[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2494-2495]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

  (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the start of Women's 
History Month, which starts tomorrow. This month gives us all the 
opportunity to recognize the important and glass ceiling-shattering 
work women across our country and around the world have done and 
continue to do. Despite the tremendous progress that has been made over 
the past century towards gender equality, more still needs to be done.
  Over the last 14 months, we've seen the rights of women come under 
attack again and again in this body. Though I firmly believe in 
encouraging healthy debate, the attacks that we have seen are an 
affront to the rights and health of women around this country. That's 
why I was so heartened by the recent compromise on contraceptive care.

[[Page 2495]]

While I have deep respect for the religious and moral beliefs of all 
Americans, I am pleased with this compromise because these guidelines 
increase access to contraceptive services for women while respecting 
religious liberty. It protects the beliefs and health of all American 
women and families.
  In the spirit of Women's History Month, I ask that we put an end to 
this partisan bickering and focus on achieving better women's health.

                          ____________________