David Skaggs: “In the ideal world, if there were an ideal world, perhaps the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma would…”

“In the ideal world, if there were an ideal world, perhaps the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma would make sense. I am the father of a teenager. I wish we had that ideal world where communication was as we wish it would be. In the real world this proposal, sadly, is a dangerous one. It will inevitably mean more unintended pregnancies, more abortions, more sexually transmitted diseases. That is why the Obey substitute is the sound way to go here. It has nothing to do, as allegations have been raised, about Government bureaucrats getting involved in sexual activities of our children. That is a total red herring. What it does have to do with is recognizing the realities of teenage sexual behavior in the last part of the 20th century in this country, and how we are going to deal with that reality not in a wishful way, not in a mythical Ozzie and Harriet way, but in a way that works, making sure that our kids get the health services that they need. Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment which would make it more difficult for young people to obtain family planning assistance.”