My wife's executive assistant, Joan (not her real name, but when I picture an executive assistant, I can't help but picture Joan (Christina Hendricks) from "Mad Men"), is pregnant. She wants to take her mother with her to the ultra-sound that will reveal the sex of the baby.
Apparently, Kelowna is a hot-bed of religious extremism, with the far right and ultra-conservatives making up a good chunk of the general population. Although, so far, nothing I have encountered has hinted at this. But according to Joan, due to the prevalence of evangelicals, the city has enacted laws designed to protect doctors here from harm, assault, and assassination.
To prevent a situation where a doctor can be out-numbered and ambushed by a violent right-to-lifer, only the mother of the fetus can be in the room with the doctor during any visits during the time period when an abortion is an option/viable. Because the Crown provides all health services, doctors are both obstetricians and abortion providers, leaving all neo-natal doctors at risk of attack by those who would hypocritically kill in the name of life.
Joan will have to drive 45 minutes north to Vernon, BC to get her ultra-sound so that her mother can be there with her.
Like I said, I have yet to encounter any of this slice of Kansas red-state culture. Just the descriptions of the porn available on the cable guide are graphic enough that I'd think there'd be a crusade against Shaw Cable by local churches (pictures of some of my favorites are available to view on my Facebook page: Porn On Cable - Screen Shots of the TV Guide ).
Of course, as an American atheist, I will be sure to bring you stories of my encounters with religion here in Canada as they arise. Meanwhile, I hope Joan is able to share the magic moment with her mother when she finds out whether or not she has a boy or a girl. I think Michael is a great name for a boy - Lisa for a girl. What do you think, eh?
