Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene gave the following remarks today on the floor of the House of Representatives to voice her opposition to HR 7, which would make sweeping restrictions on women’s health options across the country. The full text of DelBene’s speech, as prepared for delivery, is below:

“I rise to urge my colleagues to oppose this sweeping anti-choice bill, which would deny premium tax credits to income-eligible women and families if the insurance they obtain under the Affordable Care Act covers abortion-- except in the limited cases of rape, incest, and a woman's life is in danger.    

“What experts in the healthcare industry predict, and as one of the witnesses at this month’s judiciary hearing testified, is that the burdensome regulatory requirements contained in this bill would have a chilling effect, and lead to insurers dropping abortion coverage from their plans.  

“While this bill provides a narrow exception if a women’s life is in danger, unfortunately, it would not allow any exceptions to protect a woman’s health, even in circumstances where she needs an abortion to prevent severe, permanent damage to her health.

“Each patient is different, and legislators simply cannot know the circumstances of every pregnancy. They should not interfere in personal, private medical decisions that should be made between a woman, her family, and her doctor. 

“I urge my colleagues to oppose H.R. 7 and I yield back.”

Video of Rep. DelBene’s speech can be viewed HERE.