[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 193 (Thursday, November 12, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1013]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                          PERSONAL EXPLANATION

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                         HON. ANTHONY G. BROWN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 12, 2020

  Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Madam Speaker, on October 2, 2020, I was 
absent from the House of Representatives. Had I been present, I would 
have voted ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 217, on Agreeing to the Resolution 
Condemning unwanted, unnecessary medical procedures on individuals 
without their full, informed consent.
  This resolution, which I am an original cosponsor of, rightfully 
condemns medical practices at the Irwin County Detention Center (ICDC), 
in Ocilla, Georgia, which may have resulted in unwanted and unnecessary 
surgeries that, in some cases, are reported to have resulted in life 
altering injuries to the reproductive health of immigrant women held at 
that facility. Reproductive health is an essential component of women's 
health and the rights of women to control medical decisions about their 
bodies is invaluable. This resolution states in no unwavering terms 
that any decisions made regarding the health of immigrants held in ICE 
custody must include informed consent. These are violations of 
individuals' human rights and must be investigated fully.

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