On the recordJuly 13, 2016
As seen in this debate, few issues divide this country the way abortion does. One sides argues an autonomy that allows no questions. The other implores we recognize the inalienable, God-given right to life of all human beings, a right recognized in our Declaration of Independence. Notwithstanding these divisions, our citizens have long agreed that no one should be coerced into participating in abortion or paying for an abortion. Pro-life Americans have deeply held convictions that abortion destroys a human life. They have watched sonograms of babies in utero, and they have seen the tragic aftermath. They do not want to be involved in this procedure in any way. Yet, from a New York nurse, who was forced against her conscience to take part in aborting a 22-week-old baby, to Catholic institutions in California being forced to pay for insurance plans that cover abortion, people of conscience are threatened. This is wrong. Martin Luther King, Jr., a faith leader--he was a Reverend--was a powerful advocate for conscience rights. Dr. King put it simply: ``Conscience asks the question, is it right?'' The Conscience Protection Act is in the long tradition of our Nation's respect for religious freedom and the protection of people of conscience. I urge support for this legislation. Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
