Sen. Bradford Blackmon, a Black Democratic Party state senator in Mississippi, introduced a bill known as the “Contraception Begins At Erection Act” to shed light on the role of men in pregnancies, taking a humorous jab at anti-abortion critics. While the bill is unlikely to pass, it aims to emphasize men’s responsibility in the reproductive process.
Local news outlet WLBT reported that Sen. Blackmon’s bill would criminalize masturbation, imposing fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for each violation. Exceptions would be made for sperm bank donations or the use of contraception to prevent pregnancies, according to the proposed legislation.
Sen. Blackmon highlighted the imbalance in current contraception and abortion laws that primarily focus on women’s responsibilities, despite men playing an equal part in conception. The bill aims to spark conversation about men’s involvement in reproductive health decisions, challenging traditional norms and perceptions.
Mississippi is among a dozen states with stringent abortion regulations, with either full or partial bans in place, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Sen. Blackmon’s bill aims to provoke discussion and raise awareness about the complexities of reproductive rights and responsibilities.
The full text of the bill can be accessed through the state’s legislative bill status system here.
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