[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 29, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H4995]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FEDERAL ADOPTION SERVICES ACT OF 1999

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I will soon be introducing an important 
pro-child bill, the Federal Adoption Service Act of 1999. This bill is 
offered as a companion bill in the House to the bill offered in the 
Senate by Senator Jesse Helms, S. 42.
  The Federal Adoption Service Act of 1999 corrects a serious omission 
from Title X services, adoption. Adoption has been called the ``loving 
option.'' It offers mothers who are using Title X services the choice 
of life.
  No woman, Mr. Speaker, should be given only partial choices by a 
clinic, especially a federally funded clinic. Every woman in America 
should know about the option of adoption. Let me repeat. Every woman in 
America should know about the option of adoption.
  Planned Parenthood clinics have been confronted time and time again 
on this floor because they seem to be promoting an abortion and 
contraceptive agenda. The very fact that this federally funded program 
does not offer adoption as a choice proves the contentiousness of this 
program, and that is why we need this bill.
  Women today are increasingly pro-life. A recent survey found that 53 
percent of the females that responded thought abortion should be 
allowed only in cases of rape, incest, and to save the life of the 
mother. This figure is up from 45 percent in 1996. We must offer these 
women the option of sharing life.
  My bill would amend Title X of the Public Health Service Act to 
permit federally funded planning services to provide adoption services 
based on the needs of the community and the ability of a clinic to 
offer these services.
  Adoption is a wonderful solution for many loving parents unable to 
have children and for many expectant mothers who feel incapable of 
providing for their child. The Federal Government should be 
instrumental in helping make this option available for all mothers.
  Congress has repeatedly shown itself to be supportive of adoption. 
With tax credits and Adoption Opportunity grants, we have taken the 
stance that adoption is a wonderful option and one that should be made 
easier for all.
  Mr. Speaker, it is unimaginable that there has never been a specific 
adoption provision for federally funded family planning clinics. 
Congress has taken an active role in encouraging the adoption of foster 
children, yet it overlooked the needy Title X clinics.
  Recently, my home State of Florida took a bold step by creating a 
``Choose Life'' license plate. This plate's proceeds will go to not-
for-profit agencies supporting adoption. I am proud that the 
organization that promoted this plate and gathered the needed petition 
signatures is based in my home State in Ocala, Florida. I applaud the 
``Choose Life'' organization for their hard work and dedication. Thanks 
to their efforts, adoption agencies in Florida will benefit.
  My bill will not force a mother to give up her child. Nor will this 
bill force family planning clinics to provide adoption services. 
Rather, it will state that Federal policy is to allow and encourage 
adoption as a choice for family planning.
  The Federal Adoption Service Act of 1999 is a rational solution 
offering women another option. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
cosponsoring this sensible proposal.

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