[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 57 (Wednesday, May 11, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 11, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
CONFERENCE REPORT ON S. 636, FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO CLINIC ENTRANCES ACT 
                                OF 1994

                                 ______


                               speech of

                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                          Thursday May 5, 1994

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Freedom of Access to Clinics conference report, S. 636. Passage of this 
legislation will be a significant victory in the long and hard fight 
for a women's right to choose. During the past decade we have seen 
unprecedented acts of violence on health clinics, on providers and on 
women seeking services. Health clinics around the country have reported 
acts of terrorism, including bombings, arson, harassment, stalking, and 
death threats on employees. With the killing of Dr. David Gunn in 
Pensacola, FL we see that campaign--fueled by its own apocalyptic 
rhetoric--escalated to murder. This intimidation must be stopped. We 
must give law enforcement authorities the legal mandate they need to 
protect access to clinics and ensure that women are not deprived of 
their right to obtain reproductive services.
  S. 636 does not infringe upon the rights of citizens to engage in 
peaceful protest. As we have repeatedly stated in numerous debates on 
this issue, protection of the first amendment right of free speech is 
an important element of the bill. The bill permits a variety of 
peaceful protests, such as praying or carrying signs. As my colleagues 
are well aware, I am an outspoken and passionate advocate of free 
speech. Yet we cannot condone this nationwide campaign of terror and 
violence as an extension of free speech.
  Failure to approve the conference report will be a victory for the 
antichoice fanatics and will reduce Roe versus Wade to a meaningless 
scrap of paper. Clearly it is time for the Federal Government to 
protect women's freedom of choice. I strongly urge my colleagues to 
support the conference report and take a real step toward protecting 
American women.

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