[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 29, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1595]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORT OF A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 29, 2013

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of the recent determination by a federal judge that new Texas 
abortion restrictions directly violate the U.S. Constitution. When 
Governor Rick Perry signed into law Texas H.B. 2, a smattering of new 
limitations on access to abortion, he threatened to take away a woman's 
right to choose.
  The Texas law would ban abortions 20 weeks after fertilization, 
mandate that abortion providers have admitting privileges at a hospital 
within 30 miles of the facility, and requires doctors to administer the 
abortion-inducing medication in person rather than at home. These 
provisions would cause dozens of abortion clinics to shutter their 
doors, restricting access to women.
  District Judge Lee Yeakel struck down the regulation that would 
require doctors to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, a 
notion that creates an undue obstacle for women seeking an abortion. 
Yeakel also blocked the provision that would require physicians to 
follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration procedure for abortion 
medication because a physician can ultimately determine what route of 
medication is best for the preservation of the life or health of the 
mother.
  Unfortunately, the law still bans abortions at 20 weeks of pregnancy 
and requires all physicians to perform abortions in surgical 
facilities. Restricting care for women is unconscionable. Currently, a 
woman's access to abortion depends mostly on her zip code. While the 
U.S. Constitution federally protects women, states with anti-abortion 
leaders impose restrictive laws. These state laws cannot stand up to 
the U.S. Constitution.
  I urge my colleagues to support a woman's right to choose, a law that 
was established in 1973 with the decision made in Roe v. Wade. I am 
proud to stand as a pro-choice legislator and vow to protect fair 
access to abortions in my state.

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