Women's Health Protection Act of 2022

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Women's Health Protection Act which will provide--in law--the right for people to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions.

The Supreme Court's Dobbs opinion overturning abortion rights is infuriating, it is heartbreaking, and it is dangerous.

For almost 50 years, the intensely personal decision about whether to bear a child or have an abortion was where it belongs--with the person who is pregnant.

I remember the days before Roe v. Wade when abortions done without medical care could, and often did, have tragic consequences.

Colleagues, make no mistake: Overturning Roe will not end abortions.

Make no mistake: Taking away the right to abortion care will disproportionately hurt families and individuals who are already struggling, and disproportionately hurt people in rural areas who will struggle to get the care they need.

My colleagues, if you believe life begins at conception, don't get an abortion. But that is a belief, it is not science, and others do not share it.

I don't think anyone over here would ever force someone with your beliefs to get an abortion, but you are forcing your beliefs on others, and that is wrong.

We need to restore personal freedom and put the decision about whether or when to bear a child back where it belongs.

Today, I will enthusiastically vote for the Women's Health Protection Act.

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