Correcting the Enrollment of H.R. 1473

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans have made their extreme agenda abundantly clear--undermine women's access to reproductive health care and attack the local women's health providers they rely on to provide cancer screenings, routine gynecological examinations, contraceptive services, immunizations, and testing and treatment for sexually-transmitted infections.

One in five American women has received care from a Planned Parenthood health center at some point in her life, making it one of the largest women's health care providers in the country. Planned Parenthood clinics serve over 3 million Americans every year and plays a critical role in our Nation's health care system. The Republican budget would deny them any funding.

Bonnie S. from Evanston, IL, wrote:

``I found myself without health care in my early twenties even though I was still working. I was in a committed, long-term relationship and needed birth control and a yearly pap smear. Planned Parenthood was my main healthcare provider for nearly ten years.''

``I have only had one sexual partner in my life. I have never had an abortion. Without Planned Parenthood, I would not have been able to afford birth control and a yearly pap smear, things that no woman should have to go without. I'm sure there are many women out there with a story like mine. Stopping funding for Planned Parenthood would be a horrible thing.''

Lesley W. from Evanston, IL, wrote:

``I was shocked and horrified to learn that Congress has voted to defund Planned Parenthood. As an 18 year old college freshman, Planned Parenthood was the difference for me between getting reliable, high quality birth control and gynecological care, and leaving my reproductive health to chance. Now at age 49, married and a mother, I credit Planned Parenthood with giving me the tools for a healthy and responsible sex life. I never had an unplanned pregnancy. I never got an STD. When AIDS came around, I knew how to protect myself and my partners. Planned Parenthood may well have saved my life, as it has saved the lives of thousands of women (and men) over the years. To not fund it is not only cruel and unethical, it is remarkably short sighted. How many more unplanned pregnancies, abortions, and STDs will we now see? How many young women will avoid prenatal care because they are afraid of a gynecologist's office? How many will avoid screenings for cervical cancer?''

``Planned Parenthood was there when I needed it, and I want it to be there for my daughter and the next generation of young women. It plays a crucial role in our national healthcare, and must be funded.''

Poll after poll has shown that Americans support the work of Planned Parenthood centers because investing in commonsense, proven, effective prevention and primary health care is smart health policy.

Republicans need to stop attacking Planned Parenthood and they need to end their war on women's health.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source