In a recent debate over strict abortion laws, a GOP lawmaker made an alarming statement by referring to “consensual rape.” Representative John Miller from Missouri attempted to justify a new law that would prohibit abortions after eight weeks—before many women even realize they are pregnant. Notably, this legislation does not include exceptions for victims of rape or incest.
Miller argued that eight weeks is “sufficient time” for a survivor of sexual assault to seek an abortion, a comment that raises serious concerns about a male politician’s understanding of the emotional and psychological trauma that can accompany such experiences.
Taking his remarks further, Miller, who previously served in law enforcement, attempted to categorize certain rapes based on circumstances. He stated, “Let’s consider a scenario where someone is assaulted after a night out—most of the cases I encountered were not the stereotypical stranger attacks.” He went on to use the term “consensual rape,” which prompted immediate backlash.
Representative Sarah Thompson quickly corrected him, declaring, “There is no such thing as consensual rape.” It’s disheartening that such a clarification is necessary for a lawmaker to understand that consent cannot coexist with rape.
When questioned by reporters about his choice of words, Miller expressed regret, clarifying that he did not intend to excuse any form of assault. He acknowledged that “there’s no such thing as consensual rape” and emphasized that he always took a victim’s account seriously during his time in law enforcement. However, many took to social media to criticize the gravity of his statements and their implications.
This legislation in Missouri follows similar restrictive measures enacted in states like Georgia, Mississippi, and Ohio, all of which have severely curtailed reproductive rights, limiting access to safe and legal abortions.
For those looking to challenge these harmful restrictions and the ignorance displayed by Miller, consider supporting organizations like the Gateway Women’s Access Fund, which assists women facing financial difficulties in obtaining abortions. It is essential that men step back from making decisions about women’s bodies and experiences.
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In summary, the recent comments made by a Missouri lawmaker highlight the urgent need for informed discussions around reproductive rights and the impact of legislative decisions on women’s health.