State Rep. Lisa Brown: My Vagina Monologue: What Michigan GOP Lawmakers Didn't Want to Know

[UrbScotty]

As a state legislator, I have spoken out often and passionately on the things that matter most to me and my constituents. I have spoken out against the defunding of our public schools and against tax increases to middle-class families. So I was shocked to learn Thursday that the leadership of the Michigan House of Representatives had decided to silence me and keep me from doing my job because I had uttered the one word they couldn't stand to hear: vagina.

Let me explain. The day before, we were debating a new anti-choice law that would over-regulate women's health clinics to the point many could no longer offer abortions. It would require doctors to make the equivalent of funeral arrangements for foetal remains, both in the cases of abortion and miscarriage; and it would hinder women in rural areas or who don't have transportation from getting early abortions by prohibiting doctors from prescribing abortion drugs by phone.

When it was my turn to talk, I explained my opposition to the bill. As a Jew, I said that I follow my faith's teaching that when a pregnant woman's health and life is at stake, it's her life that comes first. As a member of a religious minority, I understand that not everyone shares my views, and I respect that. In turn, I asked that they not force their religious views on me. In closing, I told them that I was flattered in their interest in my vagina, but no means no.

Apparently, that was too much for House leadership to bear.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/jun/15/vagina-monologue-michigan-gop-lawmakers

[HockeyMom]

1. Please don't tell me that they are requiring

that a woman with a 6 week miscarriage go through the bloody mess in a toilet bowl so they can bury the remains? Is she supposed to have a microscope too? That is SICK.

What the HELL is wrong with these people?

[Solly Mack]

2. K&R

[nashville_brook]

3. aaaand, this is published in the UK...wonder if any US papers picked it up.

[eridani]

4. I wish she had decided to run for re-election

She will be hard to replace.

[UrbScotty]

5. Looks like she's running for Oakland County Clerk

If she wins, she'll really be able to throw a wrench in the good-old-boys club that is Oakland County government.