♪♪ pro-choice and pro-life advocates testify on access to abortions and the impact overturning roe v wade would have on that access. the case before the supreme court is the women's health organization, a case that directly challenges roe. the mississippi law bans abortions past the 20th week of pregnancy. this runs about four hours and 40 minutes.

[inaudible conversations] [inaudible] without objection the chair is authorized to declare recess of the committeee at any time. we welcome everyone to this morning's hearings on the ongoing crisis and abortion can access. before we begin i would like to remind members we have established an e-mail address and distributionca list dedicatd to circulating i material other members might want to offer as s part of the hearing today. if youti would like to submit material submitt them to the e-mail address previously distributed and we will circulate the material to the

members and s staff as quickly s we can. i will now recognize myself for an opening statement. two weeks ago in a league of a draft continuance on the supreme court, we learned about for the first time in its history the court may be on the precipice of overturning to take away a constitutional right. in so doing it would revoke the constitutional right to abortion. a fundamental right first recognized almost 50 years ago and roeal v wade and one that millions of americans have relied on for half a century. when i say at the outset i do nott condone such leaks and everyone responsible must be held accountable. but now that we have this information, we cannot ignore the reality and the magnitude of what the court seems poised to do and what congressional republicanss said they will doe once they are in power to enact the ban on abortion nationwide. the decision to become a parent

belongshe to that individual. they may consult with their doctor or loved ones to make that decision and i hope she asks such people to help make that decision, but the decision belongs to her, period. overturning roe v wade would remove the power to decide the fundamental question of whether to carry a pregnancy and instead would give that power to the state. it is both timely and appropriate for the judiciary committee to educate the american people about the devastating impact such a decision would have and to examine the ongoing crisis and abortion care access that already affects people all across thehe nation. before continuing i want to say something to those who are currently considering abortion care. despite these concerns about the forestate of access to abortione for its continuing legality, let me be clear abortion remains legal and your right to get an

abortion continues to be constitutionally protected at least for now. making decisions about when and how to start a family is central to women's lives. the right to decide whether to carry a terminated pregnancy for life, liberty and equality. it is the very essence of what it means to the prerequisite for freedom. again to say simply the decision to become a parent belongs to that individual, period. no court decision is more essential tosa protecting a woman's individual autonomy than roe v wade in 91973 case that recognizes the constitutional rights to abortion. it represented a moment in our nations history recognizing the right of women to make reproductive decisions as a fundamental right guaranteed by the constitution and a pillar of women's equality. in doing so the supreme court continued a series of rulings in

objecting government interference in the most intimate decisions. a the court few decisions are more personal and intimate, properly private or more basic individual dignity and autonomy van a woman's decision whether to end a pregnancy,." in planned parenthood versus casey the supreme court reaffirmed the right to abortion by the essential to the dignity autonomy status as an equal citizen. if americans cannot make decisions about the reproductive health, they cannot make decisions about starting a career, going to school, opening a business and planning their lives. unfortunately, roe and casey remain under constant threat resulting in an ongoing crisis and access to abortion and other vital healthcare services. over the last decade stately decisions have passed hundreds of bills designed to block individuals from accessing

abortion care. under the claim that these protect women's health, thes states have deliberately attempted to put abortion out of reach. this is so in spite of the fact that numerous studies concluded giving birth involves more serious health complications van having an abortion. meanwhile, according to the recently leaked majority opinion in the case of the jackson women's health organization by justice samuel alito emboldened the court appears to revoke the rights of abortion altogether. to be clear this remains just that a draft opinion and we await the actual decision expected to be handed down in the next several weeks. nonetheless, we cannot simply ignore the fact the nation appears to stand at a constitutional turning point. as the supreme court overturns

or curtails roe, the president thatta women have relied on for almost half a century to make decisions about how best to order their lives for generations to come will have fewer rights than those that preceded them. at least 23 states have including 13 that would automatically ban all abortions if roe wereta to fall and at let eight states that13 have bands d would once again become enforceable should it overturned. it would depend entirely upon where. the consequences will be devastating. women who cannot afford to

travel, women of color and women in rural communities will be disproportionately affected by state abortion bands and restrictions. people who work hourly jobs, already have children or or many hours away from a provider facing impossible decisions to offer these obstacles in finding the time, money and a support and access to care they need into the care that is integral to the dignity and fundamental freedoms for their life into their own terms. my colleagues on the other side of the aisle tried to change the subject and alito's draft opinion holds millions of americans will lose a fundamental constitutional right overnight. do not let them get away with it. they will try to many by accusing democrats of bullying the court as if the wealthy conservative justices have a hand on the decision were still in the healthcare providers that risk imprisonment if they seek or perform an abortion after this decision takes effect. they will try to distract from

