Jack Kingston: “again, this is not about lawyers; but it is about access, and it is about doctors. I want to read a few more statistics…”

“again, this is not about lawyers; but it is about access, and it is about doctors. I want to read a few more statistics from various papers. This is from the Business Journal of Portland, January 10, 2003. In three of Oregon's more rural counties, John Day, Hermiston, and Roseburg, families have either lost all access to obstetric care or their services have been drastically reduced. Here is something from Amarillo-Globe News, October 30, 2002. According to a Texas Medical Association poll of Panhandle doctors, 61 percent have plans to retire early, and 83 percent said they use defensive tactics in practicing medicine because of fear of being sued. And then in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, January 6, 2003, in South Texas a pregnant woman was forced to drive 80 miles to a San Antonio doctor and hospital because her family doctor in her more rural hometown had recently stopped delivering babies because of malpractice concerns. It is something that I am glad this House is looking at. We need a balanced bill. People certainly have the right to defend themselves. They need access to the courtroom, but the courtroom should not stifle access to the emergency room.”