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Jack Nelsen: Dairy farmer turned Idaho lawmaker compares women to cows, issues apology after backlash

Jack Nelsen's apology read, 'The way I phrased my statement about women and reproductive rights yesterday completely missed the mark. I’m embarrassed'

IDAHO: A Republican state lawmaker in Idaho found himself in quite a pit after he made comments on women’s reproductive health. The first-term Republican of Jerome, Jack Nelsen, said he had "definite opinions" on women's health and reproduction as he had worked with cows and was a full-time farmer at a point. The 67-year-old Republican was slammed by the Idaho Democratic Party. The tweet read, "Let us be clear: politicians like Jack Nelsen have no business mandating our reproductive health care decisions. Period."

Freshman Rep Jack Nelsen, who is also a retired dairy farmer, made the raining comments while introducing himself to the state’s House Agriculture Committee. He said, "I’m a lifelong dairy farmer who retired, still own part of the dairy; grew up on the farm. I’ve milked a few cows, spent most of my time walking behind lines of cows, so if you want some ideas on repro and the women’s health thing, I have some definite opinions." It did not take long for the Internet to slam Nelsen for his comments on women's reproductive rights. The freshman put out a statement apologizing for the same. 

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Who is Jack Nelsen?

Apart from being a first-term Republican of Jerome, Nelsen also holds a bachelor's degree in music, and a master's of education, and has taught band and music in the Wendell School District for three years. However, he gave it up to become a full-time dairy farmer on his family's farm. He has actively served on the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Commission, Mid-Snake Water Commission, and the Jerome County Republican Central Committee, and is a member of the Jerome Rotary Club. He has served on the CSI Board of Trustees since November 2016. Apart from leading an active life, he likes fishing and skiing. He is married to his wife, Emily, for 42 years and has three sons - Chris, Greg, and Matt.

Nelsen described his comments about women’s reproductive care as “inappropriate” in an emailed apology to Post Register saying, "The women in my life have taught me strength, resilience, integrity, hard work, joy, and love. I absolutely respect women, and the right to choose their own healthcare. The way I phrased my statement about women and reproductive rights yesterday completely missed the mark. I’m embarrassed, and I offended others in the process. I am deeply sorry. I recognize the mistake and commit to doing better in the future." 

'As a woman, I say no'

One user said, "Idaho GOP Rep Jack Nelson said that because he has walked behind cows, and has experience milking cows, he can speak on behalf of women and make reproductive choices for us. As a woman, I say no, he cannot. As a woman I am disgusted by the comparison and audacity. #idpol #idleg." Another user wrote, "The GOP couldn’t get through the first day of the Idaho legislative session without dehumanizing women." One more user slammed Nelson, "I don’t want Rep Jack Nelson’s apology. I want him to be a civil and decent human being. He is obviously not capable of that!"

A disappointed user wrote, "1) Women are not cows; 2) Walking behind cows prepares a man for nothing more than walking behind cows. #idleg #idpol@IdahoGOP #JackNelson." Another user said, "Idaho GOP representative Jack Nelson compares women to cows during conversation about reproductive rights. He won his seat by 84 votes against a Democrat. We will make sure that doesn't happen again." One more user said, "@IDAHOgov This guy is your representative? Shame on those who remain silent! “I’ve milked a few cows, spent most of my time walking behind lines of cows, so if you want some ideas on repro and the women’s health thing, I have some definite opinions." -Rep. Jack Nelson, Idaho?

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online