Bizarre, Constitutional Law, Media, Politics, Society

CNN Contributor Claims Ultrasound Intrusive Exam Under Virginia’s New Law Is No Different From Consensual Sex

The debate over Virginia’s new abortion bill is raging. While there are good-faith debates over the scope of state authority vis-a-vis women in cases of abortion, the legislation would appear to require an invasive ultrasound procedure for women in the first 12 weeks of a pregnancy — tipping the scales in terms of the burden on women. However, conservative CNN Contributor Dana Loesch went on the air this week to make the rather astonishing claim that such an involuntary procedure is no different from voluntary sex.

I have previously criticized CNN for its use of Nancy Grace as a legal analyst and show host. However, there remains a tendency on all cable shows to play to the extremes of political and legal analysis — degrading what are sometimes legitimate disagreements over constitutional law

On this occasion, Loesch (who is associated with Andrew Breitbart) defended the law against objections to the invasive procedure:

LOESCH: That’s the big thing that progressives are trying to say, that it’s rape and so on and so forth. […] There were individuals saying, “Oh what about the Virginia rape? The rapes that, the forced rapes of women who are pregnant?” What? Wait a minute, they had no problem having similar to a trans-vaginal procedure when they engaged in the act that resulted in their pregnancy.

There is an obvious difference between consensual sexual relations and an intrusive procedure ordered by the state. The premise of such comments appears to be that, like sex, abortion is a choice. Thus, Loesch stated simply “Don’t get an abortion and you don’t have to worry about any sort of mandated ultrasound.” However, the Supreme Court has said it is part of a protected right of privacy (albeit a right balanced against certain state interests).

Here is the tape:

There is a legal difference. It is also an example of how movement Republicans can differ from libertarian Republicans. Many Republicans (particularly women) would find this comment highly offensive. For civil libertarians and libertarians, there is no greater example of government intrusion than an invasive medical procedure. One can certainly argue over whether abortion is protected as a right by the Constitution, but this argument reflects a more fundamental difference on the scope of permissible government action. While the Tea Party (with which Loesch is also associated) has often been described as libertarian, the views of some members often embrace governmental power over civil liberties.

190 thoughts on “CNN Contributor Claims Ultrasound Intrusive Exam Under Virginia’s New Law Is No Different From Consensual Sex”

  2. I’m not sure whether this is rape by government or practicing medicine without a license by government

  3. anon nurse,
    posting links? amazon only allows reviews to contain internal links.
    what land mine and where did you step on it? Thanks if you got the time.
    I hate link restrictions and try to contravene them if possible.

  5. ” they had no problem having similar to a trans-vaginal procedure when they engaged in the act that resulted in their pregnancy.” (Loesch)

    (Turley) “There is an obvious difference between consensual sexual relations and an intrusive procedure ordered by the state. The premise of such comments appears to be that, like sex, abortion is a choice. ”

    JT’s reading of Loesch disgusting comment is far too generous. To my, perhaps more gutter-attuned, ears, Loesch was not just invoking the notion of choice. By equating consensual natural sex with invasive mechanical procedure — calling it “similar” — she thereby implicitly demeans the act and the person. Of course, that would logically extend to all consensual sex but, given the context of the statement was intended to demean the particular women who would find themselves in the predicament. Can you imagine fair Dana referring to her own sexual behavior as “trans vaginal procedure”?

  6. Blouise, I remember that in the fall of 2010 that we were told that getting rid pro-choice blue dogs would be a good thing. lol It didn’t work out that way did it?

  7. Blouise, been thee, done that too. They don’t have a clue what this involves.

    As for CNN looks like a good place for Buchanan to go.

  8. This is typical and historical behavior for the Catholic Church … get the secular government to enforce church’s edict. It would seem many protestant churches have decided to join the modern day inquisition … complete with vaginal torture techniques.

  9. A new twist… I’m unable to post an Amazon link

    Thanks for the quote and reminder, Swarthmore mom. I heard a brief interview with him last night and then promptly forgot about his new book. Of course, he’s right (referring to the quote that you posted)…

    “While America Sleeps: A Wake-up Call for the Post-9/11 Era”
    — by Russ Feingold

  11. She’s simply pretty.

    Doh! Sorry! That word order thing is important.

    She’s pretty simple.

    That’s what I meant.

  12. People like Dana revel in the notoriety that they get for making outrageous statements. The powers that be at CNN should hang their heads in shame that this woman is still on their payroll.

    *****
    Dana Loesch Endorses Taliban Desecration By Marines: ‘I’d Drop Trou And Do It Too’
    http://www.mediaite.com/online/dana-loesch-endorses-taliban-desecration-by-marines-id-drop-trou-and-do-it-too/

    CNN Contributor Dana Loesch Compares Secretary Sebelius To ‘Terrorists’
    http://thinkprogress.org/media/2011/03/11/150044/dana-loesch-terrorist/

  16. Dana needs to get together with Babeu in arms to establish the probity of her GOP spot. He is a real six pistol, and will satisfy her every health need.

    These stories make me laugh so hard circumspectly, I can’t HTML very well.

  17. Dana needs to get together with Babeu in arms to establish the probity of her GM/b>OP spot. He is a real six pistol, and will satisfy her every health need.

  19. SwM,

    Michelle would cut’em off, if he even mentioned it. At least I hope she would.

    But all the Mrs, Billy Jones, and Mrs Sam Harrises know their place, and keep themselves there. Although they do….., you know,… without discussing it at home. Hrrumph.

    Assuming all are familiar with quaint Southern naming conventions.

  20. Swarthmore,
    I agree with Russ Feingold and your earlier comments about Ron Paul. He is not a libertarian when he wants the market to fix all problems.

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