[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 80 (Thursday, May 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E922-E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PRENATAL NONDISCRIMINATION ACT (PRENDA) OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 30, 2012

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 
3541, which should be called the Straw Man Act of 2012.
  Our first priorities in the House of Representatives must be helping 
to foster job creation and supporting middle class families.
  Instead, the Republicans once again have chosen to continue their 
radical assault on women's health care in the guise of preventing 
gender discrimination in abortion.
  I am concerned about gender discrimination. That is why I support 
legislation that will address gender bias like the Paycheck Fairness 
Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and the health reform law that 
will give women access to preventive health care.
  Unlike those bills, H.R. 3541 does nothing to address sex 
discrimination or gender bias in society, but instead would punish 
health care providers for performing a legal medical procedure.
  Offensively, this bill would create a right for a woman's husband or 
family member to sue to stop her from obtaining abortion care, which is 
a constitutionally protected right.

[[Page E923]]

  Besides being misguided and offensive, H.R. 3541 is dangerous. This 
bill would give the federal government the right to inspect people's 
medical records and interfere with a private doctor-patient 
relationship.
  I oppose this anti-choice and anti-woman bill.
  I urge my colleagues to vote no on this offensive, misguided and 
dangerous piece of legislation and would encourage them to support 
authentic pieces of legislation that address gender discrimination.

                          ____________________