On the recordOctober 13, 2011
I thank the chairman. I won't take the full minute. I just simply wanted to respond to what we just heard here on the floor of the House. H.R. 358 does not change current law or any standard related to section 1867 of the Social Security Act, commonly referred to as EMTALA. The section states that a hospital must provide such treatment to stabilize the medical condition. Paragraph (e) of section 1867 defines an emergency medical condition as a medical condition of sufficient severity such that the absence of immediate medical attention could be reasonably expected to place the life and health of a pregnant woman or her unborn child in serious jeopardy. EMTALA currently recognizes both lives. Therefore, the Protect Life Act provides conscience protection that is consistent with the emergency treatment requirements of current law under EMTALA.
