[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1396-E1397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PAIN-CAPABLE UNBORN CHILD PROTECTION ACT

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                               speech of

                         HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 31, 2012

  Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to applaud, yes 
applaud, my Republican colleagues, who voted this week with the 
Democrats to reject the anti-choice legislation H.R. 3803 D.C., the 20 
Week Abortion Ban Bill. This bill was rejected by a vote of 220 to 154.
  Had it passed, H.R. 3803 would have contained no exception for rape 
or incest, for medically futile pregnancies, or for the health of the 
woman--forcing pregnant women facing medical complications to wait 
until their conditions become life-threatening before termination of 
the pregnancy becomes an option. Additionally, under this piece of 
legislation, doctors could face two years in prison and fines of up to 
$250,000 for performing abortions and could be sued by their patients 
or their patients' families.
  This bill would have not only harmed women, but also is 
unconstitutional since this legislation absolutely goes against current 
law as established in 1973 by Roe v. Wade. Herein lies the irony of the 
bill, Republicans, especially those who are members of the Tea Party, 
constantly espouse their support and respect for the law, yet they 
conveniently forget the fact that Roe v. Wade is the law of the land. 
Trying to circumvent that law, which this bill attempted to do, is in 
fact unconstitutional.
  My colleague Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who is the only duly 
elected representative for Washington, D.C. in Congress, was even 
denied an opportunity to testify during a hearing on this bill. Even 
the Republicans know that this bill is a travesty of justice!
  No matter what a person believes about abortion, everyone can agree 
that we should reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and the need 
for abortions. Abortion should be a last option, not a form of birth 
control. In order to reduce the demand for abortion, we must provide 
our children with comprehensive sex education and access to safe and 
affordable health care and birth control.
  Since the Republicans want to deny women their right to choose, why 
not do something so

[[Page E1397]]

that most women will not have to be put in a situation where they have 
to choose. So, I ask my Republican colleagues to join me in supporting 
the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, which will provide the 
needed access to affordable health care and contraceptives and in doing 
so, not put women in the position where they have to consider abortion.

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