On the recordMay 30, 2012
I thank the gentleman. If this bill passes, it would forever change the doctor-patient relationship as we know it by casting suspicion on doctors that serve communities facing the greatest health disparities, many of which are minority communities. As a woman of faith, I have always believed that decisions about whether to choose adoption, end a pregnancy, or raise a child must be left to a woman, her family, and her faith, with the counsel of her doctor or health professional. Politics--government--has no place preventing doctors and other health professionals from informing patients about all their health care options, and doctors should not be criminalized for providing constitutionally protected care. If supporters are really serious about advancing the real interest of women, I urge them to vote ``no'' on this bill. We need to work together to ensure that all women have meaningful access to the health care that they need to stay healthy and to improve their own lives and their children's lives. We need to make sure that women get equal pay for equal jobs. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has again expired.
