[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                H.R. 4365: CHILDREN'S HEALTH ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SUE WILKINS MYRICK

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 5, 2000

  Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, a woman who becomes pregnant in less than 
ideal circumstances has a difficult road ahead no matter what action 
she takes. She faces serious questions about what will happen to her 
future: Will the father help? How will I afford the costs? What will my 
family think and will they support my decision? How am I going to get 
through this? It is an incredibly scary time and the ultimate question 
is whether her life will ever be the same.
  My biggest concern for a woman in this situation is that she may see 
abortion as the easiest solution--when there is no easy choice. Too 
often, I hear stories about women who are frantic for a solution and 
rush to an abortion clinic without learning about the long-term 
emotional and physical consequences. As a mother and a grandmother, I 
can tell you that pregnancy changes a woman's life forever--even if the 
pregnancy is not carried to term.
  The law states that women have the right to choose between carrying 
the baby and aborting it. Before she makes the decision, I pray that 
she is given the information and the support to truly be able to choose 
what is best for her and the tiny baby.
  This bill strengthens a woman's choices in two ways. First, it 
increases access to information about adoption in the health clinics 
where it is needed most. Women facing unplanned pregnancies deserve to 
hear about their options from a well-trained counselor who can provide 
accurate, up-to-date information and refer them to a reputable 
placement agency.
  This bill also authorizes a new grant program for research and 
additional services (such as mobile health clinics to provide 
comprehensive health services, including ultrasound screenings), to 
enhance access to health care for pregnant women and infants, including 
grants to increase access to prenatal care, ultrasound services, and 
prenatal surgery.
  Prenatal surgery is now a very realistic option. Look at this picture 
that was taken by Max Aguilera-Hellwag--this baby underwent prenatal 
surgery to correct spina bifida. Sarah Marie Switzer was born on August 
22, 1999.
  Mr. Speaker, there are many exciting programs contained in this bill, 
and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 4365.

                          ____________________