As a woman, I've had the sneaking suspicion lately that some segment of the population views me as less than human. Yesterday, the cat jumped out of that bag when the Illinois House Agricultural Committee passed a bill that would require women to get an ultrasound before having an abortion.
Yes, you read that right. The Agricultural Committee passed a bill that would mandate ultrasounds for women. So now, my lady parts are being regulated with the same care and concern that farm animals receive.
More below the orange squiggle.
The Agriculture Committee seems more suited to discussing animals than mandating medical care for women. I’m sure if asked, the bill’s sponsor would say it was heard by the Agricultural Committee because those legislators, being primarily from downstate Illinois, are generally conservative. Passage was all but assured by this group.
However, I think this was a big fat Freudian slip by legislators. In recent days, it’s become clear that some men (and sadly a few women) do not trust women to decide what’s best for our own bodies. So, they anointed themselves to make these tough decisions for me. It’s as if I’m a farm animal, really.
Farm animals have their reproduction and health care legislated for them. Farm animals have no representation on committees that make these decisions. Where have we seen that recently?
My favorite quote on the issue came from a Chicago area legislator, Rep. Deborah Mell. She said, "We're not talking about abortions for cows and pigs, right? We're talking about women?"
Now the bill goes to the House floor for debate. Moo. I wonder if my voice will count.
Some may say I’m reading too much into this. But when my reproductive decisions may be impacted by the Agriculture Committee, I have to wonder about the message legislators are sending. Here’s what I think. I’m really a f*cking farm animal.
UPDATE: Here's the link to the article detailing this. http://www.chicagotribune.com/...