Incorporate My Uterus!

In Florida, state House members are forbidden from using the word “uterus” on the floor. This came about as a result of [D] Rep. Scott Randolph’s argument against reproductive rights restricting measures (including the requirement that doctors detail a description of a mandatory ultrasound before an abortion is performed) that included the words “incorporate her uterus”. This did not go over well with the GOP members of the House who forbade Rep. Randolph from naming any body parts on the state House floor.

.if the debate is going to contain language that would be considered inappropriate for children and other guests, the Speaker will make an announcement in advance, asking children and others who may be uncomfortable with the subject matter to leave the floor and gallery.

To be exempt from the ultrasound, a woman would have to be suffering from a medical condition putting her at “risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function” or otherwise provide documentation in the form of a “restraining order, police report, medical record, or other court order” to prove that they are exempted as a result of “rape, incest, domestic violence, or human trafficking”.

In protest, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida created IncorporateMyUterus.com arguing that “businesses get special treatment these days. If lawmakers and other politicians see your uterus and your body as a business, maybe they’ll work to get government out of the uterus regulation business as they do for every other company”, highlighting the GOP’s faux-small government rhetoric. The website notes that “you can’t legally Incorporate Your Uterus, but you can online. And by doing so, you can send a message to the Florida Legislature that less regulation and government intrusion begins with a woman’s uterus. ”

So spread the word and incorporate your uterus!

ETA: Always informative and relative to my interests, The Rachel Maddow Show spoke with Rep. Scott Randolph: