International Women’s Day and the Sexual Abuse of Females in the Dairy Industry. By Dr Chapman Chen
- Chapman Chen
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Every year on International Women’s Day (8 March), people around the world honour the dignity, suffering, and resilience of women. From a biblical perspective, this day also invites reflection on how societies treat the vulnerable—especially mothers.
The modern dairy industry depends entirely on the reproductive exploitation of females. Like all mammals, cows must be pregnant in order to produce milk. To maintain constant milk production, dairy cows are typically subjected to annual forcible artificial insemination (AI). AI in cows primarily uses the recto-vaginal technique, where one hand is inserted into the rectum to stabilize the cervix while the other guides the insemination gun through the vagina. In plain terms, this practice constitutes the sexual violation of the female body. Within the moral framework of the Ten Commandments, such an act stands in direct contradiction to the Seventh Commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14), which forbids sexual abuse and the violation of bodily integrity.
Soon after giving birth—often within 24 hours—the calf is removed so that the milk meant for the newborn can be diverted for human consumption. Observers have frequently reported cows and calves crying out for one another for days as they are separated, revealing a powerful maternal bond. Male calves, having little economic value to the dairy industry, are often killed shortly after birth or sent away to be raised for veal.
The mothers themselves endure repeated cycles of impregnation, birth, and separation. After roughly 4 to 6 years of constant exploitation—although cows can naturally live fifteen to twenty years—their bodies are considered “spent.” When milk production declines, they are sent to the slaughterhouse.
Scripture repeatedly calls believers to compassion. In Book of Proverbs 12:10 we read: “A righteous person regardeth the life of his beast.” Likewise, the commandment “Thou shalt not kill” in the Book of Exodus (20:13) reminds us that life belongs ultimately to God.
International Women’s Day urges humanity to respect females, honour mothers, and defend the vulnerable. When viewed in this light, the plight of dairy cows—females repeatedly impregnated, separated from their children, and discarded when their bodies are exhausted—stands in painful contradiction to the biblical ideals of compassion and justice.
To commemorate this day with integrity, many people are beginning to ask whether compassion should extend beyond our own species. If motherhood is sacred, then the suffering of these mothers cannot remain invisible. A more compassionate path may begin simply by choosing foods that do not depend on the sexual exploitation of females and the destruction of their young.
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