COP February Newsletter Feb. Vol 2 2014 | Page 2

Virginia Senator Calls Pregnant Women "Hosts," Tries to Take it Back

Thanks to State Senator Steve Martin, "whale" is now officially the second most offensive thing you could call a pregnant woman. In response to a Valentine's Day card from the Virginia Pro-Choice coalition stating that "women deserve access to their full range of reproductive health options — including preventing unintentional pregnancies, raising healthy children, and choosing safe, legal abortion," Martin posted a less than friendly reply on his Facebook.

In fact, I think not only do "some" refer to the "child's host" as the mother, pretty much everyone on the planet does. After the Internet got a little angry (surprise!) about Martin's remarks, the senator changed the post yesterday afternoon to read "bearer of the child" instead of host.

We are asking everyone in the Commonwealth to take a picture with your mom holding a sign that says:

"Sen. Martin, This is my [MOM/MOTHER/MOMMY/MA]; not my host."

If you don't live with your mother or she's passed away, take a picture with a picture of her or add her name to the sign. Or, send us your favorite picture and tell Senator Martin, this is my mom, not my host.

Your mom is always your mom, no matter what separates you.

Tweet your picture @VAYD using the hashtag, #MomNotHost. Share it on our Facebook.