[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 52 (Wednesday, March 22, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
THE PAST AND FUTURE OF WOMEN'S HISTORY
(Ms. CLARKE of New York asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. CLARKE of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today at a moment when,
tragically, women's rights in the United States have been greatly
diminished since last year's Women's History Month was commemorated.
While we will continue our month-long celebration in observance of
women's history, it is just as important for us to focus on the future
that women will face as it is for us to reflect on the achievements of
the past.
Access to abortion is no longer a constitutional right. Full stop.
Access to lifesaving abortion medication, even in States where
abortion is legally protected is under threat.
Teenage girls and young women are facing unprecedented rates of
trauma, violence, suicide, and maternal mortality.
We still have not achieved equal work for equal pay. Yet, we continue
our celebration this month all the same. That is in part what makes
this month so special.
From Harriet Tubman liberating the enslaved to Vice President Harris
inspiring women and girls across the Nation that they too can dream
with ambition, lead with conviction, and see themselves in a way that
others may not, we are making progress and our work is not yet
finished.
In closing, Happy Women's History Month.
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