Ah, North Dakota. I have family there. It’s absolutely beautiful, vast wheat fields as far as the eye can see. ND farmers call Minnesota farmers, “puddle jumpers.” My parents tell me that the fields in ND are so large, you can see the curvature of the earth. I’ve never verified this, though.
With new oil fields out there, ND also boasts a booming economy. Given that they also “boast” exceedingly restrictive reproductive laws, I should not have been surprised to read this in Jezebel:
Want a squishy toy fetus with your corn dog? If you’re visiting the North Dakota State Fair, you’re in luck! Last weekend, local anti-choice advocates slipped soft fetal models into kids’ candy bags without parental permission during the fair’s gigantic parade. “I don’t know exactly where I stand on abortion,” one mother told Jezebel, “but I believe in my rights as a parent.”
Wow. Sneaking fetus figurines into a candy bag? That’s rather… unusual.
“The Precious One” fetal models are manufactured by Heritage House, a “pro-life supply store,” for $1.50 a pop — cheaper if you buy in bulk. “Its beautiful detail, softness and weight can really move hearts and change minds!” the website promises. A customer service representative told Jezebel that the models are most often given to pregnant women at “pregnancy centers” and kids at school presentations. The customer reviews on the site (it’s like Yelp for fetus-lovers instead of foodies) further imply that the doll-like figures are great for kids. “Children especially like to hold them,” one satisfied customer wrote. “No other item that we hand out has the amazing effect that these fetal models have — instant attachment to the unborn!” said another. “So many times, we hear, ‘Awwwww! That’s adorable!’ Or we just see a girl’s tears begin to form and fall.”
Looking rather like an extra terrestrial, these little figurines claim to be quite “lifelike.”
Davis said it was “creepy and inappropriate” to slip snuggly fetuses into kids’ candy bags, but she doubted children would understand or care about what they represent.
Yeah. I’d have to agree. I think this quote pretty much sums up my thoughts:
“My kids can read,” she said. “I shouldn’t have to explain to five and six-year olds what abortion is at a family event. I doubt these people would be allowed to hand out condoms to little kids. But it’s okay to talk to them about abortion without my permission?”
