Sen. Jim DeMint (R-Jerkburg) ups the ante in the “Pro-Lifers are the only people who vote” Republican poker game.

Apparently aiming at a tiny group of women who receive Ru-486 by ‘telemedicine,’ Jim has introduced legislation that would make illegal any communications regarding abortion over the internet.

The amendment could bar discussion of abortion over the Internet or through videoconferencing, even if a woman’s health is at risk and if this kind of communication with her doctor is her best option to receive care.

“Sen. DeMint is so obsessed with attacking a woman’s right to choose that he’s using an agriculture and transportation bill to advance his agenda,” [Nancy] Keenan said . . “This kind of political gamesmanship jeopardizes women’s health and privacy and is out of touch with our country’s values and priorities” . .

“What about a woman experiencing a high-risk pregnancy who is talking with her doctor through video conferencing?” Keenan said . . “It is impractical, ridiculous, and, most importantly, bad for women in rural or remote areas who would not be able to discuss the full set of options with their doctor.”

I don’t know how the legislation is written, but DeMint is not known for his intelligence or his subtlety. I wouldn’t be surprised that a husband and wife communicating by e-mail could break his law. The Feds could subpoena their g-mail accounts.