Mississippi Senator Proposes ‘Contraception Begins at Erection Act’ to Highlight Gender Double Standards
Mississippi State Senator Bradford Blackmon has sparked a debate after introducing a provocative new bill titled the “Contraception Begins at Erection Act.”
The legislation proposes making it “unlawful for a person to discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo,” taking aim at the male role in reproduction. Under the proposed law, violators would face escalating penalties, culminating in a $10,000 fine for a third offense.
In a statement to WLBT News, Blackmon addressed the bill’s intent, explaining that it challenges the one-sided nature of many reproductive health laws.
“All across the country, especially here in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the woman’s role when men are fifty percent of the equation,” Blackmon said.
The senator acknowledged that the bill might be perceived as outlandish but stood firm in his belief that it highlights an important imbalance.
“This bill highlights that fact and brings the man’s role into the conversation. People can get up in arms and call it absurd, but I can’t say that bothers me,” he remarked.
The “Contraception Begins at Erection Act” has sparked widespread debate. While some supporters praise its satirical take on gendered double standards in reproductive laws, other critics question its feasibility.