WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA). House Democrats offered WHPA during Rules debate in response to House Republicans’ inclusion of anti-abortion legislation in the House Rules package. Below is the transcript as delivered:

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for yielding.

“When Roe v. Wade was overturned, the impact on Americans was swift and devastating.

“Women were denied health care. Doctors were threatened with criminal charges. Hospitals were forced to put their liability over patients’ lives.

“And as the GOP doubled down on its plan for a national abortion ban, the American people saw it for what it was: anti-women, anti-choice, anti-family, and anti-freedom.

“Kansas, California, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Vermont – voters across the country rejected this extremism. And with this anti-freedom agenda exposed, some of my Republican colleagues started to scrub their websites, roll back their rhetoric, and dodge questions on abortion.

“But here we are again in this Rules package. Within days of taking over the House majority, Republicans are pushing legislation to limit women's rights. So, let’s see where you truly stand.

“Today, House Democrats offer the Women's Health Protection Act to make abortion access a federal right, no matter your zip code or your income.

“Do my colleagues across the aisle believe that families, in consultation with their doctors, with their faith, with their life circumstances, should decide when to have children? Or do my colleagues think that is a decision for Republican politicians?

“Vote to make Roe v. Wade the law of the land. Vote for freedom. I yield back.” 

Full remarks are available to watch HERE.