By now, I'm sure we've all heard Rep. Akin's statement, regarding pregnancy and rape. He was defending his anti-choice stance of no abortion, ever - even in the case of rape or incest - when these highly informed and educated words escaped from his lips.
“It seems to be, first of all, from what I understand from doctors, it’s really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut the whole thing down.”
These ridiculous words ignited a huge controversy, which led to him "apologizing.' Only, he really didn't apologize at all. He claimed to have "misspoke." Apparently, he didn't know that women don't have magical vaginas that can shut down at any sign of distress. But it's really too bad that they don't, because he's still going to want them to carry that rape baby.
“I believe deeply in the protection of all life, and I do not believe that harming another innocent victim is the right course of action. I also recognize that there are those who, like my opponent, support abortion, and I understand I may not have their support in this election."
This man's apology, was not an apology. I'm actually glad that men like this who "misspeak" exist, to remind us all that there is, in fact, a war going on. Legislators like him are dangerous. Really, really stupid - but dangerous. If there were ever a time to proudly call yourself a feminist, it is now.
Let your feminist flag wave proud, ladies. Especially if you are young, and may, actually need an abortion at some time in the future. My generation was able to glide through on the protest and work of the generations before us. Yours is not so lucky. Open your eyes. Be vocal. Write letters. And come November, VOTE.
A vote against choice is a vote against all women. Never, ever forget that.
I made some blog banners, just in case you want to show your support for pro-choice vaginas. I also made a postcard. Feel free to drag it onto your desktop, share it on whatever social media you use, make it into stickers - whatever.
Lets show these idiots that our magical vaginas vote - PRO-CHOICE.