their ultimate goal. republican voices in the media tried to downplay the consequences of all this by arguing the leak itself is the problem and threatens the integrity of the court. as i said from the start,is the leak is a problem and it's in our best interest to protect institutions f from the mob january 6th of last year and that continues to perpetuate a gross lie about the last election. as undermining democracy, keep in mind the most stunning aspect of the decision justice alito's words and logic to used to undermine the right and by the roadmap of the other fundamental rights including the rights of marriage, contraception and to make decisions about raising her own children. justice alito's assurances to the timesharing in the draft

opinion are cold comfort using the same logic to argue the rights and theree is no reason o believe the same five justices will not engage in a similar law exercising and power to overturn other basic rights should the opportunity arise. ladies and gentlemen, the base safe, legal and accessible abortions continue to be fundamental to individual equality and personal liberty. the decision to become a parent we cannot go backwards. congressal must now stand up wih americans are not of the country who refused to turn back the clock. republican leadership has already told us what they want congress to do. to talk about returning power to the states the senate minority leader mitch mcconnell has already said a national ban on abortion would be underer consideration should roe v under turned and when that happens, living in the blue state will not save you from the attempt to take your decision about

becoming a parent away from you. nationwide means nationwide. thatr without exception means without exception. we cannot let that happen. instead congress must act to ensure every woman regardless f geographic location, income, race or any other factor retains a constitutional right to access abortion. we will fight for the decision at every level of government to protect women's health, to protect access to contraception and protect access to protect abortion rights. women must have the freedom to make decisions about the reproductive health without anyone questioning their intellect, morals or honesty. im stand with the members of te committee and the millions of americans around the country ready to fightec for the reproductive freedoms and thank the witnesses for being here and i look forward to this testimony. i now recognize the ranking member of the judiciary committee, the gentleman from ohio, mr. jordan for his opening

statement. >> thankgn you mr. chairman. it's about intimidation. it started when the democrats lied about justice cavanaugh and treated that individual. two years later in 2020 we saw senator schumer stand on the steps of the supreme court and threatens sitting justices. here's what he said. i want to tell you you released a whirlwind and you will pay the price. you won't knowha what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions. it's about intimidation. thirteen months ago, president biden launched a commission on mithe court to explore packing e court. it's no accident that same month the chair man of this committee the house judiciary committee introduced legislation to pack the supreme court. four weeks ago the committee held a hearing in the

subcommittee laying the groundwork to impeach justice thomas and of course three weeks ago the draft opinion was leaked for the first time it's ever happened. last week this committee, the democrats passed legislation requiring among other things that people who want to submit an amicus brief to the supreme court would be required to disclose all of their donors in anth attempt to kill first amendment protected free speech. the latest attempt to intimidate the court when the hearing was gaveled into order. this hearing is about the very issue in front of the court as we speak. while this is happening the democrats in the house blocked us from considering legislation passed unanimously by the senate to give the supreme court justices more security and they need more security now more than ever. there are protesters outside of

their homes protesting each and every day. protesters showed up at the places of worshipp on mother's day. you know why theyei are trying o bully and intimidate the court? you know why? because the evidence for overturning roe is overturning into the reasoning and the logic and the draft majority opinion isis so strong. here's what is sad. it was on a collision course with of the constitution from the day it was decided and casey perpetuated it and it doesn't consider some corner of the law of little importance to the american people. he further stated we hold that it must be overruled. the constitution makes no reference to abortion and no right is protected by any provision under the opinion states it is time to heed the constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people's elected representatives, to the people's

elected representatives. those representatives of the state of mississippi passed legislation. that was signed by the governor of mississippi also elected by the people of mississippi and what is the legislation adopted by the duly elected representatives of the people oe that state. if an unborn child is 15 weeks were older you can't take their life. you can't do it. t specifically you decide this. except in a medical emergency a person shall not intentionally or knowingly perform an abortion of a human being if the probable gestational age of that human being has been determined to be greater than 15 weeks. and why? why did they pick that timeframe? five weeks a heartbeat begins beating at eight weeks the child begins to move and a ten week's vital organs begin to function and 11 weeks the diaphragm is developing got 12 weeks the child has taken on human form and all relevant respects.

