[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[House]
[Page H226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   JOIN CONGRESSIONAL LIFE FORUM WEDNESDAY TO HEAR DR. JOSEPH BRUNER

  (Mr. PITTS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I direct the Members' attention to this 
photograph of the little hand of Samuel Armas and the larger hand of 
his surgeon, Dr. Joseph Bruner.
  Samuel Armas was still unborn when this was taken. He suffered from 
spina bifida, a disabling illness that affects one or two of every 
thousand babies.
  Look at Samuel as Dr. Bruner finishes this prenatal operation 
procedure that will help Samuel after he is born. While still in the 
womb, before the doctor sews up his mother's womb, he sticks out his 
arm and his little hand grasps the finger of the surgeon, Dr. Bruner.
  When this picture was taken, Samuel was 21 weeks old. What an example 
of the humanity of the little unborn child, as if he is saying thank 
you, I am okay.
  Samuel was born on December 2, a healthy little baby boy. Thanks to 
Dr. Bruner, he has a chance to live a full and productive life. Mr. 
Speaker, life is precious.
  The man who showed us this picture a couple of years ago, Dr. Bernard 
Nathanson, is coming back tomorrow at noon to speak to the 
Congressional Life Forum and Cannon Caucus. Everyone is welcome to 
attend.

                          ____________________