Mazie Hirono: “before I begin my remarks, I wish to take a moment to express my condolences to the families of those affected by last…”

“before I begin my remarks, I wish to take a moment to express my condolences to the families of those affected by last week's shooting in Colorado Springs, including the family of Jennifer Markovsky. Jennifer grew up in Waianae, HI. She was killed this past Friday at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado in a senseless act of violence. I spoke recently to Jennifer's husband Paul to express my condolences to him, their two young children, her parents, and her ohana. Madam President, I wish to speak on an issue of grave importance to all women of the United States; that is, the Republican efforts to defund Planned Parenthood. One of my first forays into politics happened when as a young woman I wrote to my elected officials and asked them about their views on a woman's right to choose. At that time--1970--Hawaii was considering a bill that would legalize abortion. In fact, Hawaii became the first State to do so for our residents. Choice to me is not something that should be restricted, whether it is the right to choose to end a pregnancy or the right to access birth control. Having control over one's health care decisions is a fundamental right. When a woman has access to a full range of health care services, she has control over her life and her future. Access to birth control and other reproductive options means that women have real control over their economic and personal security.…”