people of mississippi legislature passed the law in question because they understand that life is precious and it should be protected. they understand that life is a gift from our creator. they understand you can't pursue happiness if you don't have liberty and you never have real liberty or true freedom if the government will protect your most fundamental right to live. i hope the draft opinion is the final opinion because it is a window for logic and for the constitution and most importantly for the sanctity of human life. finally, i hope the attempt to intimidate the court and is now. mr. chairman, i would yield back. >> without objection opening statements will be included in the record. i will now introduce today's

witnesses. doctor robinson is a board-certified obstetrician gynecologist who serves on the board of directors of physicians and reproductive health and is a attending physician at the alabama women's wellness center. doctor robinson received her ba from college and md from the morehouse school of medicine. amy, and i hope ial got that pronunciation correct, the executive director of texas who serves on the board of the advisoryhe council of action ana storyteller.sh she received her undergraduate degree from the university of texas and law degree from new york law school. catherine foster is president and ceo of american united for life. previously she spent seven years as litigation counsel with

alliances and then founded and managed a practice in prevention coalition usa and executive director. she and her ba from college and masters from the university of south carolina, south florida, and jd from georgetown university law center. michelle f goodwin is the chancellor's professor of law and founding director of the center for biotechnologych and global health policy at the university of california irvine. previously, professor goodwin was the professor at the university of minnesota with appointments to the law school, medical school into school of public health. she received a ba from the university of wisconsin, boston college law school and received degrees from the university of wisconsin. we welcome the witnesses and thank them for participating today. i will begin by swearing in the witnesses and i asked that the

witnesses in person please rise and raiseda your right hand. i ask that the remote witness please turn on your audio and make sure i can see your face hand when iur right administer the oath. do you swear or affirm under penalty or perjury the testimony you are about to give is true and correct to the best of your knowledge, information and belief so help you god? >> i do. >> let the record to show the witnesses answered in the affirmative. thankur you and please be seate. please note each of your written statements will be entered into atthe record in its entirety. accordingly i ask that you summarize your testimony in five minutes. o to help you stay within the time there is a timing light on the table. when the light switches from green to yellow you have one minute to conclude your testimony. when the light turns red your five minutes have expired.

the witness appearing virtually there is a timer on your screen to help you keep track of time. doctor robinson, you may begin. goodod morning, chairman nadler, ranking member jordan and distinguished members of the committee. my name is doctor robinson. i am a board-certified ob/gyn a board member with physicians for reproductive health and the medical director of alabama women's center one of the last clinics that provide abortion care. fa's full spectrum gynecologist, i have a busy obstetrics practice where they provide prenatal care, deliver babies and treat people after they give birth. i also provide abortion care because i know patients deserve access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care options. as of today abortion remains legal in alabama and in states across the country but isn't likely to remain that way. this has never been a

theoreticalto exercise. we are talking about the real health and lives of our neighbors, family members and friends. i came to this work not only because i believe all people deserve to make decisions about their lives, health antibodies but also my passion for young people. one that is deeply rooted and my personal experience with becoming pregnant as a young adult. prior to finishing high school i learned that i was pregnant. as a result of fear and lack of resources by the time i confided in my mother and grandmother i have no choice i was going to be a grandmother. becoming a teen mother came with many harsh realities. i love my children with all my heart but i know everyone should be able to make the decision to parent for themselves. i've been in the shoes of many of the young people that i see in my clinic and it's important for them to know regardless of their decision that i'm here to support them. access to care shouldn't look different based on your zip code

because of medically unnecessary abortion restrictions, i see patients forced to travel up to 12 hours from as far away as celouisiana, florida and now tei because of the ripple effect of abortion bands, stigma and harassment leading to other providers being forced to shut their doors. i know of patients who slept in their cars overnight as a result of mandatory delay periods because they had no other choice. thesein restrictions and needles ccost and delays and effects on the patient's. and things are only going to get worse as the states moved to ban abortion should the protections that are already illusory for far too many people in the country to be overturned. as someone who cares for people throughout pregnancy, maternal health is of the utmost importanceto to me. in alabama, black women earning nearly five times more likely to die from pregnancy -related causes than white women. this is higher than the national

