In our 2012 Women's History month I'm experiencing more women's history and history-in-the-making than I can ever remember in the month of March. And it's women that are making this history (spurred on in large part by Republican men and especially Rush Limbaugh). And watching women respond to this sorry misogynistic-war-on-women with wit and brilliance is one of the few bright spots I've found.
I'm happy to bring you this list of remarkable women, and the actions they took that caused me to find them remarkable, as a tribute to all women everywhere and the men that support them. Read on....
1. Illinois State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D) who proposed an amendment to a state mandatory ultrasound bill that would require men to watch a graphic video about the side effects of Viagra before legally being able to receive a prescription for it. She stated that "If they're serious about us not being about to make our own health care decisions, then I'm just as serious about them not being able to make theirs."
2. Wilmington, Delaware City Councilwoman Loretta Walsh who authored a resolution that declares "each 'egg person' and each 'sperm person' are equal in the eyes of the government".
3. Oklahoma Senator Constance Johnson (D) introduced an amendment (but later withdrew) to a "personhood" bill that would have given zygotes the same rights as adults. "However, any action in which a man ejaculates or otherwise deposits semen anywhere but in a woman's vagina shall be interpreted and construed as an action against an unborn child," reads the amendment.
4. Virginia Senator Janet Howell (D) introduced an amendment to a mandatory ultrasound bill that would require men to have a rectal exam and a cardiac stress test before obtaining a prescription for erectile dysfunction medication.
5. Ohio State Senator Nina Turner (D) introduced a bill requiring men to get psychological screenings before getting prescriptions for erectile dysfunction medication. "We must advocate for the traditional family," Turner said, "and ensure that all men using PDE-5 inhibitors are healthy, stable, and educated about their options—including celibacy as a viable life choice."
6. Georgia State Representative Yasmin Neal (D) wrote a bill outlawing most vasectomies because they leave "thousands of children…deprived of birth."
7. Missouri State Representative Stacey Newman (and 8 other female co-sponsors) filed a bill that would only allow a man to have a vasectomy when doing so would protect him from serious injury or prevent his death, and insure that vasectomies will only be performed in medical facilities licensed by the Department of Health and Senior Services, such as a hospital, ambulatory surgery center or similarly designated health facility.
Mad props to Mother Jones, The Huffington Post, and The Grio for many of these references.