Lois Capps: “I am deeply troubled by this bill. I consider myself a religious person, and I hold in high respect the deep-seated…”

“I am deeply troubled by this bill. I consider myself a religious person, and I hold in high respect the deep-seated values and feelings of Americans on the subject of productive health, but no one should have the authority to force his or her personal views upon others. The Abortion Non-Discrimination Act does just that by overruling a State's rights to enforce laws and to design its own Medicaid program. This legislation is harmful to women. It would allow health care entities to refuse to comply with Federal, State and local laws pertaining to abortion services and referrals. Under this measure, recipients of title X funds could defy current requirements that enable a woman to receive information upon request about all legal reproductive options. Not only does this legislation deny women access to vital medical care, it is also unnecessary.”