[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 8, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                           Women's Healthcare

  Madam President, finally, on women's healthcare, later today, a group 
of Democratic Senators will come to the floor to highlight what has 
been a campaign--a campaign--by Republicans to strip women of the right 
to make their own healthcare decisions.
  At the Federal level, the latest salvo in their offensive is the 
title X gag rule, which would hurt low-income individuals' access to 
reproductive health. In my view, this is a disgusting attempt to 
restrict women's freedom. The effects of the policy are real and 
threaten the lives of women across America.
  Take Natarsha, one of my constituents in New York. She was 33 years 
old when she found two lumps in her left breast. She went to see the 
gynecologist at Planned Parenthood. Natarsha was diagnosed with breast 
cancer and underwent treatment. Now, praise God, more than 5 years 
later, her cancer is in complete remission. If not for the exams and 
other prevention offered by Planned Parenthood clinics across the 
country, Natarsha and other women like her might never have received 
lifesaving diagnoses, but Republicans, time and again, have pushed to 
defund Planned Parenthood and threatened access to the essential care 
it provides.
  Republican-led State legislatures across the country, emboldened by 
President Trump, have continued their attack on the reproductive rights 
of women. Just last month, both South Carolina and Ohio passed bills 
banning abortion after only 6 weeks of pregnancy, when many women may 
not even know they are pregnant. Just yesterday, Georgia's Governor 
signed his State's version of that bill into law.
  Since taking office, President Trump and his Republican colleagues 
have prioritized--prioritized--restricting women's reproductive 
freedoms. They believe they know better, and they impose their views on 
American women. That is just wrong.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cramer). The Senator from Ohio.
  Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent for 3 minutes to 
address the Senate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there objection?
  Without objection, it is so ordered.