Control Abortion by Redefining Rape?

     Have you heard of the House Law, also known as H.R. 3?  In short, this bill is trying to limit the ways in which federal programs, like Medicaid, would be used to pay for abortions.  The issue in this write-up is not about the abortion issue.  The issue here is the way in which the government is trying to redefine the meaning of what is a rape as its means to an end. 

     H.R. 3 says that federally funded programs would kick in only in cases of forcible rape, a distinction from other forms of rape that is largely undefined but seems to suggest that a rape that doesn't include violence wouldn't count. The bill would also limit the incest exemption to women under the age of 18 -- meaning a victim of incest who was legally allowed to vote wouldn't have her abortion covered by Medicaid and would likely have more limited access to private insurance than she does today. 

    So if a man, woman or child is given a roofie and raped, is it forcible rape? What about the 13 year old minor and his or her adult teacher.....is that forcible?  What about those that are mentally incompetent?

   Would redefining rape in this instance give cause for rapists to state that if the federal government doesn't call it rape that the State Laws can't call it rape?  Is the government putting women and children particularly at risk?  I was always under the impression that No Means No!  However the sponsor of this bill and those who agree with him are saying No Only Means No if it's a forcible rape;  remembering that "forcible rape" is not a term that is defined by federal law. It would be very unfortunate to put into place a law with such vague and unclear language, not to mention dangerous. 

    The bill's sponsor is Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). Smith is a chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, a bipartisan group of anti-abortion legislators  You can read the entire bill here. 

    I have enjoyed the rather zealousness at which our country has claimed its independence via the power of the vote. Sadly, I have also seen people vote out of fear and emotion, rather than by knowing exactly where our politicians stand on the issues.  I implore the women of the nation to be on notice.  If you are not, we may find ourselves repeating the same fight and battles as those who came before us!   Lines must be carefully drawn when trying to make limitations on one thing (abortion) will affect another (what is a rape?).  February is not only Black History Month, but it is the second year for the annual recognition of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month!   As we ponder the words in this article, think of the children it will affect.  Teens face abuse at alarming rates as they are learning about relationships and growing into young men and women. 

     If you are in the State of South Carolina, and need more information about Sexual Assault/Rape and Teen Dating Violence please contact the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault or call the National Rape & Abuse Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) .