While what I deem as a political platform of female oppression and a war on women’s choice is raging across the country, a bill was passed in my home state that hit so close to home I felt the need to blog about it here. As those of you that follow me know, I very rarely take time to write personal blog posts (I generally tend to enjoy cataloging and sharing beautiful things that improve my life and hopefully yours). But I couldn’t stay silent on the subject of Senate Bill 1349. 

The fight against abortion has been a raging battle that has plagued civil politics for decades (since before Roe vs. Wade). Even in spite of the overwhelming evidence that Roe vs. Wade and the legalization of abortion has improved social conditions of the United States tremendously, it has not impacted the rage and vehemency of the pro-life movement. In fact, this past year has shown that women of all backgrounds that share a pro-choice philosophy are going to be subjected to an onslaught of civil-liberties elimination all in the name of saving the lives of fetuses.

Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against those that choose not to participate in abortion practices. Most women that I know have never had an abortion, but that doesn’t negate their desire for the right to choose what kind of life they want to lead. There are many of you that view abortion as being disgusting and heinous, and the fact that your personal beliefs lead you in that direction is up to you, and no one else. I do have a problem with government dictating a moral code that misrepresents a large portion of the populace. My government is supposed to uphold basic inalienable rights, not eliminate what generations of women and men before me have fought to achieve.

This leads me back to SB 1349 which states that all women that wish to receive perfectly legal abortion services must now undergo an invasive vaginal ultrasound without exception. A procedure that has never been deemed necessary as to preserving the life or well-being of women at any point is now considered to be obligatory. This in and of itself speaks volumes to me—that my state government is not concerned with my health and welfare, but concerned instead with invading the privacy and choice of women within the state. Not only is this procedure now mandatory, but it must be paid for by the patient. So if undergoing an uncomfortable and unnecessary procedure doesn’t deter you from abortion, then cost might.

Idaho places no requirements on physicians to perform ultrasounds under any other circumstances. In fact no other medical diagnostic test is mandated by Idaho statute, revealing the true intent of the bill: to shame and discourage women from receiving legal and safe abortion services.

Here is a petition to fight against this bill. The petition will be delivered to Senator Kurt McKenzie (ID-12). I feel that it is our obligation to fight this bill and others like it—to preserve my right to choose, and yours.

(Source: maloriebrooke)

Sunset 4-26-11

(Source: maloriebrooke)

I just found out Ezra Pound was from Idaho.  I felt a little self-satisfied for living here after learning that. haha Idaho is pretty much the coolest, but it is a deep, dark secret.