An Ohio senator is making waves by introducing a bill that would limit a man’s ability to get Viagra, and other medications that treat male loss of erection issues. Democrat Nina Turner says she is tired of watching her male counterparts introduce legislation about women’s reproductive health and now she wants to return the favor.
“We need to fight fire with fire,” Turner said. Huffington Post.
While it might sound like another round in a political boxing ring, Turner says she is serious. “I’m just as serious as a heart attack,” she said.
Turner’s bill
Under Turner’s proposed “Viagra bill” men would not just need a prescription for medications like Viagra, they would need to have their medical needs accessed by a reproductive counselor. The bill also requires men to bring in a signed paper with their partner’s consent for the prescription.
“For far too long female policy makers have abdicated their responsibility to regulate men’s reproductive health,” Turner told Examiner.com.
“Isn’t it only fair that women should show the same kind of love for men, because we want them to be healthy and be strong and we want them to make the right decision, and they can’t make it without government intruding on their personal rights,” she said.
Reaction to the bill
Turner’s bill is getting national attention and several other female lawmakers across the country are rebelling against anti-contraception and anti-abortion laws. Still, Tuner says her bill is serious and not a piece of legislation she introduced just to make a point.
“I’m serious about the potential side effects of Viagra. I’m as serious as my right-wing male colleagues who introduced bills to legislate women’s health. It’s ironic that when it come to women’s health people think that’s a serious matter, but when it comes to a man, they think we’re joking. I don’t think any of my sister legislators are joking.”
