Christopher Shays: “I strongly oppose H.R. 4691, the inappropriately named Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, which would radically alter…”

“I strongly oppose H.R. 4691, the inappropriately named Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, which would radically alter current law by allowing health care entities to exempt themselves from any federal, state or local law that assures women have access to abortion services, including basic information. This sort of preemption contradicts local policies espoused by this Congress. This legislation flies in the face of a woman's right to choose as well as her basic right to be informed about her reproductive options. Moreover, H.R. 4691 has the potential to pose a severe threat to efforts to prevent unwanted pregnancies, thus leading to more, not less, abortions. The sweeping nature of this supposedly narrow legislation is staggering. Family planning programs have been instrumental in helping millions of American women obtain reproductive health care for three decades. H.R. 4691 could essentially 'gag' clinic staff from giving pregnant women information and referrals for all their legal options, including adoption, carrying the pregnancy to term and abortion. There is currently no federal requirement that a health care entity provide abortion services against its will. Furthermore, there is no federal statutory requirement that any individual participate in the provision of reproductive health services if he or she objects. This legislation is therefore not only without merit but completely unnecessary. I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 4691.”