average that is quoted to be three times more likely and this will continue to worsen as more states limit access to abortion care. systemic barriers, racism and white supremacy are at the root of both of the maternal health crisis and the abortion access crisis. it's undeniable that without access to abortion, maternal mortality rates will continue to rise. i could not emphasize enough that abortion is essential healthcare. receiving and providing this care shouldn't be criminalized by attempting to criminalize practitioners who provide abortion care the bands we have seen past in alabama and other states threaten people and communities that are already suffering from the lack of healthcare resources and it compounds the complex scenarios obstetricians like me routinely balance as we make the best decisions we can and managing complicated pregnancies. restrictions on abortion affect everyone, yet it's hardest on those who are marginalized and likely facing financial and

logistical barriers to care. often these are the same people who are disproportionately surveilled into targeted by law enforcement. some states have already begun to increase investigation and criminalization of pregnancy outcomes. this isn't a speculation. this is happening today. people have unjustly been arrested, prosecuted and jailed for their pregnancy laws and have their search histories into digital footprints used as evidence to prosecute and sentence them. ripatients well-founded fear of criminalization leaves them to do is turn distrust the system and ultimately harming the collective health and well-being. the truth is is more states an act abortionon restrictions and attempts to ban abortion entirely, patients and providers will be put in unattainable situations. patients will be forced to leave communities into providers to relocate to provide care, medical students and residents unable to receive education or training in abortion care and patient and providers fearing

criminal charges seeking or receiving care providing essential and normal healthcare. this is a future that is filled with control, fear and coercion. but the bottom line is this. abortion is healthcare. and this is essential care that we must protect. the patients i care for in my community deserve dignity, autonomy and agency. i urge the members of the committee to do everything they can in this moment to protect access to abortion care. our lives depend on it. thank you for holding this hearing, and i look forward to your questions.

reproductive rights for all texans through community building, education and political advocacy. one in four of us will have an abortion. one in five of us experience of mental health issues in a given year. and one and 25 americans over the series of mental health illness such as bipolar disorder. i lived at the intersection of all three from a first generation filipino american and second generationn mexican-american. i'm here to speak on behalf of everyone's whose abortions allowed them to care for their mental health and enable them to thrive as age result.'s my story is not uncommon. but with the stigma surrounding both abortion and mental health disabilities it is rarely discussed.

for my late teens into my mid 20s i suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder. because there was a good student i hit it well. in college it was harder to identify. for months at a time and be highly energetic, hyper productive followed by periods of extreme depression. just existing was too hard.od i tried to self medicate and attempted to end my life. in 2003, when i was 25 years old, i learned i was 12 weeks pregnant. i've been with my boyfriend for a year, we agreed almost immediately that i would have an abortion. this was before many of the abortion bands in texas i was able to access care fairly easily despite the cost of $500. wasth empowered to have an abortion because reproductive freedom was always a part of our family's values. my father was an abortion provider in central and south

texas from the 1970s until the 1990s. he switched his specialty from nst jug to obstetrics gynecology's the 1970s. after witnessing that repercussions of unsafe abortions before legalization, decided to provide abortions. when i was a charlie took me too a clinic in laredo where he provided abortions twice a month. i witnessed the gratitude on the faces of those awaiting in the clinic. my dad was a hero. in the year following my abortion my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor. and as i spent more time with him and he spiral intod depression we both realized i was not well. i concluded that in order to get him through this ordeal i needed to get help. when i finally found the medicationi that worked i was a whole new person.

treating my bipolar disorder enabled me too take care of my father after his brain surgery resulted in a stroke. i was mentally healthy for the first time in my adult life. i could be a full partner to my boyfriend who is now my husband of 16 years. during law school and i was ready i'd two miscarriages and then to children. my pregnancies were physically and mentally veryan difficult. after being a parent for the past 11 years i have no doubtnt that if i would've had had not had an abortion when i did, i would not have survived. my chosen pregnancies were not easy but they were exactly that, chosen. and my children are my whole world. by 2019 texans would encounter over 26 different abortion restrictions traders then come after my husband's vasectomy i

became pregnant for the sixth time. i had a medication abortion a series of toot safe andba simple medications. while the abortion was safe and straightforward, the hurdles i had to go through were exponentially more difficult and that was still all the privileges and resources they had at my disposal through if this had happened anytime in the last eight months after the six week van went into effect i would've had to take off work, find child care for my children and travel out-of-state if this had happened anytime the last decade before went into effect i would able to get karen texas also would've countered a 24 hour government demanded delay. i forced a sonogram legislative mandated women's right to know booklet and antiabortion counseling. when fd went into effect the impact was immediate people were confused about whetherbo abortin was legal, for each of us the friends and family for help and unsure if they could call

