Political Quotes

“I rise in complete opposition to the Smith amendment. This amendment guts, it guts the prevention section of our fistula prevention efforts and is a direct assault on birth control and comprehensive family planning. Comprehensive family planning includes any measure that saves a woman's life, especially in the event of prolonged, life-threatening labor which occurs in the case of obstetric fistula. We are all fighting to prevent and treat obstetric fistula, a condition that tears apart the lives of young women whose bodies are not fully developed and obstructed prolonged labor occurs. But I am very disappointed that the bipartisan compromise that was brokered in committee in preventing obstetric fistula and providing medical treatment for its survivors is now being dismantled. We have to be realistic, and we must put our politics aside and put women and their babies first. Making birth control more available and accessible is one of the most effective ways to give women the ability to prevent high- risk pregnancies and to reduce the incidence of fistula. The Smith amendment is a direct assault on birth control and comprehensive family planning. The Smith amendment is unacceptable, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment.”