Rep. Corrine Brown: “I rise today to speak out in support of the rule for the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The women of our…”

“I rise today to speak out in support of the rule for the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act. The women of our Nation have been waiting a long time for this legislation which first passed this body in November by a voice vote. My home State of Florida has seen the kinds of destruction that violent antiabortion protesters can unleash. Dr. David Gunn was shot because he provided a necessary medical service to Florida's women. There can be no justification for this kind of violence. Women too often face physical and physiological harassment when they step inside a reproductive health clinic. Clinic staff also threatened by the actions of antiabortion protesters. Numerous clinics nationwide have been vandalized, set on fire and bombed this past year. These clinics provide more than just abortion services, they provide basic health care needs for thousands of women every day. Access to these services cannot be denied. Abortion is a woman's right in this Nation. Her access and physically well being cannot be allowed to be threatened in this most difficult time. Let's stop bickering over procedure and pass this rule.”