Maureen Dowd’s editorial “Just Think No” in today’s New York Times, prompted this post, which was my comment to her piece.

Since victims of rape, incest, or molestation can’t control their physical responses, the body might not feel traumatized in a way that would shut down “normal” processes, even if such shutting down were possible. Victims already suffer guilt and shame. What horrendous pressure if the victim’s body, during the occurence, had to react a prescribed way. Akin’s error reveals a very frightening view of what makes a raped woman a victim. I wish virtual reality were possible and Akin and others who think like him could experience what they’re requiring of women.