In response to the Planned Parenthood scandal created by conservatives, a South Carolina Representative, Mia McLeod, has introduced a bill that would impose strict requirements for a man to obtain drugs like Viagra or Cialis to treat erectile dysfunction. The bill’s restrictions include a physician prescription requirement and testimony about need, a signed patient acknowledgment regarding the risks of using the medication, a waiting period of at least 24 hours and attendance of three counseling sessions within 180 days.
The counseling would provide information regarding non-drug treatment approaches, including celibacy. While the bill was proposed to start discussion, McLeod said the main objective was to provide perspective into how difficult it can be for women to manage their reproductive health. She acknowledged the bill is absurd, but perhaps it would get legislators to consider staying out of people’s personal lives.
Last summer, conservatives created a media stir over the release of falsified videos that allegedly show Planned Parenthood workers discussing the sale of aborted fetal body parts. The organization, which provides low-cost health care and reproductive services, said the videos were heavily edited and that any fetal tissue donation is done with full consent and the highest ethical standards.
Further investigation by several states failed to find any evidence of wrongdoing although some cut funding to Planned Parenthood clinics.