I've been pondering the implications of Virginia's current wailing and gnashing of teeth over abortion. Many female commentators have likened proposed measures to state-sanctioned rape. Others have suggested that the "anti-abortion" legislators really seek to block access to contraception. So herewith, an analogy to help men understand their objections.

Imagine if to get a prescription for Viagra or its competitors men had to do the following

1. defer gratification pending state approval
2. visit your physician, who would have to
   1. insert a catheter into the urethra to the prostate
      
   2. place a vibrator in the rectum making contact with the prostate
      
   3. run the vibrator until ejaculation occurs
      
   4. collect the seminal fluid; send to laboratory
      
3. wait a week for results of a motility study
   
4. wait a month for the state pharmacist to evaluate results based on subjective, non-medical criteria prescribed by the legislature
   
5. swallow your Viagra
   
6. enjoy your 45 seconds of peak performance
   
7. look into the eyes of your beloved
   
8. pretend indulgence equates to satisfaction
   
9. defer gratification while you do it all again