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Christians Say the Darnedest Things: Women Are ‘Hosts’ for Fetuses by Oklahoma State Representative Justin Humphrey

justin humphrey

I believe one of the breakdowns in our society is that we have excluded the man out of all of these types [abortion] of decisions. I understand that they [women] feel like that is their body. I feel like it is a separate — what I call them is, is you’re a ‘host.’ And you know when you enter into a relationship you’re going to be that host and so, you know, if you pre-know that then take all precautions and don’t get pregnant. So that’s where I’m at. I’m like, hey, your body is your body and be responsible with it. But after you’re irresponsible then don’t claim, well, I can just go and do this with another body, when you’re the host and you invited that in.

— Justin “JJ” Humphrey, Oklahoma State Representative, The Intercept, February 13, 2016

Note

“Since 2011, lawmakers in Oklahoma have passed 20 such measures, a number of which have been blocked by the courts or are tied up in litigation.” Jordan Smith, The Intercept

Representative Humphrey introduced HB 1441, a bill, if enacted, that would give fathers (sperm donors) the final say on whether a woman could have an abortion.  The bill summary states:

The introduced measure prohibits the performance of an abortion without the written informed consent of the father. The pregnant woman seeking an abortion will be required to provide in writing the identity of the father to her physician. A person who contests paternity may demand such a test be performed. The measure would not apply in cases of rape, incest, or if the woman’s life is in danger.

5 Comments

  1. Avatar
    Geoff

    This is just another way of saying that the woman is simply a chattel belonging to the man who impregnates her. To describe a woman simply as a ‘host’ is unbelievable. I note that he talks only about permission being sought from the father, not the obligations that will fall on the father if he says she must give birth. Plus, of course no mention of the assistance the state will give to the woman if that happens.

    Whilst the proposed legislation is clearly unconstitutional, it appears that states are anticipating in Trump a much more sympathetic anti-abortion approach.

  2. Avatar
    Trenton

    This man’s comments were utterly abhorrent. Women in oklahoma even on the pro life side should be horrified that he gives them no agency to make theirown decisions.

  3. Brian

    Justin “JJ” Humphrey, Oklahoma State Representative: Spend your constricted, puny insights on encouragements for penis-brains like yourself taking one little tiny bit of responsibility as opposed to patriarchal control. You have no right and do not deserve a say in a matter regarding a woman’s body. You have no justification for your paternal mud-puddle depth statements about a woman as host. Take your ignorance and shove it. Find some more funny hats to wear and take a flying leap in the nearest river. What a prick.
    Women will never go back, Justin “JJ” Humphrey, Oklahoma State Representative, never. They will never bow to your thug Bible.

  4. Avatar
    Jada

    Of course, as per usual, all they can ‘capture’ is low-hanging fruit. I’ve asked so many ‘pro-lifers’ over the years why oh why aren’t they more concerned about the fetuses of more affluent women? Oh, yeah, that would be because a woman in, say, my position, will not be hindered by their specious laws. I can easily circumvent such things. Unfortunately the same is not true of so many of my sisters out there.

    Not a one of them has ever, seriously, EVER answered that question. What that highlights, though, is that if they don’t really care about fetuses of those they can’t intimidate, then obviously they’re not too concerned about the fetuses of poorer women. They just use those women to get their sick jollies.

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