All the media seems to be ablaze about Donald Trump’s now infamous comment regarding punishing women who have abortions while absolving men of any culpability. Maybe now is a good time to look at how this mentality has taken root among political, religious, and social conservatives to the point that the combination of these three forces has led to outdated thinking and legislation.
The “Donald” has recently attempted to walk back his statement by declaring his intent was to focus “punishment” solely on abortion providers and those medical personnel who perform the procedure. Right-to-life organizations have issued similar decrees in an effort to distance themselves from the controversy.
Mattie Brinkerhoff, president of the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List said:
“We have never advocated, in any context, for the punishment of women who undergo abortion… Let us be clear: punishment is solely for the abortionists who profit off of the destruction of one life and the grave wounding of another.”
Jeanne Marcini, President of March for Life Education and Defense Fund tweeted:
“No pro-lifer would ever want to punish a woman who has chosen abortion.”
Of course, the usual fake outrage from the political right contradicts actual legislation that members of Congress have proposed. Since 2015, 75 bills have been brought to the floor of both chambers with over 90 percent of GOP elected officials attempting some form of restriction to abortion.
Ironically, while many religious organizations have used their increasing influence on Republicans to curtail and outright outlaw abortion, none have raised disgust over men being able to obtain erectile dysfunction pills. There aren’t any demonstrations in front of insurance conglomerates such as Aetna and other HMOs that help men in their ability to “create life in the womb.” The amount of legislation proposed by federal and state officials to put restrictions on a man’s reproductive rights is virtually non-existent.
Not to be outdone, businesses such as Hobby Lobby and at least 71 other employers have been suing the government in order to opt out of providing contraceptives to female employees but do offer Viagra or some other form of ED medicine for men to continue to procreate. One ray of light that shines on this hypocrisy comes from (of all places) the state of Kentucky!
Democratic State Representative Mary Lou Marzian put forward House Bill 396 which essentially requires a man seeking ED medication to bring a doctor’s note as well as permission from his wife before receiving the pill. The male recipient would additionally be required to take an oath on the Bible pledging his fidelity to only his spouse. Rep. Marxian states:
“I want to protect these men from themselves, this is about family values.”
It’s doubtful many of her conservative counterparts will mount a campaign or take to the airways in order to rail against the “atrocity” of irresponsible, promiscuous males using artificial stimulants for pleasure and procreation. Maybe they can blame Obama.
Featured image from liberalamerica.org media files.