abortion clinics they were afraid of being sued or putting their loved ones at risk. the way for care is to clinic center for neighboring states care for the influx of patients from texas of wells from their own communities. texans have been forced to self manage their abortion or continue their pregnancy against their wishes. if the supreme court overturns roe v wade texas trigger ban would go into effect 30 days after banning abortion completely with the barely any exceptions. this is real and it is terrifying. everyone knows someone who has had an abortion. >> witness time has expired. thank you. now recognize for five minutes. >> we are here today because there is an ongoing crisis in america. the crisis we are confronting is abortion not abortion care, not abortion access, not abortion

choice. no we are here today because there is a crisis in american concerning abortion itself. we are approaching 65 million americans dead from abortion. i know this firsthand. at 19th i aborted my first child. i felt emotional and psychological pressure to end my child's life. i was alone. so many voices in the culture lied to me. somebody told me abortion was okay, was normal, was good even. i have lived with the regret of abortion every day of my life since. abortion was damaging to me and deadly for my child. the truth is abortion as always and deadly i understand the other women on this panel today believe differently. i know their stories and have read their testimony.

what is never addressed in ther testimony is a simple reality of abortion violence. abortion activism hours requires euphemism and misdirection, why? because the violent nature of abortion because it is frankly inconvenient. human persons from the earliest days poison in the womb and dismembered, worn limb from limb. bought a stone and medical waste bins in places like washington d.c., burned to power the lights of the city's homes and streets. what that image think it would do for a moment. next to me turned on the light think of the incinerators. think about we are doing to ourselves so callously and numbly. always and everywhere the conviction of pro- abortion activists are damaging, are deadly, and are devastating to

the fabric of american democracy. to speak for the violence of abortion as to speak for it and just as there's no put it. we want to allegedly serious citizens in america speak for slavery. many thought fought and even died to perpetuate that injustice. americans can and will overcome the justice of abortion just as americans did finally overcome the injustice of slavery. indeed, we are here today because the supreme court appears to be finally on the verge of reversing roe v wade and casey. widely regarded by legal scholars on the left in the right as the courts gravest most profound mistakes since dred scott or plessy. the future of america, a post- roe americas a future full of

hope. rose reversal make it possible to affirmatively protect the human right to life it. and to enshrine law and policy it makes abortion on thinkable for those most vulnerable for abortion propaganda. despite this moment pro- abortion members of congress recently voted to enshrine abortion and a more systemically unjust way even then wrote. codifying roe threatened to invalidate state consent protections codify genetic discrimination. at or before viability. nong redo efforts codify roe ino either theotment in child or the democratic will of the american people everything

really evaporates into thin air. the american people, through their elected recognize for oversight and for the interest of the child to matter it is pro- abortion matters of congress who are out of step with the american people. the biological reality a true constitutional order equally protects all members of the human family. even present by the bite despite being bought and paid for acknowledge the truth earliernt this month the center of every abortion is, this is his word, a child. abortion is fundamentally unjust. abortion deprives our brothers and sisters of the equal protection of the laws. abortion turns equals into unequal's it empowers the strong at the expense of the vulnerable

and it makes us all less human and less humane along the way. we must confront the violence of abortion and learn to live and thrive together. we are americans, we are up to the challenge. thank you. >> thank you professor goodman's you are now recognize for five minutes. >> ranking member during distinguished members of the house judiciary committee, thank you for inviting me too participate in today's hearing my name is michelle i met university of california irvine senior lecturer at harvard medical school i write and teach in the areas of constitutional law and health law my scholarship is published law journal among others and in books most recently invisible women and the criminalization of motherhood. over the past 50 years nearly 50 bombings of abortion clinics

having been killed, there have been threats and mass shootings at our clinic in the united states for they are performing constitutionally protecteder healthcare. now soon the supreme court willy issue a ruling the case involves a mississippi abortion ban at 15 weeks of pregnancy. the supreme court allows mississippi band to go into effect will be endorsing the solicitation to overturn roe v wade and planned parenthood two cases underpinning the constitutional right to abortion in the united states. for many women of means who can travel and pay for child care the loss will be devastating. court women of color the loss will be deadly. the coming of the new jane crow the supreme court demonstrate its willingness to selectively read and ignore t its own jurisprudence for draconian band

