Sic Semper Tyrannis

The title phrase flies proudly on the state flag of Virginia, heralding the victory of the worthy over tyrants. This week, VA state legislator Robert G. Marshall declared himself as worthy, and the feared tyrants: unmarried women wishing to become parents through medical intervention. HB 187 seeks to prohibit the provision of any infertility treatment that "completely or partially replaces sexual intercourse as the means of conception" to unmarried women. The bill prohibits artificial insemination, IVF, even cryopreservation of gametes (so if you're diagnosed with cancer prior to marriage and are weighing the question of whether to freeze your eggs before you face chemotherapy, Delegate Bob has the answer for you.)

This latest attempt at regulating bedroom behavior (or lack thereof) caps off an impressive history of insensitivity by Delegate Bob. He sponsored a withdrawn bill last year would have required mothers to report any miscarriage/fetal death to the police within 12 hours of the delivery or face a possible misdemeanor sentence, and is currently backing a bill declaring civil unions or domestic partnerships "imitations" of marriage.

Should unmarried women seeking artificial insemination or IVF be considered "imitation" mothers, as well? Delegate Bob thinks so. Do you? Please contact your delegate today to have your voice heard.