In a shocking display of ignorance, Representative John Baker, a Republican from Missouri, recently referred to “consensual rape” while discussing new restrictive abortion laws. This serves as a glaring reminder of why men should not be making decisions about women’s bodies. Baker was advocating for a Missouri law that would prohibit abortions after just eight weeks—a period when many women might not even know they are pregnant. Alarmingly, this law does not include exceptions for victims of rape or incest.
Baker claimed that eight weeks is “ample time” for a survivor of sexual assault to secure an abortion. It’s astonishing that a male legislator believes he can dictate how long it takes for a woman to process the trauma of her assault, realize her pregnancy, and make the decision to terminate it.
He went even further, trying to classify different types of assaults by referring to “consensual rape,” saying, “Let’s say someone goes out and they’re raped after a college party—most of my cases were not the stereotypical stranger attack.” Thankfully, Representative Sarah Adams quickly corrected him, stating, “There is no such thing as consensual rape.” It’s disheartening that a lawmaker needs to be reminded that consent cannot be given under the threat of violence.
When confronted by reporters about his choice of words, Baker attempted to backtrack, stating, “I’m not trying to make excuses. Sometimes you make a mistake and you own up to it.” He did assert that “there’s no such thing as consensual rape,” but his earlier comments have already sparked outrage across social media.
Missouri passed this restrictive abortion bill recently, joining the ranks of several states such as Georgia and Alabama that have severely limited reproductive rights, making it increasingly difficult for women to access safe and legal abortions. If you want to push back against these harmful policies and Representative John Baker’s appalling misconceptions, consider supporting the Gateway Women’s Access Fund, a Missouri organization dedicated to assisting women who face financial challenges in obtaining abortions.
In the interim, it would be refreshing if men refrained from making executive decisions on women’s bodily autonomy altogether. For those interested in exploring more about family planning, check out our guide to at-home insemination kits, a valuable resource for navigating reproductive choices.
In summary, the recent comments made by Representative Baker highlight a significant problem in how lawmakers approach issues surrounding women’s health. His use of terms like “consensual rape” reveals a dangerous lack of understanding that can have dire consequences for women’s rights and health.
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