to go into effect. advanced abortions after six weeks of pregnancy before which many women, girls and capable people even realize they are pregnantru. ripping a page in the darkest annals of american history texas law has t a bounty position alls local residents to suit individual to aid, abet or assist individuals seeking to terminate a pregnancy. shameful predecessor show the bounty provision incentivizes of individuals observing fundamental human constitutional rights such as privacy and freedom. provoking abortion right is a very subject of the justice alito's opinion disturbing for many reasons including troubling inaccuracies unsupported assertion and flawed reasoning such as the notion cast doubts

on the legitimacy a case that religious liberties on for-profit corporations nowhere in the constitution or statute doesn't mention for-profit will have religious identities and liberties ... was crab this is in a decade ago. if the draft opinion derives from a purported neutral view of the law is justice argues this technical errors and omissions is settling apparent. not once does not address rape or incest the newly styled abortion ban including mississippi law the subject of a draft opinion sexist law

provides no exception for survivor sellingsu the draft opinion convenient facts calling them irrelevant. facts matter. moreover one of the draft is the constitution establishes quote all persons born or naturalized aren't citizens of the united states the constitutionth does t mention embryos, fetuses or unborn children. stripping away these exceptions exposes the nature of theseor bands which showcase the dismantling of democratic norms and principles. justice writes about and in fact he cites the legal authorities condemned women to the status of property and women can be

subjected to physical punishment even rate by their husbands this was for her protection and benefit. now, notably as the 13th and 14th amendment in which women, not just men were freed from thd bondage of slavery. it's very clearly 13th and 14th amendment were intended to apply to black women not just some black men they should not be subjected to involuntary servitude. now, as i conclude that history shows that white supremacy and forced labor and reproduction rate is undeniable as reported by this very congress should the supreme court dismantle roe v.un wade the decision be the modern-day corollary to plessy v ferguson even legal discourse and merits of reproductive rights and justice, thank you.

>> we thank all the witnesses for their testimony. will not proceed under a five-minute row with questions i know will now recognize myself for five minutes. for nearly a year abortion has the effect of been banned your home statefi of texas since sba went into effect in september of 2021. the drafted majority opinion is deeply troubling but the truth is there's been a multi- by a hostile state legislature and severely impacted abortion care act in your state. houses multiyear attack in texas geocoding six-week abortion ban affected the lives of pregnant people in texas today? >> thank you. in texas currently we are living in a post- real world. people cannot access the abortion care they need or want. despite the fact the majority of texans support access to abortion care.

people are too afraid to look for information for fear of being sued. they are too afraid to call clinics for fear of being sued. they are too afraid to even ask west do not note the repercussions might be for their loved ones and themselves. in addition to that months are able to find out the information their careir is delayed. they have to find childcare, accommodations, the ability to travel out of state for ethnic apportions at clinics that are ready in their own communities. many times people are forced either to forgo care altogether before securing the pregnancy to term. or they were self managing their abortion for the abortion is essential healthcare as should be available to everyone. in texas we have been living as if theyy are in a post- real

world it's only going to get worse. if the decision stands, over 26 states are poised to ban abortion. the impact will be exponential across the country. texas is home to over 30 million people. 7 million in 2000 berube reproductive age and abilities. those people will not be able to access the care they need. that is a travesty, thank you. >> professor goodman at the day the axis is constitutionally protected right at the alito draft opinions handed down tomorrow in roe versus was overturning face where the court took them away a large pot of cultures in the right person have a constitutional right today, gone to bed woke up tomorrow to find she no longer has such a right. what is your reaction to such a scenario? >> it is incredibly unusual in

our american democracy and jurisprudence the supreme court would take away that is fundamental it's not something we see in the court duo. instead of the court has done is to reject our county and laws or laws that deny women rights such as to become attorneys or when there were laws that denied women to be able to have credit cards and their own name. the supreme court has struck down such laws and expanded freedoms they've never and in fact have revoked freedoms that has been well articulated and also by the supreme court it is highly unusual. >> doctor robinson states have been chipping with the right proportion for years are

restricting access to abortion care. nonetheless to generations of americans roe v. wade the legal cornerstone of equality. safe lifesaving care. the supreme court went overturning roe how would exacerbate the crisis in abortion care access and what would it mean for patients in the community you serve? >> is a mention in my testimony access to abortion care will be quite devastating for it alabama is already poised to have a complete ban on abortion but we arty have law on the books. if this is overturned that main patients in my community and the surrounding communities to have depended on us for care will no longer have access to the health care that they need. care to people who are pregnant, like me will have their hands tied when it comes to talking to

