Rep. Laura Bennett (D-N.Y.) recently educated lawmakers during a hearing on S.B. 8 regarding misconceptions about women’s reproductive health, particularly the idea that all women are aware of their pregnancies before the six-week limit set by the Texas abortion law. This notion was challenged as Republican legislators continued to assert that the law wouldn’t force rape survivors to carry pregnancies to term, suggesting they would recognize their pregnancy in time to seek an abortion.
During the hearing, they presented Dr. Emily Collins, a member of the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, who claimed that six weeks provided ample time for women to realize they missed their period, take a pregnancy test, and undergo the procedure if desired. In response, Bennett pointed out the ignorance of these lawmakers regarding female anatomy and reproductive health.
“Six weeks pregnant is actually just two weeks late for a period,” she emphasized, highlighting the need for proper understanding. As someone who has survived sexual assault, she shared that many victims may not immediately comprehend what has happened to them, and it can take time to process their trauma.
Bennett also noted various factors that can cause a delay in menstruation, such as stress or changes in weight, stating, “I’m two weeks late for my period, and you expect me to know I’m pregnant?” She stressed that the perception of rapists as strangers lurking in dark places is a harmful myth; in reality, most assaults are committed by someone the victim knows, whether a friend, partner, or even a colleague.
“It’s shocking that the Republican side would present a witness whose claims are so irresponsible and damaging to survivors,” she concluded.
Further Reading
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In summary, Rep. Laura Bennett’s remarks during the hearing highlighted the critical lack of understanding among some lawmakers regarding women’s reproductive health, particularly in the context of pregnancy awareness and the experiences of survivors of sexual assault.
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