Kansas Rep. Pete DeGraaf: Being impregnated during a rape is just like getting a flat tire

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[Post New]05/26/2011 20:47
Anonymous
Posted verbatim from:
http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2011/05/pete_degraaf_rape_flat_tire.php

Rape is often called the ultimate violation of self. A crime of absolute contempt for personal integrity, leaving the women caught in its wreckage to labor under the trauma for years. What reprehensible event could possibly have the same consequences as the spiritual dead zone rape victims are left in?

Well, getting a flat tire, according to Kansas state Rep. Pete DeGraaf.

Last Friday, Kansas legislators approved a ban on insurance companies offering abortion coverage as part of their general health plans. The one exception: when a woman's life is at risk.

DeGraaf, who is in his first term and who is an associate pastor, also called for banning coverage for abortions of rape pregnancies. (Women could get around this if they purchased separate, "abortion-only policies.")


During the House discussion there was predictably some disagreement over whether excluding rape pregnancies from coverage was perhaps the sort of callous treatment a recently violated woman shouldn't have to deal with. Here's DeGraaf's response to Rep. Barbara Bollier's challenge, as reported by the McPherson Sentinel:


Rep. Pete DeGraaf, a Mulvane Republican who supports the bill, told her: "We do need to plan ahead, don't we, in life?"

Bollier asked him, "And so women need to plan ahead for issues that they have no control over with pregnancy?"

DeGraaf drew groans of protest from some House members when he responded, "I have a spare tire on my car."

"I also have life insurance," he added. "I have a lot of things that I plan ahead for."

Here is the important part people: One quick thing before we're done. DeGraaf's Web site lists his office number as 785-296-7693, his home phone as 316-777-0715 - that's at 1545 E. 119th St. Mulvane, KS - and his e-mail as pete.degraaf@house.ks.gov. You know, just in case you're one of the people who do disagree with him and think you might be able to persuade him. Democracy thrives on open discourse.



[Post New]05/26/2011 20:58
Anonymous
Do any of these people know that abortion (if you define it as a D&C) is the exact same treatment you get for miscarriage and for some other gynecological issues???
[Post New]05/26/2011 20:59
Anonymous
publishing someone's home address and home # is irresponsible and wrong.
[Post New]05/26/2011 21:05
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:publishing someone's home address and home # is irresponsible and wrong.


He published it himself, isn't he allowed to publish his own contact info?
[Post New]05/26/2011 21:09
Anonymous
Not giving women the possibility to have an abortion after being raped is also wrong.

People like him make me sick.
[Post New]05/26/2011 21:22
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:publishing someone's home address and home # is irresponsible and wrong.


No. It is neither wrong or irresponsible. He is a public official, who has chosen to make make this information public. It is irresponsible not to let him know your thoughts.

That said, I wouldn't be upset if his front door was barricaded with boxes of tires so he couldn't leave the house and "serve on behalf of the people."

But that's just me.
[Post New]05/26/2011 23:43
Anonymous
How do you plan ahead for pregnancy after a rape? Is he saying that American woman should expect to be raped and impregnated? Seriously?
[Post New]05/26/2011 23:55
Anonymous
If that's the case, I'd better start stocking AIDs medications too!
[Post New]05/27/2011 00:11
Anonymous
Does he have a spare uterus?
[Post New]05/27/2011 00:42
Anonymous
I hope he doesn't have a daughter.
[Post New]05/27/2011 00:55
Anonymous
Thank goodness we aren't in Kansas any more.
[Post New]05/27/2011 07:54
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:How do you plan ahead for pregnancy after a rape? Is he saying that American woman should expect to be raped and impregnated? Seriously?


yup, that is exactly the implication. well, what he PROBABLY wants is for everyone to have their rapist's baby, since they are asking you to cover your own abortion with special abortion insurance which you must get BEFORE being raped.

I have no interest in Kansas, and this just cements it for me.
[Post New]05/27/2011 09:14
Anonymous
I'll probably get flamed for this but to me I think he just ssaid it wrong. Ok so they banned medical insurance from covering abortions in all cases except to save the life of the mother. But then have a provision for an abortion only policy not just in cases of rape but also unwanted pregnacy
[Post New]05/27/2011 10:03
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Thank goodness we aren't in Kansas any more.


LOL! Sorry, couldn't help it.
[Post New]05/27/2011 10:26
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:I'll probably get flamed for this but to me I think he just ssaid it wrong. Ok so they banned medical insurance from covering abortions in all cases except to save the life of the mother. But then have a provision for an abortion only policy not just in cases of rape but also unwanted pregnacy



Not flaming but there really needs to be a carve-out for D&Cs, not just to save the life of the mother. Oh, and banning it for rape really is ridiculous and borders on misogynist. An abortion only policy for rape? Come on. I'm pro-choice and I can deal with it for an elective procedure.
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