Yes, Doctor... I am aware of his dysfunction.

     Earlier this month, South Carolina Representative Mia McLeod proposed a bill to the House that would require stricter regulations on Viagra for men. The proposal would require:

• a cardiac stress test, to ensure the patient is healthy enough for sex
• counseling that is based off considering celibacy as a lifestyle choice
• a 24 hour wait period, so that the patient would have time to really consider the side effects 
• consent from their sexual partner, stating that they are aware of their erectile dysfunction.

     McLeod has proposed this new bill in an attempt to make the male and republican dominate house understand why the regulations on women's reproductive issues is so unjust. South Carolina has some of the toughest abortion laws and restrictions in the country. Some of those regulations include:

• state sponsored counseling designed to discourage abortion
• 24 hour wait period to understand side effects of choosing to have an abortion
• parental consent must be presented for any minor 17 and under.

     I get that Viagra and abortion are two very different topics, however what this woman has done is open a door to why our state/federal government should have no say in the reproductive health of men or women. I agree with McLeod's idea. I think it's brilliant. This law isn't something she hopes will pass, it is designed to help men better understand why these laws and regulations are unfair to women. I've always believed women are restricted when it comes to our reproductive health. For example, men will never understand how uncomfortable a pap smear is. As a woman who wants to be responsible and take birth control (so that I don't have to struggle with the decisions of an unwanted pregnancy) I HAVE to have this invasive procedure every three years (which was finally just changed from ONCE a year). There is no true medical need for a pap when one is trying to obtain contraceptive. It became common for doctors to require one once a year so that they may test for cervical cancer. I get that at the end of the day it's in my best interest to have one. However, this is the reason so many women aren't on birth control. They don't want to have to go through hoops to get it. So, why is it so easy for men to receive Viagra?

I applaud Ms. McLeod on her efforts. Though the bill will not pass (and it shouldn't), I believe she has really opened a few closed minds on a very important subject.