Political Quotes

“I rise today to oppose H.R. 2175, the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2001. Many individuals who support a woman's right to choose have argued that this bill is harmless because it restates existing law. I oppose this bill because it mischaracterizes current abortion rights law and may create confusion among physicians who provide emergency care to pregnant women. Concerns have been raised that H.R. 2175 would obligate physicians to provide care beyond recognized standards, and that failure to adhere would raise the issue of liability. More importantly, I oppose this bill because it is yet another attempt to chip away at a woman's right to choose. Pro-life advocates have opposed and attempted to erode reproductive rights in a number of ways: by imposing waiting periods, by denying women information about their own health choices, by restricting or removing funding for contraception and family planning efforts, and at the most radical by terrorizing physicians and clinic workers. The current Administration has signaled its intent to pursue this line of advocacy. In April 2001 the Bush Administration proposed to remove contraceptive coverage for federal employees. Only a groundwell of opposition restored this benefit, which the Office of Management and Budget found added nothing to the cost of federal health benefits.”