Idaho legislators are trying to insert themselves into lady business. Until now, the abortion battle has been fought using pamphlets and denial of rights. But a new bill has come forward after Virginia passed similar legislation last year.
Section 18-609 of the Idaho code is proposed to include a transvaginal ultrasound for women requesting early-term abortions. This mandate comes in addition to the tidal wave of “educational” pamphlets women must read before terminating their pregnancy as well as counseling to discuss other options for raising their child.
Those opposed to abortion will apparently try anything to guilt women out of their decision, as shown nationwide. Similar legislation passed in Virginia was amended Tuesday removing the provision requiring the transvaginal ultrasound, which Sen. Janet Howell called “state assault.”
While her language might be superlative, it makes a valid point. Particularly with early-term abortions, these actions are reactionary and excessive. With later abortions only a normal ultrasound is required, which is also excessive but not as invasive as a transvaginal ultrasound.
A woman’s right to make her own decision regarding her body may still be up for debate, but this legislation takes it one step too far. This is a battle Republicans should not be fighting in their war on choice.
There is no exception for rape or incest in the legislation. This means women who have already undergone a horrendous ordeal are further subjected to emotional assault in being forced to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound.
With the outrage in Virginia, it seems unlikely the legislation will pass in Idaho. But a line needs to be drawn. This is the 21st century. The battle for rights of all varieties should come to an end. It shouldn’t take an invasive probe to make others realize how far legislators are overreaching. – See more at: file:///Volumes/argonaut$/stories/sections/opinion/stories/2012/March/2/idaho_legislators_reach.html#sthash.q6xijREJ.dpuf
Section 18-609 of the Idaho code is proposed to include a transvaginal ultrasound for women requesting early-term abortions. This mandate comes in addition to the tidal wave of “educational” pamphlets women must read before terminating their pregnancy as well as counseling to discuss other options for raising their child.
Those opposed to abortion will apparently try anything to guilt women out of their decision, as shown nationwide. Similar legislation passed in Virginia was amended Tuesday removing the provision requiring the transvaginal ultrasound, which Sen. Janet Howell called “state assault.”
While her language might be superlative, it makes a valid point. Particularly with early-term abortions, these actions are reactionary and excessive. With later abortions only a normal ultrasound is required, which is also excessive but not as invasive as a transvaginal ultrasound.
A woman’s right to make her own decision regarding her body may still be up for debate, but this legislation takes it one step too far. This is a battle Republicans should not be fighting in their war on choice.
There is no exception for rape or incest in the legislation. This means women who have already undergone a horrendous ordeal are further subjected to emotional assault in being forced to undergo a transvaginal ultrasound.
With the outrage in Virginia, it seems unlikely the legislation will pass in Idaho. But a line needs to be drawn. This is the 21st century. The battle for rights of all varieties should come to an end. It shouldn’t take an invasive probe to make others realize how far legislators are overreaching. – See more at: file:///Volumes/argonaut$/stories/sections/opinion/stories/2012/March/2/idaho_legislators_reach.html#sthash.q6xijREJ.dpuf