Steny Hoyer: “Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult issue. It is an issue which tears Americans apart. Almost every American I know values…”

“Mr. Speaker, this is a difficult issue. It is an issue which tears Americans apart. Almost every American I know values life, values children, values those in the dawn of their life, as was said earlier. Let me start by accepting the premises put forth by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn), the premises as to why this procedure is used. Let us accept that. But let us also accept his other proposition, that the termination of the pregnancy can be effected by three other methods. That is what the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Coburn) just told us minutes ago. Then let me turn to the gentleman's assertion that he could have supported and would support the amendment offered by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank). Then let me assert that it is my position, the position of the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Greenwood), and the position of those of us who ask for this amendment, the Hoyer-Greenwood amendment to be made in order, that we are opposed to all late-term abortions because we value that viable child; because we believe, consistent with the Constitution, the State has an interest in ensuring that that child has every opportunity to live.”