Conference Report on H.R. 4818, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005

CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4818, CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2005 -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 24, 2004)

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protest the inclusion of the federal refusal clause in the FY2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill. As a strong supporter of a woman's constitutionally guaranteed right to choose, I fear that this provision chips away at this right and will place women's health in jeopardy.

A woman's right to exercise control over her own body and to make her own health care decisions is vitally important. This right, as guaranteed by the United States Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade, has been the target of systematic attacks in recent years. This most recent attack-the federal refusal clause-is particularly egregious due to its radical change of current law.

The federal refusal clause allows a broad range of health care entities to refuse to comply with existing federal, state, and local laws and regulations pertaining to abortion services. The bill severely limits patients' rights and access to services and information, thereby impeding their ability to make informed decisions about their health care options.

This drastic departure from current law will have devastating effects on countless women. This clause would change existing law to say that federal, state, and local governments may not require a health care entity to perform, provide coverage of, pay for, or even refer for abortions. Further, the clause was drafted so as to encompass the broadest possible range of health care entities, including insurance companies, hospitals, HMOs, and many others.

This clause will be far-reaching. It will override federal Title X guidelines ensuring women receive full information. It will strip states of their ability to set the parameters of their own Medicaid programs. It will block states' attempts to improve women's access to full reproductive health services.

But most disturbing, the end result of this clause will be that women will be prevented from obtaining the reproductive health information and care they need and deserve.

This radical change is unacceptable and I hope that my colleagues will join me in working to repeal this dangerous provision.