Missouri lawmaker argues rape that leads to pregnancy is a blessing from God

Hey ladies, listen up. Republican lawmakers want you to know that getting raped is awful and they feel really bad about it—but, if you happen to get pregnant from that horrific experience, fear not, because having your rapist’s baby is totally a “silver lining.” Um, WHAT?

On Tuesday, Missouri lawmakers were debating a legislative measure known as House Joint Resolution 98, which would give unborn fetuses the same constitutional rights as American Citizens. Of course, this measure would also essentially outlaw abortion in all cases, including cases involving rape—which some lawmakers argued was a good thing.

“It is not up to us to say ‘no, just because there was a rape, they cannot exist,” argued Republican State Rep. Tila Hubrecht during the debate. (“They” refers to unborn fetuses.) “Sometimes bad things happen—and they’re horrible things, but sometimes God can give us a silver lining through the birth of a child.”

Did you catch that? Sure, rape is bad, but a rape baby—that’s a silver lining.

Hubrecht also pointed out that she knows people born from rape, so clearly she’s an expert. “When God gives life, he does so because there’s a reason, no matter what,” she said. “I’ve met and talked with the different people who have been conceived by rape. There is a reason for their life.”

Listen, Hubrecht has every right to believe what she does—and if, God forbid, she ever became pregnant from rape, she would absolutely have the right to keep the baby. But not every rape survivor shares her views, and not every rape survivor wants to carry the child of her rapist. Shouldn’t they also have a right to their beliefs?

Apparently not in Missouri. The House voted 112-36 to advance the legislation, which now just needs final approval from the House before it can move on to the Missouri State Senate.

If passed, this legislation “puts Missouri in the position to be the most pro-life state in the country,” boasted Republican State Rep. Jay Barnes following the vote. Yes, he’s bragging about denying abortion rights to women of rape, incest, and molestation, as well as women who may die as a result of the pregnancy.

Is this how we make America great?

Taryn Hillin is Fusion’s love and sex writer, with a large focus on the science of relationships. She also loves dogs, Bourbon barrel-aged beers and popcorn — not necessarily in that order.