[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 63 (Thursday, April 19, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PARTIAL BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, yesterday's decision by the Supreme 
Court to uphold the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act threatens a woman's 
right to make her own choices about abortion and consequently choices 
pertaining to her own body. By upholding the first ever federal 
abortion ban the Supreme Court has brought us dangerously close to 
allowing politicians to make decisions regarding the control a woman is 
allowed over her own body.
  The Court has, for the first time since its original ruling in 1973 
establishing a woman's right to an abortion, showed no consideration 
for the health and safety of a woman. The decision is contrary to that 
of six other federal courts throughout the country. This decision 
disallows exceptions to be made in instances where a woman's health is 
at risk. In circumstances where the banned procedure is the safest for 
the health of the female patient, doctors will be powerless, except 
under threat of a two year criminal penalty, to do the right thing for 
their patient. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 
representing ninety percent of these medical officials, agrees that the 
ban causes interference in medical decision making and is detrimental 
to women's health.
  The Court's decision forces us to look at where our society really is 
in respect to the rights and equality of women. How can we, in good 
conscience, tell the young women of today that they are equal and able 
to accomplish their dreams if at the same time society is seeking to 
control their actions and make decisions with regard to their own 
bodies? I empathize with the frustration that women around the country 
are feeling today; I realize the greater restrictive implications 
implied by the Court's ruling.
  I imagine that a woman's decision to have an abortion, under any 
circumstances, must be one of the most difficult she will make in her 
life. It is a very private, very personal decision that is to be made 
by her and may include the support of family, friends and medical 
professionals. It is not a decision that is made lightly or without 
consequence. Today's decision has perilously hindered a woman's privacy 
and safety by allowing politics to interfere in medical decisions.
  We must end the divisiveness that surrounds the issue of abortion so 
that we may begin the long overdue healing process. We must work to 
limit the need for abortions while at the same time ensuring safety. 
Access to prenatal and postnatal care through expanded Medicare 
coverage will be an important component as well as a living wage. I 
will maintain my support for social programs, and maternal and child 
nutrition programs to strengthen vulnerable families. I will continue 
to stand behind programs that teach sex education, domestic family 
planning and promote the use of contraception.

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