Saturday, June 30, 2012

"Conscience Clause" Allows Prison Guard to Confiscate a Rape Victim's Morning After Pill

There's not much a fellow can say, is there?

"Conscience Clause" Allows Prison Guard to Confiscate a Rape Victim's Morning After Pill
By Robin Marty
June 29 2012

We've watched the definition of "conscience clause" be expanded to include everyone from nurses and data entry workers at hospitals to bus drivers refusing to drop off patients at clinics. But now a prison guard refused to allow a rape victim to take the second dose of emergency contraception (which prevents fertilization) claiming it was "against her beliefs." That's a new one.

Via Addicting Info:

A Tampa woman whom we only know as R.W., was raped. She was treated by the rape crisis center, who gave her two emergency contraception pills, one to be taken immediately and one to be taken 12 hours later. When she reported the rape to the police, they uncovered an arrest warrant on R.W. for failure to pay restitution and failure to appear. After she was arrested, a Hillsborough County guard confiscated her second pill, claiming it was against her religious beliefs.

But this is exactly what happens when "conscience" is allowed to trump a woman's rights to avoid pregnancy. R.W. is suing the sheriff's office, and as well she should. This isn't just about women denied access when jailed (Although that in itself is problematic -- should a woman fear reporting a crime because she may be arrested? Not to mention the fact that women who are sexually assaulted while in jail may also be at the whim of a guard or someone in authorityin obtaining access to emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy).

No, this case also brings to light how those who are "in charge" when it comes to dispensing are able to inflict their own moral beliefs onto someone else. In states like Kansas, which seek to expand conscience clauses well beyond health workers, the putative "rights" if those who wield power are being allowed to trump those of the patient in need. AlterNet

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

The guard was a woman!

"Conscience Clause"

http://www.facebook.com/annericefan
page/posts/165052743619628

Himself said...

Oh yes.

She knew Jesus wouldn't like it.

Himself said...

Let's take another look at this "Conscience Clause" case we talked about a few days ago. Some people apparently don't understand: this isn't about freedom of religion or freedom to believe. "Conscience Clause" people want the right to break American laws and violate the rights of others. This is quite a serious issue. - Anne Rice

And that my little buttered mushroom, is the whole thing in a nutshell.

Himself said...

By the by, I started Tom Watson's 'Dial M For Murdoch' last night, it looks very promising.

I do love the library service here in Lancashire, and I'm a firm believer in 'use it or loose it' kind of thing.

But this is not the first book that the library have purchased on my behalf. Watson's book arrived after about 4/6 weeks wait, all brand new and shiny. RRP £20.00

Himself said...

And while we are on the subject. (of religious insanity, wombs and vaginas)

http://bit.ly/LZgTSf

Seat belt optional.

Anonymous said...

Witch Exorcism
http://bit.ly/Lf2VRA

Himself said...

LOL

Added to my playlist thanks.

Anonymous said...

Hi H, glad Watson's book arrived, € 27,95. I hope it's worth the price. V

Himself said...

To Sea Shepherd then? Or I could send you some Euro notes?

Himself said...

Call the police!!!!!!

http://slate.me/Nc77x4

Anonymous said...

If you would be so kind m’dear, to Sea Shepherd please.

http://slate.me/Nc77x4

When I read such "Dear (usually a girl’s name)" pages, which I rarely do, I always think the problems are made up, even when "Prudie" advises in a live chat. But then, this phenomenon is so alien to me. Perhaps talking about such issues in public, the debatable thing so to speak, satisfies a need, if only for the readers/listeners who can identify with that.

For me, it seems odd, the combination of the ability to discuss personal problems in public and the inability to solve your own problems.

"Should we call the police?"
In a nutshell.

Himself said...

Good morning Chuck, consider it done.

As for the rest of it, three words: Jerry Springer Show.

Have you seen the latest?!!! Kate McCann has a official role in Missing Children!

Himself said...

http://tinyurl.com/dxzbb93

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=_YWCVSjIJk8

"... but after that [the first forty hours] you get strength from somewhere ..."

from somewhere

Anonymous said...

Mary Charlene
‏@IamEnidColeslaw

This man has been feeling a cantaloupe for five minutes. I'm calling the police

Himself said...

She's one on her own isn't she?

Even if she does have a big arse.

Anonymous said...

Teddy ‏
@TeddyShepherd

@IamEnidColeslaw Is there not a recent vacancy at Dear Abbey? I can see the syndication already, Dear Enid bestow upon us your wisdom.

Anonymous said...

http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/catholic-church-counters-claim-its-hospitals-turned-rape-victim-away-a-878215.html

Himself said...

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/19/us-usa-military-inspection-idUSBRE90I02A20130119

Anonymous said...

See also report. Red, green, blue and purple.

http://openchannel.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/18/16587944-air-force-searches-out-porn-other-offensive-material-on-its-bases?lite

The purpose of the inspection was "to send a message that this type of stuff is not acceptable in this day and age," Harper said. "Some of this was clearly inappropriate."

In this day and age. U.S. Air Force.