Normally, I would rather put a stick in my eye than talk (or write) about abortion. It's complicated, it's messy and, above all else, it's personal. But a friend of mine who serves as a state senator in Missouri called me tonight to talk about an exchange at the committee hearing tonight. And I can't get it out of my head.
The Senate Judiciary Committee held hearings for two bills that both seek to further regulate abortion. One bill would collect information about women who have abortions and the other would require an ultrasound prior to an abortion and criminalize the act of coercing a woman to have an abortion.
The lobbyist from Planned Parenthood was testifying against portions of the bills. She was questioned by Senator Jane Cunningham. Senator Cunningham represents the western portion of St. Louis County. It is a very white, affluent and conservative part of an increasingly Democratic county. Senator Cunningham served in the Missouri House for eight years so her conservative views are quite well known. And while she has not been known as the kookiest member of the General Assembly (we save that honor for "hunger-is-a-great-motivator-for-children" Cynthia Davis)tonight Senator Cunningham challenged Representative Davis for that honor in her questions for the rep from Planned Parenthood.
Senator Cunningham silenced the room when she asked the lobbyist "Tell me, have you ever had an abortion?"
If a video surfaces I'll throw up a link. In the meantime I'll just throw up.