Karen Thurman: “Mr. Speaker, it seems only appropriate that, in the House's discussion of violence and constitutional rights today, that…”

“Mr. Speaker, it seems only appropriate that, in the House's discussion of violence and constitutional rights today, that we should take up and pass the conference report on the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. Since 1977, there have been 36 bombings, 84 cases of arson, 60 attempted arsons, 35 clinic invasions, 498 acts of vandalism, 86 assaults, 149 death threats, two kidnappings, 29 burglaries, and countless cases of stalking of clinic employees. This is in addition to the countless incidents of hate mail, harassing phone calls, 289 bomb threats, and 589 clinic blockades. The Planned Parenthood Clinic in Ocala, FL, constitutes one of these cases of arson. It has never been rebuilt. For Dr. David Gunn, the Pensacola physician who was murdered this year, for Dr. George Tiller, who was shot, and for the countless women whose rights were infringed upon, this legislation comes too late. Attorney General Janet Reno has testified that, "In sum, Federal legislation is necessary. The problem is national in scope, local law enforcement has been unable to effectively deal with it, and existing Federal law is inadequate to provide a complete response." The conference report ensures American women of their constitutional right to abortion services. It also preserves the first amendment rights of peaceful protestors.”