Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my constituents who called, faxed, emailed me in strong opposition to the Stupak-Pitts language and its inclusion in health care reform.
The grand myth in this debate is that the Stupak amendment is simply an extension of current law, which prohibits the use of Federal funds for abortions except in the case of rape or incest or to protect the life of a mother. It is not current law. It would be the largest restriction on abortion access since Roe v. Wade--preventing women from using private dollars to purchase coverage for a legal medical service.
A recent George Washington School of Public Health study warns that the Stupak language will reduce access to women who already have it by encouraging insurers to ``drop coverage in all markets.'' That is not the status quo.
The Stupak-Pitts language is unfair, unnecessary, and unwise. The Senate rightly rejected it last night. It cannot be part of health care reform. Women will not be forced back to back alleys.