In a late night session in which the Mississippi House resembled what must be the far right's version of Heaven, HB 1196 passed by a vote of 78-36. As you may recall, HB 1196 is the bill that would require a transvaginal ultrasound before an abortion could be performed.
In an interesting comment during the debate, Rep. Rita Martinson (R - Madison) responded to assertions that forced transvaginal ultrasounds amount to rape by the state. Speaking of the act which led to the pregnancy, Rep. Martison said, “We’re the ones who remove our pants. Are we not?” Well, no, Rep. Martison, not if you're a rape victim, you weren't. But clearly rape isn't that big of a deal for Rep. Martinson, as she just voted for a bill that would force a rape victim to have a probe inserted into her vagina against her will.
Here's an explanation of the transvaginal ultrasound process.
And here's how the House voted on the transvaginal ultrasound bill.
Many thanks to a vigilant Bobby Harrison over at NEMS360.com. The Daily Journal did a great job updating their website well into the night last night.
More to come on this today.
This makes me physically ill.
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