In a shocking display of ignorance, a GOP representative recently referred to “consent in rape” while debating restrictive abortion laws. Rep. John Carter, a Republican from Missouri, made headlines for his distressing comments that highlighted why men should not be in charge of decisions regarding women’s bodies. During a discussion on a new Missouri law that would ban abortions after eight weeks—when many women are still unaware they are pregnant—Carter tried to justify the legislation with some truly baffling remarks.
The law in question does not allow exceptions for victims of rape or incest, which Carter defended by stating that eight weeks is “plenty of time” for a survivor of sexual assault to decide on an abortion. This kind of thinking dismisses the emotional and psychological impact of such trauma and undermines the complex realities faced by women in these situations.
Carter went even further by attempting to categorize the nature of assaults. He stated, “Most rapes are not just the stereotypical attacker; many are date rapes or what some might call consensual rapes.” This shocking phrase was met with immediate backlash, with fellow legislator Maria Thompson promptly correcting him by saying, “There is no such thing as consensual rape.” It’s disheartening that such a fundamental truth has to be reiterated to a lawmaker.
When confronted about his choice of words, Carter attempted to backtrack, acknowledging that he had misspoken. “I’m not making excuses,” he admitted. “Everyone makes mistakes.” However, many found this insufficient, as the damage of such statements can contribute to harmful narratives about sexual violence.
This incident comes as Missouri, alongside other states like Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Kentucky, has enacted severe restrictions on reproductive rights, effectively making it extremely difficult for women to secure safe and legal abortions. If you wish to take a stand against these harmful laws and the ignorance displayed by Rep. Carter, consider supporting organizations like Gateway Women’s Access Fund, which helps women facing financial barriers to abortion care.
In a world where reproductive rights are under siege, it’s crucial for women to have autonomy over their bodies, free from the misguided judgments of male lawmakers. For those interested in learning more about reproduction, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination here. For further insights into home insemination methods, you might find our article on BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit quite informative. If you’re considering options, the 18-piece At Home Insemination Kit is an authority on this subject.
In summary, the recent comments made by Rep. John Carter have sparked outrage and highlighted the need for women to have the ultimate say over their reproductive health. It’s a critical moment for advocacy and awareness in the face of growing legislative restrictions.
Keyphrase: “consensual rape lawmakers”
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