Bill Nye, the quirky comedian and educator we know as the Science Guy, is back. He’s still wearing the bowtie and talking about science, but his tone and intent have changed since the ‘90s. In the last year, he’s spoken out (and even caused a stir) about big issues like climate change, fracking and most recently abortion.
In his latest video, Can We Stop Telling Women What to Do With Their Bodies? Nye starts out with an important question: “If you’re going to say when an egg is fertilized, it therefore has the same rights as an individual, then whom are you going to imprison? Every woman who’s had a fertilized egg pass through her? Every guy whose sperm has fertilized an egg that didn’t become a human?”
He explains egg fertilization and that science is the reason we know so much about reproduction today. He’s very frustrated, even having to “pull back” at one point, because he says lawmakers aren’t using science to make decisions—they are passing laws based on beliefs dating back 50 centuries ago that are “inconsistent with nature.”
He asks viewers to respects the facts—limiting access to abortion clinics and birth control, as well as pushing abstinence are not “effective ways to lead to healthier societies.” In his closing statement, he puts facts and science behind to make one last plea: “I really encourage you to not tell women what to do and not pursue these laws that really are in nobody’s best interest, just really be objective about this. We have other problems to solve, everybody. Come on, let’s work together.”
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or an endorsement by Planned Parenthood. Check with your health care provider to discuss what is best for you.
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