Lois Capps: “I thank my colleague from California for her leadership in opposing this unconstitutional and cruel bill. I rise in…”

“I thank my colleague from California for her leadership in opposing this unconstitutional and cruel bill. I rise in strong opposition to it. This legislation ignores the very real medical challenges that are faced by so many women, erecting barriers to women who are trying desperately to access medical care, who are making some of the most personal and difficult choices and decisions. This is a coldhearted political maneuver that is being played out upon this House floor today. Women need the confidence to be able to make these difficult decisions in consult with their doctors, with their families, with their spiritual advisors. Politicians have no place in that equation. If we really wanted to protect life, let's support efforts to reduce unintended pregnancies, improve maternal health, improve funding for WIC, for early child care, for support for women and families who are raising children in the most difficult circumstances. Let us trust women to make decisions that are right for them. And let us show a little compassion instead of offering condescending lectures, as the other side did last month to a very courageous witness who shared her life story. It is long past time that this Congress learn to trust women to make their own decisions.”