[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 114 (Friday, September 22, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




NOTICE OF INTENTION TO OFFER MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES ON H.R. 4577, 
  DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, AND EDUCATION, AND 
               RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2001

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                               speech of

                            HON. BRIAN BAIRD

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 19, 2000

  Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, school-based health centers provide a 
valuable service for the youth of America. Students across this country 
rely on their parents for critical advice, judgement and emotional 
support. However, for the small percentage of children who are not 
fortunate enough to have an involved parent, school-based health 
centers become vital for the welfare of those kids and the community 
they serve.
  We have to admit to ourselves that some parents do not live up to 
their responsibility. Far too many children today are the product of 
neglect, bad parenting, and broken homes. Therefore, many local 
communities have decided to play a positive role in the lives of these 
students by offering them an opportunity to seek help from school-based 
health centers.
  Mr. Coburn's motion prohibits any federal funding for emergency 
contraception provided to elementary and secondary school-based health 
clinics. Contrary to our shared national goal of reducing unintended 
pregnancies, this motion tries to confuse abortion with preventative 
contraception. Emergency contraception can be used after having 
unprotected sex or if a method of birth control fails and a woman does 
not want to become pregnant. This procedure, which has been deemed safe 
and effective by the Food and Drug Administration, prevents pregnancy. 
It does not abort pregnancy.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to note one thing for the record. I do not 
advocate the federal government funding these programs at the 
elementary school level. But because this motion overreaches and 
includes secondary schools as well, I can not support the Coburn 
amendment in its current form.
  Local school-based health centers were established by community 
representatives, parents, youth and family organizations to address the 
needs within their community. These centers provide a confidential, 
safe place for teens to receive health-care services and related 
counseling. Although pregnancy is a serious mater which should be dealt 
with in a family environment, I feel school-based health clinics offer 
a necessary option to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

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