[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 154 (Friday, October 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1869-E1870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            PROTECT LIFE ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I voted against the badly flawed 
H.R. 358, a Republican bill brought to the floor today that will have a 
profoundly negative impact on a woman's ability to make personal 
healthcare decisions. I am deeply troubled by any congressional action 
that restricts a woman's right to choose. I oppose this legislation and 
reiterate my support for a women's right to make her own decision about 
her healthcare decisions and obtain access to emergency care.
  Instead of advancing policies to put Americans back to work, 
Republicans instead have decided to debate legislation restricting the 
health care choices available to women and their families. If enacted, 
H.R. 358 would limit the choices individuals and families have 
regarding their health insurance coverage, even forcing individuals to 
drop coverage they have already selected. It gives hospital workers the 
right to refuse treatment to women in need, even in the case of rape, 
incest or life-threatening complications. To force insurance companies 
and healthcare providers to deny a woman access to a legal procedure 
would be a very disturbing step backwards.
  Already federal law prohibits federal funds from being used for 
abortions, except in cases of rape or incest, or when the life of the 
woman would be endangered. This legislation further restricts the 
ability of individuals and families to make personal decisions about 
their health care.
  At a time when my colleagues are saying that they want to make 
government smaller, it is hypocritical and dangerous to pretend that a 
small government gets to make personal health care decisions for women 
and families. There is no room for government involvement in the 
personal and difficult decisions around women's reproductive choices. I 
strongly oppose this legislation.

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