How to fund elective abortions without health insurance costs.

[MineralMan]

I think I've figured it out. Based on 2006 figures, Americans spent $2.4 billion on drugs for erectile dysfunction. That's a lot of money. So, since the erect penis is a major cause of unwanted pregnancies, let's tax all purchases of ED drugs like Viagra and Cialis. Figure out how much is spent on elective abortions each year, then apply the appropriate tax on the sales of these drugs and establish a fund to pay for elective abortions. Women seeking an abortion would have it paid for from this fund in all cases.

Men who oppose the right of a woman to terminate a pregnancy could protest reproductive choice by simply not purchasing ED drugs, which might also reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies as a side effect.

It's a win/win option.

[T Wolf]

1. I don't think that Rep. Boner will like this attack on his, um, boner. nt

[mimitabby]

2. must say, i like it.

[Dreamer Tatum]

3. Iwas actually hoping to tax abortions to pay for Jet Skis

Since not having a baby contributes to free time to enjoy the great outdoors.

It's win/win.

[MineralMan]

7. Just save the money you'd spend on ED drugs,

and you can pay for your Jet Ski. Besides, you won't have sex distracting you from using your new toy. See...I've got all the objections figured out.

[rurallib]

4. Great idea but the regressives will point out this is still a tax

and I will point out that it is aimed mostly at old white men. This group happens to be the most powerful group in the country based on wealth and political power (purchased by that wealth).
But I do like the idea.

[MineralMan]

6. Well, let's call it a 'usage fee,' then.

That'll take care of that objection.

[populistdriven]

5. or just ask men if they would like to contribute a dollar when making this purchase

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=6979368&mesg_id=6979368

[MineralMan]

8. Somehow, I don't see that working out very well.

I like my "Pay to Play" plan better.

[napi21]

9. Tax $ would still be using public funds & violate the Hyde

ammendment.

I do like the idea though!

[MineralMan]

10. Well, since we could never get my suggestion passed

through the male-dominated Congress, it was more of a tongue-in-cheek plan, anyhow. I agree that it would be a good idea, but not one that would be possible to implement.

What's odd is that a lot of men don't see the connection between the use of their penile appendage and abortion. I've never quite understood that one. When I was 14, my father explained all that to me and warned me that my penis was capable of causing me many problems and that I should think carefully before making use of it for other than urinary functions. I listened to him. Back in 1961, when I was 14, there weren't a lot of contraceptive options available to me.

[Ilsa]

11. Keep in mind that ED drugs are also used for patients having prostatectomy.

They have a better chance of restoring some level of sexual function when viagra is given in a certain regimen. We aren't talking about men having super-erections, just any erection for themselves or their partners. Let's not make too many assumptions about the recreational use of ED drugs.