Ohio lawmaker's personal story of rape and abortion interrupted by male colleagues laughing

Ohio state Rep. Teresa Fedor took the microphone as lawmakers were debating a bill that would ban abortions if there is a detectable heartbeat—as early as six weeks of pregnancy:

Abruptly asking to speak during debate on a bill to outlaw abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, the Toledo Democrat and 15-year veteran of the legislature stood and revealed a long-kept secret. She was raped, became pregnant as a result and had an abortion.

“You don’t respect my reason, my rape, my abortion, and I guarantee you there are other women who should stand up with me and be courageous enough to speak that voice,” she told colleagues. “What you are doing is so fundamentally inhuman, unconstitutional, and I’ve sat here too long. I dare every one of you to judge me. ... How dare government get in my business.”

A very courageous speech, indeed. But, in the midst of her impassioned speech, she suddenly had to pause—because at least one male lawmaker in the room was laughing.

I see people laughing and I don't appreciate that. And it happens to be a man who is laughing. But this is serious business right now and I'm speaking for all the women in the state of Ohio who didn't get the opportunity to be in front of that committee and make this statement.

She noted her own military service (she served in the Air Force and the National Guard) and that our military women who are rape survivors deserve to make their own personal choice—and that is when the laughter started.

Watch her heartfelt speech and reaction to the laughter below the fold.