Two legislators go one-on-one in abortion debate

Two eastern Iowa lawmakers clashed last night over the bill which creates a 24-hour waiting period for abortions. Representative Minnette Doderer accused the men in the House who supported the bill of being “women haters” and “controlling males.” Doderer, who’s a democrat from Iowa City, then questioned whether Representative Dan Boddicker’s committment to the unborn extended to kids born in poverty. Boddicker, who’s a republican from Tipton, angrily rose to defend himself. The House Speaker asked the two to speak privately for a few moments, but Doderer said she’d “rather go outside and punch him.” A few moments later, though, Doderer shook Boddicker’s hand in full view of her House colleagues. Doderer said someday there’ll be enough women in the legislature to protect themselves — and she said that day can’t come soon enough. Boddicker later said abortion debates in the House are always “grueling events.” Last night’s event lasted about five hours before the bill passed on a 67 to 29 vote.