Chris Van Hollen: “today the House considers a measure which will seriously impinge on a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion.…”

“today the House considers a measure which will seriously impinge on a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion. A women's right to choose is a fundamental one, and the Congress should not tell a woman how to manage her health or reproductive care. Unfortunately, what should be a private matter between a woman and her doctor has become a political football. Each individual case is different and involves a variety of factors. The decision in each case should be left to the woman and her family, in consultation with her doctor. We must not pass legislation that curbs the ability to make a decision which might be necessary to protect the life and health of the mother. Moreover, we cannot exert a power we do not have. The Supreme Court, in Roe v. Wade, has determined that a woman has a constitutional right to choose a safe and legal abortion during the pre-viability period. Many people have been misled into believing that this so-called ``partial-birth'' abortion bill is about banning late term abortions. It is not. It applies to all abortions in which a certain medical procedure is used regardless of when the abortion is performed. We should leave it to the doctors--not politicians--to determine what method is necessary to best protect the health of a woman. Limiting a woman's sovereignty over reproductive choice and restricting access to the best health options comprise the essence of this bill. I urge my colleagues to oppose it.”