SCOTUS ruling! Go knock someone up in Texas!
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 27, 2016
The tweet was met with backlash as many found it to demean why women would need the right to choose, to a stereotype about abortions told from a male’s perspective. According to the Daily Show‘s tweet, access to abortions is apparently a challenge for men to impregnate women in Texas.
"Victory for women! Go find a warm hole and put a baby in it!" https://t.co/IQjzBFTMzi
— Kate Harding (@KateHarding) June 27, 2016
While in an interview with the Times, Trevor Noah had emphasized the importance of a diversified team, and the tweet sparked a conversation about the Daily Show‘s predominantly male writing staff.
Maybe u should hire more women writers RT @TheDailyShow Celebrate the #SCOTUS ruling! Go knock someone up in Texas! pic.twitter.com/NEXyFBKUDz
— jennifer ((daniel)) (@jenniferdaniel) June 27, 2016
The Daily Show‘s response to the backlash was just as troubling as some argue that it demonizes abortions by addressing them as taboo, and is neither an apology nor omission that their previous tweet was inappropriate.
Friends, we’re certainly not promoting abortions. Just excited about #SCOTUS reaffirming right to choose.
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) June 27, 2016
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