Nydia M. Velazquez: “I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation, which amounts to…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to this legislation, which amounts to nothing less than an assault on women's fundamental rights. This is about a woman's ability to make her own decisions in consultation with her doctor, not politicians. Not only does this unconstitutional bill run afoul of longstanding judicial precedent, but it will also jeopardize women's health by banning abortion after 20 weeks even in cases were pregnancy complications arise from serious health issues like pulmonary hypertension, heart condition, kidney disease, and cancer. What about the life of the mother? Women facing desperate medical situations will see their healthcare options restricted through this unacceptable bill. Furthermore, rape and incest victims will face additional hurdles when terminating a pregnancy. Doctors and healthcare providers will encounter threats of fines and even imprisonment when they are simply trying to provide compassionate care to women in need. Madam Speaker, this bill inserts the government into one of the most personal decisions a woman can make and would interfere with the relationship between women and their doctors. So much for getting government off my back. I would like to see the government out of my bedroom.”