PARTIAL-BIRTH ABORTION BAN ACT OF 2000 -- (Extensions of Remarks - April
06, 2000)
[Page: E515]
---
SPEECH OF
HON. EARL BLUMENAUER
OF OREGON
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, April 5, 2000
- Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today, I will vote against HR 3660. For the
third time in five years, the House of Representatives is considering a bill
to ban so-called ``partial birth'' abortions. For the third time since I came
to Congress we will be voting on a bill that is almost certainly
unconstitutional and will be vetoed by the President.
- The advocates of the bill suggest that this version has been changed to
address some of the constitutional concerns. This bill does recognize that the
lives of mothers have a claim to protection, but it remains silent when there
is a threat to a woman's health.
- During the previous consideration of this type of legislation, Congress
and the President heard from many women for whom this type of legislation
would have dire consequences. These women and their families were all
confronted with tragic situations and, with the qualified medical direction of
their doctors, made the incredibly personal and difficult decision to
terminate their pregnancy. Congress has no place in that decision. This
legislation would have a catastrophic effect on the lives of families like
these.
- HR 3660 is more about politics than good policy. If the Congress were
serious about preventing abortion, it would not be fighting efforts to make
family planning more widely available. If it were serious about protecting
children, it would do much more to ensure available child care and quality
schools.
- Proponents of this bill show gruesome pictures of objectionable procedures
and ignore the pictures of the many real families who have had to make
difficult decisions in the face of tragic circumstances. We cannot continue to
ignore those pictures and the wrenching reality they represent.
- My position on this most sensitive of personal decisions is very simple:
Congress should not interfere. I will oppose this legislation.
END