Women Who Inspire: Wendy Davis

(Photo Credit: Facebook)

NAME: Wendy Davis

AGE: 50

OCCUPATION: Texas state senator and Texas gubernatorial candidate

WHO SHE IS: To be honest with you, I had never heard of Wendy Davis before she staged a courageous coup in the Texas State Senate — a filibuster that lasted 11 hours in June of 2013. Davis successfully blocked a bill banning abortions in the state after 20 weeks of pregnancy. In addition, the legislation featured some pretty tough requirements that would ultimately shut down many women’s health clinics. As Davis’ filibuster dragged on, social media went bonkers. And it was on Twitter where I first heard about Davis and started following her story. Now she is running for governor of Texas, a path partially forged by another Lone Star heroine of mine, Ann Richards, who died in 2006. (Richards’ daughter Cecile, incidentally, is the president of Planned Parenthood.)

WHY SHE INSPIRES ME: Some question the campaign narrative Davis relies heavily on as a former single mom, who once lived in a trailer park, and graduated from Harvard Law School. Honestly, her backstory and her credentials don’t mean much to me. Bottom line: I admire a woman who stands up for the rights of all women. Says Davis: “This isn’t about protecting abortion. It’s about protecting women…It’s about trusting women to make good decisions for themselves and empowering them with the tools to do that.” Amen, sister.

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