Subscribe
The Daily Grind Video
CLOSE

Since rape seems to be the focal point of many political conversations, you would think that legislation to help rape survivors would be on the forefront in the political arena – but it’s not.  

VIDEO: Obama Jokes! My Rivalry With Trump Started When We Were “Growing Up In Kenya” 

Is it just us, or does it seem like every time rape and politics collide, it’s because a politician is redefining it to differentiate rape as “forcible” or “legitimate.” But in reality, rape is rape!  

But it has not ended there. Yes, it’s getting worse…

Think Progress reports that a Pennsylvania House bill proposed by three Republicans and one Democrat will make women prove they were raped if they don’t want to see their welfare benefits limited. The bill will get rid of the increase in government assistance that low-income mothers received when they give birth under the Temporary Assistance To Needy Family program. However, a woman can seek to be exempted from this provision if her pregnancy is a result from a rape – and she can prove it.  

Think Progress explains:

Despite the fact that low-income women who give birth to children would logically need increased assistance to care for their larger family, Pennsylvania lawmakers — State Reps. RoseMarie Swanger (R), Tom Caltagirone (D), Mark Gillen (R), Keith Gillespie (R), Adam Harris (R), and Mike Tobash (R) — don’t want their state’s welfare program to provide additional benefits for that newborn. If a woman gives birth to a child who was conceived from rape, she may seek an exception to this rule so that her welfare benefits aren’t slashed, but only if she can provide proof that she reported her sexual assault and her abuser’s identity to the police.

The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network reports that only 54 percent of women raped and sexually assaulted report it to the police. This war on women has to be stopped!

SOURCE: Think Progress