Reply to Tom Smith, GOP Senate Candidate: Pregnancy From Rape Similar To 'Having A Baby Out Of Wedlock'

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[quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous]Yes, well, what about Ryan's lovely quip about the "method of conception (aka RAPE) doesn't change the definition of life."  As if rape were simply a method of conception instead of a horrific crime.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-slansky-/paul-ryan-said-something-_b_1832377.html[/quote]

Isn't that the correct position if you believe that life begins at conception? If that is what you believe, does it matter how conception occurs? That seems to me to be the most intellectually consistent position if you believe life begins at conception. What I don't understand is the idea that abortion is murder unless the father is a rapist or immediate relative.

It seems pretty clear to me that abortion is an issue that won't be resolved by compromise. In the short term, there will be winners and losers. In the longer term, advances in medical science -- birth control in particular -- will make it irrelevant.
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It might be a consistent position, but referring to rape as a "method of conception" is just wrong and stupid plain and simple.  And to attempt to vilify women who choose abortion in this case, or to make it illegal for them to have an abortion or access the morning after pill is draconian.  Women who vote Republican are sending a signal to these men that they can legislate policies that force women to bear children against their will, and regulate their sex lives and reproductive choices in a way that men will NEVER experience. When these men introduce a bill that holds men accountable for their children born of rape, incest, out of wedlock, or abandoned as a result of divorce or any other choice that THEY make, perhaps their positions will be valid.  Until then, they really need to get a clue.  And I will continue to call them out for the raging mysognists that they are. [/quote]

I hate to be in the position of defending Paul Ryan, especially with regard to an issue with which I disagree with him. But, for the sake of accuracy and fairness, I think it's important to point out that his words are being twisted a bit. The complete quote is "I've always adopted the idea, the position, that the method of conception doesn't change the definition of life."  As I said above, if you believe life begins at conception, I'm not sure how you could have a different position.  Earlier, you described this statement as saying "rape were simply a method of conception instead of a horrific crime" and I don't think that is what he is saying. I'm sure Ryan agrees that rape is a horrific crime.

The rest of your argument is very strong and completely in line with my own thoughts on the topic. In the same interview, Ryan described Romney's position which includes rape, incest, and health of the mother exceptions as a "step in the right direction." Make no mistake about it. Ryan and his supporters are committed to eliminating any right to an abortion. Anyone who believes there is room for compromise with them, is fooling himself.
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