patients about options when it comes to healthcare. i know many legislators have talked about restrictions or allowances for acts of the mother. in a situation where roe is already in place permission to proceed with abortion care for patients who are in my hospital, if these sanctions are hospitalized or hospitalized because they are very ill we already require to physicians to be able to sign off on this. and unfortunately when a person is pregnant and prior to 20 weeks -- 22 weeks gestational age if we end that pregnancy that means the pregnancy will not come to term. his heart is that is to hear is still called an abortion is medical care some t patients ne. we have difficulty with that

right now. >> thank you very much, mr. gates requests thank you, mr. chairman i yelled to mr. johnson requests the very subject of this is an outrage for abortion care is an oxymoron. the timing and the obvious purpose of this hearing today are unconscionable profoundly damaging to her institutions were democrats are engaging in a brazen attempt to intimidate and bully the supreme court is a considered challenge approach life law. as soon as you drop the penny was weak actives on the left began to pick it and harass in the homes for they threaten the justices by name in the press on the beginning and now on this and previous judiciary committee hearings we have jurisdiction over the americans,he system of justice the fact it would be here trying to influence of opinion is unprecedented and dangerous her institutions so much for thect constitution, our system of justice is no right to

abortion the constitution. never was. sentence text, not structure, not in its meeting. roe invented the right out of thin air was highly criticized from the moment it was published. corporative policy and the people of our country and as a result as was said a moment ago almost 65 million of america's unborn children have perished because of it. there's no right turn abortion the constitution that is left to the state for the people to decide. it's long overdue and after a nearly a half-century that might finally happen scattered her mind is the fact minutes talk about the facts because the facts of the law and the logic and advancements in medical technology are clearly on the side of life susan b anthony list summarizes that well quote the humanity of the unborn child

is undeniable now, thanks to advances in modern medicine and science six weeks and unborn child has a beating heart and by 15 weeks unborn children can suck their thumbs, the fully formed noses and lips eyes and eyebrows they feel excruciating pain. these children deserve a voice in the american democratic process. the recent argument for the supreme court chief justice roberts pointed to the fact the u.s. is an outlier the vast majority of other countries by building standards he said quote we get the viability standard we share that sander with the people's republic of china and north korea. it is unconscionable to think the united states is one of only seven countries that allows for abortions for any reason after 20 weeks. in our nations birth certificate it is a self-evident truth human beings are made 2 by their crear they are endowed by him with certain unalienable rights the first listed as the right to life for obvious reasons. all through the witnesses support and advocate for what they say is unrestricted

abortion on demand for let me ask doctor robinson ought to go to any of them but you are the medical doctors on your website testimony today you coolly support the right to abort a 20 week old unborn child i will if you to explain to a senior medical opinion at what point pregnancy should having an abortion no longer be an option? thank you for the question. as a medical doctor i understand every pregnancy is unique and different. i also understand patients need access to care. as the pregnancy progresses that can be for various reasons. >> let me ask you do you support the right of a woman who is seconds away from birthing a healthy child to have an abortion? >> think the question you're asking does not realistically reflect abortion care. >> and that scenario would you support her right to board that child? >> i will not entertain theoretical prey. >> is not theoretical.

>> i am a medical doctor that is never happened. >> never happened in your practice but happens. halfway out of the birth canal scanning feature question question if the child is happily delivered out of the birth canal is it you support the rate for abortion? then? >> i cannot even fathom that records and notd ask if can fathom that ifl, it occurred wod you support the abortion are not cosmic that's unrestricteden abortion. >> just like you probably can't imagine what you would do if your daughter was raped. if it hasn't happened it may be difficult if not the answer that question how about this one how does one qualify as being holy human? what makes a human being? >> what makes a person human being is them beingon born numbr one that's why you have birthed. and then also individual dna having a ptolemies being able to act and think. >> eight new born child lacks the immediate capacity to make conscious deliberate choices.

>> i think that we are here to talk about is abortion care what you're describing is something that is already illegal in their laws and the books for that. i am not a proponent. >> if dobbs is handed down the states will be able to make that decision there are some that go that far you need to be aware but were talking about that i'm out of time i yield back too. >> their loss on the books for that by. >> the time is expired theth witness answer the question. because of the gentlemen's time is expired this witness answer the question. >> in the instance he is describing their arty laws in the books for that those are criminal acts. i am not a proponent of any additional restrictions on people being access abortion care i am not a proponent of enforce the laws that are arty onon the books by. >> with the laws changed to allow it? oxygen was time has expired. >> thank you, mr. chairman.

