[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 10, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1185-E1186]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT OF 2003

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 4, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, this is the sixth time this 
legislation has been sent to the House, I opposed it the past five 
times, and I still oppose it today. This bill is an attempt to strike, 
yet again, at the foundations of a woman's right to choose with the aid 
of family, clergy, counselors, and physicians. I am an avid supporter 
of choice without reservation. Medical decisions are personal and 
should be made in private without the interference of the government.
  I oppose this proposed interference of the government in doctor's 
offices not only because I support choice, but because it endangers 
women's health and safety. Medical technology has advanced, and safe 
abortion procedures are available for women. If passed, this 
legislation will force doctors to perform procedures deemed dangerous 
and outdated as of 1975. These procedures might be necessary to save 
women whose lives are threatened by their pregnancies. The proposed ban 
does not provide for life-saving exceptions, and will be overturned by 
the Supreme Court.
  This ban is also unconstitutional because it is in blatant violation 
of Roe v. Wade. Might I remind the House, this landmark decision leaves 
the regulation of post vitality or late term abortions to the States, 
not the Federal Government. While the judiciary system is violated by 
this legislation, so is the healthcare

[[Page E1186]]

field. ``Partial-birth'' is not a medical term, instead it is a vague 
political term designed to inflame this debate, and outlaw abortions 
throughout pregnancy.
  During the hearings for this legislation in March, Dr. Anne R. Davis 
testified 90 percent of abortions are conducted during the first 
trimester. I refuse to believe this legislation proposed six times in 
the past eight years is to ban only 10 percent of abortions. I stand 
with over 17 organizations of dedicated and respected medical 
professionals, three state referendums, and a Nebraska Supreme Court, 
all of whom oppose this unconstitutional and dangerous legislation that 
must not be passed.

                          ____________________