In recent news, there has been a divide among Republicans and Democrats over the exchange of contraceptives over moral objections for religious reasons in coverage under insurance plans. Last week, Republican talk radio host Rush Limbaugh used offensive words such as “slut” and “prostitute” to describe a 30-year old Georgetown University law student. She was called those words because she appeared before Congress to testify for supporting the new law, which will require contraceptives to be covered under insurance plans along with other preventative health care. The law student, Sandra Fluke, was simply sharing her testimony and her position before the House of Representatives about Obama’s policy on contraception and why she believes it has merit.
Fluke wanted to point out that birth control has other uses besides preventing pregnancies. Many women use birth control to regulate their menstrual cycles, calm menstrual cramps and even prevent ovarian cysts. These women are not using birth control because they wish to sleep around; they are protecting their bodies from pain and health risks that men do not encounter.
Limbaugh said on his show that Fluke was having so much sex that she expected the government and the tax payers to pay for her birth control so she could continue to have this outrageous amount of sex. This accusation is completely offensive not only to Fluke, but to all women taking birth control. Just because a woman is taking contraceptives does not mean she plans to expose herself to every man she meets. Birth control does not protect one from sexually transmitted diseases. So women who are on birth control and other forms of contraception still have to protect themselves in other ways. Women on birth control are just taking one more responsible step to ensuring they are living a healthy lifestyle.
Limbaugh also does not seem to understand how birth control is correctly used. For the birth control pill to work effectively, one must take a pill every day. So, regardless of how much sex you are having, you need to take the pill for the hormones to work.
Limbaugh verbally attacked an innocent woman, and this type of assault should not go unnoticed. Women have the right to their own bodies, and if they wish to engage in sexual activities, they should have the liberty to do as they please. Men are rarely criticized for having numerous sexual encounters with different partners, so women should not be judged for this action either. In fact, Limbaugh has been married four times and has had many girlfriends throughout his life. Coincidentally, none of his partners have become pregnant. Either Limbaugh is sterile, or his partners have been using contraceptives to make sure they are practicing safe sex.
Many realize that Limbaugh was out of line. Sleep Train Mattress Centers helped advertise Limbaugh’s show, but after hearing him speak so harshly about women, the company has decided to pull its ads. Even Republicans Mitt Romney and John Boehner have said the comments Limbaugh made were inappropriate. Yet, the Republican response has been meek at best. President Obama called Fluke to sympathize with her and to thank her for voicing her opinion against those who do not agree.
Currently Fluke is considering pressing charges against Limbaugh, who could be convicted of slander. His use of caustic words towards her means he is trying to silence an innocent woman with the right to have her voice be heard.
On Sunday, Limbaugh publicly announced an apology to Fluke, saying he did not mean to choose those words or directly attack her. This apology seemed to be half-hearted.
Expecting women’s contraceptives to be paid out of pocket can be a struggle for many women who financially cannot afford this. Rush Limbaugh went out of line by criticizing a woman for speaking her mind. He not only disrespected Fluke, but also disrespected all women and their rights. Women should be allowed to choose what they want to do with their own bodies, and no one should tell them otherwise. By using birth control and other contraceptives, women are protecting themselves from unplanned pregnancies, as well as other legitimate health issues. Because a woman uses birth control, it does not mean she is immoral or a bad person. Rush Limbaugh is trying to silence women and we should not let him get away with this disrespecting conduct.
— Samantha Trueheart is a sophomore in communications. She can be reached at [email protected].
