On February 29th, 2012 Rush Limbaugh went on air and repeated these words about 30 year old Georgetown Univeristy student Sandra Fluke:
“What does it say about the college co-ed Susan Fluke, who goes before a congressional committee and essentially says that she must be paid to have sex… It makes her a prostitute. She’s having so much sex she can’t afford the contraception. She wants you and me and the taxpayers to pay her to have sex”
All because a young woman decided to voice out her opinions about her school’s refusal to incluse contraception as part of its insurance plan in front the House Democratic and Policy Committee.
Before these comment were made by Limbaugh, Fluke had invited by the Democrats to speak at a hearing by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Fluke was invited, as the only female member of the panel, to discuss her viewpoints about a hearing concerning contrception coverage. When she got there, the committee’s chairman, Republican Darrell Issa, essentially denied Fluke the chance to participate in the hearing because she was deemed to be inexperienced. By so doing, the hearing proceeded with a male only panel particpating in a hearing about contraception coverage – a women’s health issue.
A week later, Fluke was invited to speak about contraception coverage by the House Democrat Steering and Policy Committee. Fluke articulated her concerns about the fact that Georgetown University, the school she attends, does not offer any form of birth control coverage through their insurance. Fluke mentioned that birth control can cost an upwards on $3,000. She proceeded to give supportive reasons as to why Georgetown University, a Catholic school, should be obligated to provide contraception coverage as a part of their insurance plan.
It is fair for people to disagree with Fluke’s stance on the situation for various reasons. However, Limbaugh’s sexist and degrading monologue filled rant was uncalled for. Furthermore, before going on any type of tirade Limbaugh could have checked his facts. If universties are forced to include contraception in the coverage of their health insurance, taxpayers are not going to pay for this extra coverage – the insurance companies will be responsible for incurring the costs.
Oh and sidenote to Limbaugh: The amount of sex a woman has does not in anyway mean they need more birth control than the next woman.
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