[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 31, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H11463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION ACT NOT GOOD LEGISLATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi] is recognized for 3 minutes.
  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise in strong opposition to 
H.R. 1833. As a mother of five wonderful children who supports a 
woman's right to choose, I respect the opposition that our colleagues 
have to that right to choose. Indeed, we have had some very heated 
debates on that subject on this floor. But today we are breaking new 
ground, and it is, I think, most unfortunate for America's women and 
America's families that we have a bill, before us, the so-called 
partial birth abortion act.
  Mr. Speaker, I strenuously object to the procedures of this House 
that would allow a bill with that name and that misrepresentation to 
come to the floor. The makers of that motion know that all abortions 
taking place in the third trimester are for reasons of serious fetal 
abnormality or risk to the life or health of the mother.
  Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, though medical science has developed 
sophisticated testing to determine potential medical problems in the 
pregnancy, often these tests are not fully accurate until later in the 
pregnancy. Some women may undergo several ultrasounds and other tests 
and be told that all is well, only to have a devastating anomaly 
detected at the 28th week of pregnancy or beyond. Other women may be 
diagnosed with cancer or kidney failure late in pregnancy or have a 
previous condition such as brittle diabetes suddenly flare-up so 
seriously that their own health and even their lives are threatened. 
These women are faced with the painful and deeply personal choice of 
ending a wanted pregnancy.
  The intact DNE abortion procedure which H.R. 1833 seeks to outlaw is 
for many women in these circumstances the safest medical option 
available. It saves the life and protects the health and safety of the 
mother. This is also used when the fetus cannot sustain life. It also 
enables the mother to go on more safely to have other children, which 
outlawing this procedure might prevent her from doing.
  The bill also does not take into account the indescribable agony 
faced by women and families eagerly awaiting a wanted child upon 
discovering late in pregnancy that their dreams are shattered. Under 
this bill, women could be forced to continue their pregnancy, even if 
it is certain, certain, Mr. Speaker, that the fetus will not survive 
birth. This is cruel, inhumane, and medically inappropriate. The bill 
is bad medicine and bad policy.
  I know that this is a painful and personal matter for the people 
affected by it. It should not be a decision by this Congress. It should 
be a decision by a woman, her family, her doctor, and her God, and I 
urge our colleagues to oppose this legislation and leave the decision 
with the family.

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