Idaho senator sparks outrage for saying rape victims CAN'T get pregnant 'because of the trauma of the incident'

'Idaho senator sparks outrage for saying rape victims CAN'T get pregnant 'because of the trauma of the incident' -" rape victims can't conceive
    He said consent is a necessary biological factor in getting pregnant" '
     Rep Pete Nielsen (R) - told Idaho committee rape victims can't conceive.      After speech on Thursday, the Senate made it compulsory for abortion providers to tell women where they can get a free ultrasound. ... 'evidence shows 90 per cent of women choose life once they see their unborn child on an ultrasound'
 
A lawmaker in Idaho has come under fire for suggesting rape does not lead to pregnancy because it is too traumatic.

In a bizarre statement during a debate about abortion on Thursday, Rep Pete Nielsen (R) suggested consent is a biological factor in a woman's ability to conceive.

His words came shortly before Republicans passed a bill to make it compulsory for abortion providers to tell all women where they can get a free ultrasound.

Pro-choice activists argue the rule is a way to emotionally manipulate women into keeping a baby, and opponents of the bill cite rape and incest victims as examples of a right to an abortion.  

Rep Nielsen, however, dismissed this argument, saying that victims of rape cannot get pregnant. 

Photo: AP

Rep Pete Nielsen (pictured) suggested consent is a biological factor in a woman's ability to conceive

'Now, I'm of the understanding that in many cases of rape, it does not involve any pregnancy because of the trauma of the incident,' Nielsen said, adding: 'That may be true with incest a little bit.'

When he was later challenged on the comment and its lack of scientific basis, Rep Nielsen said he stood by it.

'That's information that I've had through the years. Whether it's totally accurate or not, I don't know,' the Spokesman Review reported.

'I read a lot of information. I have read it several times. 

'Being a father of five girls, I've explored this a lot.'

His comments contributed to passing the bill to make advertising free ultrasounds compulsory in abortion clinics - which evidence shows vastly affects a woman's decision on whether or not to abort.

Kerry Uhlenkott, legislative coordinator of Right to Life of Idaho, told the debate that '90 per cent of [pregnancy center] clients choose life for their babies after viewing the ultrasound'. 

The House State Affair Committee voted 13-4 to pass the bill. There are 13 Republicans and four Democrats on the committee.

Photo: Getty Images/Blend Images

His words came shortly before Republicans passed a bill to make it compulsory for abortion providers to tell all women where they can get a free ultrasound. Evidence shows 90 per cent of women choose life once they see their unborn child on an ultrasound

Hannah Brass Greer of Planned Parenthood Votes Northwest and Hawaii slammed the verdict in a statement to Huffington Post. 

'The efforts to reduce access to abortion in Idaho and across the country have no basis in actual medicine or science,' Greer said. 

'These bills are blatantly obvious attempts by politicians to put every barrier possible between a woman and her constitutional right to safe and legal abortion. 

'A much better use of time for Rep. Nielsen and his colleagues is focusing on common sense ideas to expand access to birth control and reduce unintended pregnancies.'  

 

What Planet is this guy from. Is he speaking from experience???
When did it become NORMAL to propagate outright lies and trivialize trauma to score political points?
I thought we are  still waiting for the 'one' to get into office before accepting such egregious ballyhoo as part of the political landscape



Credit: mail