Zoe Lofgren: “I think this is, in many ways, a very sad day for this House. As we know, last week there was an uproar in the country…”

“I think this is, in many ways, a very sad day for this House. As we know, last week there was an uproar in the country relative to a statement that few women become pregnant from rape. That, of course, is not correct. There's no science to support that. And of course, this week, we have a bill that's been altered to add a very limited exception for rape and incest that would be available only if the victim has reported the crime to the authorities. And of course, as our last speaker has indicated, this actually makes the situation for the victim of violence, a victim of rape more onerous than for the perpetrators of the violence, something that I think is really quite wrong. The bill attacks the rights of women, guaranteed by our Constitution, to seek a safe, legal procedure when they need it. I have two children. I was thrilled when I became pregnant. Most women are thrilled and look forward to a safe childbirth. But for some, pregnancy can be dangerous, and the restrictions that are imposed in this bill that do not have adequate health exceptions can endanger these women. At the subcommittee, we heard from a witness, a professor at George Washington University, Ms. Christy Zink, about her story.…”