Ohio Rep. Jean Schmidt Talks Abortion With 1st Graders; Principal Apologizes

[The_Dude 1,142]

Ohio Rep. Jean Schmidt Talks Abortion With 1st Graders; Principal Apologizes

The principal of a Cincinnati Catholic school has apologized to parents after Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) discussed abortion during a speech to kids as young as 6.

Schmidt, a conservative, brought up the controversial matter while talking about the connection between moral issues and legislation during a question-and-answer period, the Daily News reported.

"Unexpectedly, towards the end of her address, Congresswoman Schmidt brought up the topic of abortion," Prinicipal Dan Teller wrote in a letter to parents, obtained by Cincinnati's WLWT-TV. "Your children may come home with questions, especially if this is a topic that has not been broached in your home."

Schmidt was addressing students ranging from first to eighth grade. The name of the school was not reported.

"She defined abortion as the taking of a child's life in the mother's womb," Teller wrote. "She indicated that abortion involves the killing of a child before it is born."

The principal apologized "for any confusion or fear that this may elicit on the part of your child, and for the awkward position this may put you in of introducing a difficult issue at a time that may be premature for you."

Schmidt, who's up for re-election Tuesday, has not commented directly on the controversy. Her spokesman, Bruce Pfaff, told Cincinnati's Enquirer that the lawmaker brought up the topic after receiving "a follow-up question, which she answered consistent with Catholic teaching."

When students kept asking about abortion, Pfaff said Schmidt told them to talk to their parents.

Schmidt's Democratic rival, Surya Yalamanchili, seized on the issue as a chance to criticize the incumbent.

"I consider the Congresswoman's comments to these children to be very concerning," Yalamanchili said in a press release. "It showed the same awful judgment that she has displayed in Washington."

Source

[ready4ONE 5,400]

RWN's are so much fun!

[^_^ 5,021]

She can say anything she wants and still win. This is a Republican year, she is running in Ohio and her opponent is Yalamanchili.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Yalamanchili.

That sounds like something i'd order (while drunk) at Chilli's or Outback.

[^_^ 5,021]

That sounds like something i'd order (while drunk) at Chilli's or Outback.

Unfamiliar names are always a good source for comedy. You know how people in India (Yalamanchili is an Indian last name) say the first name Laura and you know what it kinda sounds like?

[The_Dude 1,142]

Unfamiliar names are always a good source for comedy. You know how people in India (Yalamanchili is an Indian last name) say the first name Laura and you know what it kinda sounds like?

I don't think I have ever heard a person with an Indian say Laura. Please enlighten us.

[^_^ 5,021]

I don't think I have ever heard a person with an Indian say Laura. Please enlighten us.

It sounds like the Hindi slang for #######.

[Obama 2012 1,714]

meh, this is no different than teaching kids about gays and lesbians and even transgenders people in 1st grade....

[The_Dude 1,142]

meh, this is no different than teaching kids about gays and lesbians and even transgenders people in 1st grade....

Uhhhh no. When schools teach kids about gays, they are teaching kids that there are people different than what you may be used to at home. They don't teach specifics, or mechanics, just that some people are different from others and that it's perfectly ok. Discussing abortion at that age simply isn't appropriate, especially using the terminology that this representative did.........

[Obama 2012 1,714]

Uhhhh no. When schools teach kids about gays, they are teaching kids that there are people different than what you may be used to at home. They don't teach specifics, or mechanics, just that some people are different from others and that it's perfectly ok. Discussing abortion at that age simply isn't appropriate, especially using the terminology that this representative did.........

Still doesn't change the fact that plenty of parents don't want their kids knowing about same-sex couples/relationships. Especially wouldn't want their kids knowing about boys that think they are girls and girls that think they are boys.

[The_Dude 1,142]

Still doesn't change the fact that plenty of parents don't want their kids knowing about same-sex couples/relationships. Especially wouldn't want their kids knowing about boys that think they are girls and girls that think they are boys.

Thats the thing though, they don't teach them specifics like that, at least not until they are old enough and have enough education to comprehend that. But I should insert the caveat that I can only speak for the school districts where I live.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Thats the thing though, they don't teach them specifics like that, at least not until they are old enough and have enough education to comprehend that. But I should insert the caveat that I can only speak for the school districts where I live.

In Paul's district, they make out in front of the students to help them understand it better.

[Danno 1,228]

meh, this is no different than teaching kids about gays and lesbians and even transgenders people in 1st grade....

You mean like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16Ed1kb8B6U&feature=related

[Ban Hammer 13,470]

i agree she shouldn't be discussing abortion with kids - that should come only after the sex ed classes.

Edited October 29, 2010 by charles!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

i agree she shouldn't be discussing abortion with kids - that should come only after the sex ed classes.

Turn in your teabagger membership card, you communist scab!