Tina Smith: “I rise today in strong opposition to the resolution before us today. This resolution would overturn the VA's rule…”

“I rise today in strong opposition to the resolution before us today. This resolution would overturn the VA's rule protecting veterans' access to abortion counseling and care in cases of rape, incest, or when the life of a woman or her health is in danger; and, unfortunately, it is just the latest attack on women's freedom to make their own healthcare decisions without interference from politicians. Today, veterans, their spouses, and dependents are protected and have the freedom to receive essential healthcare in the most devastating of circumstances. By voting yes today, the Senate would take that freedom away. So let's be clear about what this means. A ``yes'' vote means you would be saying to women who are entrusted to protect our national security that they can't be trusted to make their own medical decisions. You would be saying that the person who has been raped or the victim of incest should not have the freedom to get an abortion. You are saying, in effect, sitting in this Chamber that those of you sitting in this Chamber should have the power to decide what healthcare a veteran can receive if she faces a serious or even life-threatening health threat if she continues a pregnancy. So if you are considering a ``yes'' vote, I ask you, what makes you think that you know better? What makes you think that you should have the power over another person and their body? This is an insult to the dignity of people, to veterans, and to their families.…”