[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PRENATAL NONDISCRIMINATION ACT (PRENDA) OF 2012

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                               speech of

                         HON. STEVEN R. ROTHMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition 
to H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA) of 2012. 
Contrary to its misleading title, H.R. 3541 would do nothing to prevent 
sex discrimination, but instead, would be a huge step backwards for 
gender equality, by enacting dangerous restrictions on women's 
reproductive rights. This legislation would place harsh criminal 
penalties on doctors, asking them to read minds, profile women, violate 
doctor-patient confidentiality, and make them fearful of providing 
legal health care. It is a reckless attempt to restrict women's health 
care rights simply to score political points, and yet another 
reprehensible example of politicians practicing medicine without a 
license. American women can and should be trusted to make morally and 
intellectually sound decisions about their own health.

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