The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
A state delegate's comments last week that women who abort their first pregnancy might later give birth to disabled children have led to an online petition calling for his resignation.
"The number of children who are born subsequent to a first abortion with handicaps has increased dramatically. Why? Because when you abort the firstborn of any, nature takes its vengeance on the subsequent children," Del. Bob Marshall, R-Prince William, said last week.
Citing the Bible, he also said that some Christians would suggest there is a "special punishment" for forsaking a firstborn child.
Marshall made the comments during a news conference held in the State Capitol on Thursday. They were reported by Virginia Commonwealth University's Capital News Service.
That event was organized by a coalition of religious leaders who want the state to block Planned Parenthood from receiving any state money because it provides abortions, among other health services.
According to state figures, Planned Parenthood received about $35,000 in Medicaid reimbursements from Virginia during fiscal year 2009. The money goes mainly to prenatal care, birth control, and women's annual exams, spokeswoman Erin Zabel said. But government money can be spent on
abortions if a doctor determines the life or health of a pregnant woman is in danger.
Other speakers at the event, which The Virginian-Pilot covered last week, accused Planned Parenthood of engaging in genocide through abortions of minority children.
"To make the claim that Planned Parenthood is racist or targets anyone for abortion is not only ludicrous, it's heartbreaking," Zabel said in an e-mail. "Our mission is prevention, and no one does more to prevent abortion than Planned Parenthood."
Zabel also said the group's mission is even more important during tough economic times when health care services face spending cuts in the state budget.
In a statement posted on his Web site, Marshall said he regretted his "poorly chosen words." In an interview Monday, Marshall said his comments alluded to medical studies which have shown the "problems induced abortions cause to subsequent, wanted pregnancies."
"I'm saying look at the medical journals," said Marshall, who produced two studies to buttress his contention. "That's not saying 'Bob Marshall thinks a Down syndrome baby is a punishment.' "
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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Mr. Marshall regrets...
Of course he does. How stupid does this man think we are? Bob Marshall has shown his true character again and again with comments like this, and yet there are still sheeple in Manassas who continue to keep this hateful demagogue in office. Mr. Marshall knew full well what he was saying, and he meant it; saying "I was misquoted" is a smokescreen.
And this isn't Bob Marshall's first term in office; if he can't choose his words better, he shouldn't be there. Time to give him the boot.
But it was ok for obama?
He made the same type of comment, but I guess that was ok.
They're not the same thing, aalto
When did the President say that disabled babies were God's way of punishing women for having abortions? Or are you referring to the time when he criticized his own bowling score as being like that of a Special Olympian? Saying you suck at bowling and saying that "nature takes vengeance" on women who have abortions are two VERY different things.
This guy's wacked!
Beware of this mindset! He is the type who also believes that any illness is ‘punishment from God’ and therefore the ill deserve no mercy from the rest of us. It is the classic way to justify cutting off all social programs and implementing only legislation designed to punish ‘misbehavior’.
Poor little Trig,
Paying for the sins of his mother.
Surely Palin will....
.... call out this Delegate... just like when she gave ElRushbo the WhatFor. Ha ha ha. Virginia is really making a name for itself with this group.
Special
In many primitive societies (Aus. aboriginal, polynesian etc.) "special" children and adults are treated with utmost respect as it is believed these individuals "have been touched by the hand of God".
Delegate regrets "poorly chosen words"
Let's not forget that Marshall also uttered those immortal words "only Dracula should be afraid of the [Wren Chapel] cross". Unfortunately, he is only one of many in the House of Delegates that can't see outside their own very small tunnels. How else would be end up with proposed legislation that began life as an attempt to hold off the Apocalypse (the "Mark of the Beast" bill, HB 53, Del. Cole).
Unfortunate
It is unfortunate but, "you can't fix stupid"!!
Another sample...
of what the Republican Party has to offer us!