The vaginal probe — you know, that medical instrument some Republican lawmakers want to be shoved up your vagina before you get an abortion — is the star of Democrat Deb Butler’s latest attack ad on her North Carolina state Senate race opponent.

Republican Thom Goolsby, the incumbent, voted in 2011 to support legislation that would, among other things, require women seeking an abortion to undergo an ultrasound in order to have the procedure. The bill itself does not require the medically invasive transvaginal probe, but the device is usually necessary to perform an ultrasound in the early stages of pregnancy. As Butler puts it, the wand would be Goolsby’s “contribution to women’s health.”

— Posted by Tracy Bloom.

 Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface.  We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig
In this Article:
#2012 election#north carolina#political ads#politics#women#women's issues#women's rights