So, it seems that those who insist abortion is nothing more or less than a sinful act against God have found another way to deny the right of that medical procedure to even more girls and women.  If passed, a new bill co-sponsored by 154 Republicans and 10 Democrats will affect the most vulnerable among them – the thousands of girls and women who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest.

No victims of incest over the age of 18 will have access to federal funds for this medical procedure.  No victims of rape will have access to federal funds for this medical procedure, unless they can prove that the rape was “forcible”.

What?  Isn’t “force” implied in the definition of rape?

Well, apparently not.  With this bill, it’s not enough to say that the sexual act was non-consensual because you were given a date-rape drug.  It’s not enough to say that you were blackmailed or otherwise made to submit against your will.  It’s not enough to say that your age or mental health status made it impossible for you to have control in that situation.

So, in addition to suffering the invasive violence of non-consensual sex with its resultant emotional scars, girls and women who seek medical attention to determine whether they have been infected with HIV or to end the pregnancy that was never sought, will not have access to Medicaid.

The re-defining of rape will subject thousands of girls and women victimized by the misogynistic abuse of power that results in non-consensual sex to suffer even further the indignities of interrogation, discrimination and financial stress.

In this day and age?  In this country?

Well, democratic process does allow all sorts of perspectives to influence our lives.  And I do celebrate the freedoms of democracy.  But when they seek to victimize the most vulnerable among us in the name of religion, I can’t help but look around me in search of those who find this morally unacceptable.

If you’re out there, please, use your freedom to stand in solidarity with girls and women victimized by misogyny.   Use your freedom to let them know that their lives matter.