Political Quotes

“The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that the bill falls far short of any standard Federal health legislation policy, and insisted that ``it would serve only to scare providers away from providing comprehensive, compassionate care to women, and leave women without the care they need.'' Moreover, the group maintains this bill would prevent OB/GYNs from participating in the Medicaid program. The reality is over 90 percent of the services of Planned Parenthood and similar organizations are preventative in nature, including cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted infections, and family planning services. Medicaid beneficiaries already have limited access to doctors, and this bill will only restrict access for the poorest individuals in our society. I said last night in the Rules Committee that wealthy women in our society don't have the problem of seeing the doctor of their choice. Under this particular measure, poor women will be further restricted from having the access to a physician of their choice as a Medicaid provider. Knowing this, the title of the bill, the Women's Public Health and Safety Act, is as ironic as it is patronizing. H.R. 3495 will punish the most vulnerable Americans and will prevent women from accessing the care that keeps them safe and healthy. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”