In a troubling display of ignorance regarding women’s rights, a Republican lawmaker from Missouri, Rep. Tom Richards, referred to the concept of “consensual rape” while advocating for strict abortion laws. This incident underscores the ongoing concern about male politicians dictating the parameters of women’s reproductive health.
Richards was supporting a new Missouri law that would outlaw abortions after just eight weeks of pregnancy—a period when many women might not even realize they’re expecting. Notably, this legislation does not provide exceptions for victims of rape or incest, a fact that Richards seemed unconcerned about. He asserted that eight weeks is “ample time” for a survivor of sexual assault to decide on an abortion. It’s astonishing that a male legislator feels qualified to determine how long it might take a woman to process the trauma of her assault and make such a significant decision.
Richards further perpetuated harmful stereotypes about sexual assault when he stated, “Most of the rapes I encountered were not the stereotypical scenarios but included what some might call consensual rapes.” This misguided attempt to categorize different types of rape prompted an immediate backlash. Another lawmaker, Rep. Lisa Greene, rightly interjected, clarifying, “There is no such thing as consensual rape.” It is disheartening to witness a lawmaker require correction on such a fundamental issue of consent.
When pressed by reporters about his choice of words, Richards attempted to distance himself from the term, acknowledging it as a mistake. “Sometimes you make a mistake and you own up to it,” he stated. However, many were not satisfied with his apology, emphasizing the dangerous implications of his statements.
Missouri recently passed this restrictive abortion bill, joining states like Georgia, Mississippi, Ohio, Alabama, and Kentucky in severely limiting reproductive rights, effectively making it increasingly difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions.
To combat these alarming restrictions and raise awareness about the harm caused by such rhetoric, consider supporting local organizations like the Gateway Women’s Access Fund, which assists women facing financial difficulties in obtaining abortions. Additionally, for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge on family planning and related topics, you can check out this excellent resource on intrauterine insemination.
In summary, the alarming comments made by Rep. Tom Richards highlight the urgent need for women to be at the forefront of discussions regarding their own bodies and rights. It is crucial that society continues to challenge outdated and harmful narratives that undermine consent and the complexities of sexual assault.