How the Anti-Abortion Movement Fueled the Riot at the Capitol

The 'Stuff Mom Never Told You' episode featuring guest Bridget Todd delves into the connections between the anti-abortion movement and the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Bridget Todd, an expert on disinformation and social movements, shares her personal experience of the day from her perspective as a Washington, D.C. resident. She describes the rapid transition from hopefulness due to the Georgia Senate runoffs to a sense of powerlessness as the insurrection unfolded. Todd emphasizes that the riot was not only an attack on democracy but also on the local community. The episode explores the history of disinformation within the anti-abortion movement and its similarities to the 'big lie' that fueled the Capitol riot. The hosts and Todd discuss how the spread of lies and misinformation about abortion has been tolerated and has even influenced policy, such as unfounded claims leading to investigations and legislation. The episode highlights the overlap between anti-abortion activists and the rioters, with several prominent figures in the movement present at the Capitol on January 6. Todd points out that this is not a coincidence, as there has been a longstanding crossover between anti-abortion sentiment and white supremacist movements.

The discussion also touches on the role of women in propagating disinformation, noting that while men often lead in calls for violence, women can act as foot soldiers for the movement. The hosts question how anti-abortion rhetoric became central to the riot, with Todd explaining that Donald Trump was seen as a protector of unborn children, intertwining anti-abortion ideology with the insurrection. The episode also examines the relationship between anti-abortion activists and law enforcement, revealing instances where police officers have appeared sympathetic to protesters outside abortion clinics, mirroring the camaraderie seen between officers and Capitol rioters. This connection underscores the broader issue of certain ideologies infiltrating law enforcement and the potential for bias in handling protests and violence.