With fanatics like Bob Marshall (R-Mars), Ken Kook-inelli (R-Pluto), and Jay O'Brien (R-Uranus) doing their darnedest to turn Virginia back to the Dark Ages, it's time for action. Specifically, it's time to put the following language on the ballot this November, and let Virginia voters decide what to do about it:
That life begins at the moment of fertilization and the right to enjoyment of life guaranteed by Article 1, 1 of the Constitution of Virginia is vested in each born and preborn human being from the moment of fertilization."
In other words, we should do in Virginia what they did in South Dakota, which also had a ballot measure that would have banned nearly all abortions in South Dakota. Unfortunately for our Delegates and Senators from Mars, Pluto and Uranus (careful how you pronounce that one!), the voters of South Dakota defeated that referendum by 10 points. Still, if this is such a great idea, shouldn't the people be allowed to decide? Republicans DO trust the people, right? To paraphrase the late, great gubernatorial candidate Jerry Kilgore, we Democrats "always have, always will." Ha.
P.S. Looks like the Dark Ages people might have an uphill battle on this one:
A Washington Post poll taken during the 2005 governor's race found that 61 percent of Virginia residents think abortion should be legal in all or most cases; 38 percent said they want to outlaw the practice.
Even more reason to LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE!
This applies to a woman who is pregnant and chooses to be not pregnant, and to a woman at the end of her life who chooses not to "live" in a vegetative state but prefers to end life. In other words, neither the state nor a religious authority can control a free adult person's choices about their own bodies.
The idea of a referendum is wrong. The majority doesn't get to vote on whether someone has a right to privacy. If they did, it wouldn't be very private!
Janet Oleszek Calls on Ken Cuccinelli to Withdraw Support from Anti-Choice LegislationFor Immediate Release: Contact: Jonathan Murray
February 5, 2007 202-841-7515 cell
Janet Oleszek, candidate for the State Senate in Virginia 's 37th district, urged Senator Ken Cuccinelli to drop his sponsorship of HB2797, a measure that declares life begins at fertilization and attempts to ban abortion in all cases. It would also ban birth control methods that act after fertilization.
"This bill has no exceptions. Abortion and some forms of birth control would be illegal as soon as July 1st. "I'm shocked and appalled this passed a House of Delegates Committee".
HB2797 is the latest of many bills in which Ken Cuccinelli has attempted to outlaw or restrict women's access to appropriate healthcare. In 2004, Cuccinelli sponsored legislation that would force most of Virginia 's women's clinics to close due to overregulation, and in 2005 attempted to ban abortions even when the life of the mother is at stake.
Oleszek recognized that reducing the number of abortions in Virginia and throughout the country is a goal shared by everyone. As a current At-Large School Board member in Fairfax County , Janet has seen first hand the positive effects of a practical approach to sex education that teaches teens the consequences and responsibilities that go along with parenthood.
"Any law that would take away women's reproductive rights and access to safe healthcare is not a viable solution", Oleszek said. "Emphasis should be placed on education and prevention. What is particularly disturbing about this bill is the outlawing of some kinds of birth control. Outlawing birth control methods will only increase the number of abortions".
Janet Oleszek, running to replace Cuccinelli as the Senator from the 37th district, said she will have volunteers collecting signatures from hundreds of his constituents who will call on him to drop his name from this far-reaching and unconstitutional measure, and will be faxed to his Senate office next week.
Quote of the day. LOL.
Excellent post.