i am mindful that senator mcconnell has already discussed publicly the concept of a prohibiting abortion in every case, and every state should the court allow that to occur. so really, what we are talking about is the potential of politicians making decisions, taking the decisions away from individuals and really criminalizing healthcare for women. you've given interesting testimony. my question really goes to the other potential impacts of what is being discussed. professoron goodwin what impact would such a decision if the draft were to become the court's decision, what impact that have

on contraception in your view? could that be criminalized as well? >> it certainly could. the first we have to speak to is the mortality. in terms of maternal that ranks among saudi arabia, bosnia and russia more specifically to your question access to plan b. rex let me follow-up if i may with you on that. in the draft opinion, justice really says there is no privacy right.

also there is no deeply rooted in the station's history and tradition right to abortion. i look at the constitution. it doesn't mention women. certainly the right of gay people to marry or for people of different races to marry is not deeply rooted in the nation's history. do you think that by extension the draft opinion could be used to take other lives away? >> it certainly could be for it sends a very strong signal to states that are already inclined to do that with state lawmakers and governors have already indicated that as their interest to impose civil punishment began stripping the white rights we'vi seen over time we already seen this in texas with regard to the governor pushing forward an

executive order that would essentially punish parents ability is at stake interracial marriage is only one county clerk to said disagree. >> let me go to some of these other issues. i've long been a proponent of preserving rights i'm a founder of the bipartisan fourth chair.nt caucus which i i am think about some of the other implications of the draft decision should that happen. roe is overturned there is a risk personal data could be a weaponize against women seeking basic healthcare.le the media is full of news stories identifying new risk to

women's data privacy and a post- roe world. for example, here is a headline sample from the "washington post" law enforcement may fully unleash its data collection tools on abortion or without roe will data become a company headache end-users nightmare? absent data privacy post- roe v wade claimant could actually be utilized and gathered, doctor robinson used to target women who seek reproductive care and states with laws that criminalize care for the abstract location to planned parenthood and bit weaponize against clinics? you have to turn on your mic.

>> i apologize. it's hard to imagine how these acts people are using to track their menstrual cycle then tried to control their fertility houses to be used again people inor a post real world but i cannot imagine going back to the day were abortion would not be available it's difficult for me too fathom at this time too. >> my time is expired mr. sharma yield back request gentle lady yields back too. >> thank you, mr. chairman. mr. chairman the american people are facing need social yesterday gas prices hit an all-time high they are actually over $4 as gallon in all 50 states now for 39 back in my district in cincinnati. i paid $5.19 in d.c. when he flew up money at gas station right outside of washington d.c. i understand out in california they are over $6 a gallon now. that is the equivalent of a

massively regressive tax hike. when the cost to american people thousands of dollars. that's just the price of gas. gas prices impact every aspect of the economy which means higher prices for everything. perhaps even more concerning the supply chain issues that continue to plague our nation. now can you find baby formula to feed their newborn children. these price hikes are gone being just an inconvenience. a desperate reality for families all across the country. make no mistakes these are problems the divided menstruation policies have cause and for which is seemingly no workablepr solutions.li instead of working toward solution to solve these and so many other problems that are adversely impacting so many

americans, this committee is once again spending valuable time debating a hypothetical issue. a supreme court case, which is not even come out now rather than to try to solve realur problems and come up with real solutions for this hearing is yet another attempt to distract the american people from thean failures of the biden administration to address the problems they face right now. today. by instead scaring people with a hypothetical case concerns that might happen down the road, in the future. today it's a hypothetical supreme court w decision. which is not been rendered yet but illegally leaked. it's pretty clear theon leaked opinion is being used to blatantly intimidate the united states supreme court. we have never had a draft supreme court opinion leaked like this before at least not to my knowledge and for goodt. reason. the court relies on the good

faith of its, members to work through complex legal questions. showing draft opinions they can respond to each other's concerns through that process opinionspo can evolve and develop and improve. and sometimes change. in the end the american people get a better understanding and a reasoned result even when they may not ultimately agree with the outcome. obviously this countryun on abortion has been in dramatic disagreement for some time now. at least that's the way to work for the last 233 years up until now. one has to wonder how the court will even function going forward. will the justices be able to trust one another? will they be able to overcome tthis historic breach and have anything close to normal operations? or is the court much like congress now condemned to hyper

partisanship? dangerous unprecedented situation as we should be discussing at this hearing after all this committee has oversight of the supreme court where charge of making sure that it functions properly. instead this committee is aiding a fire that might ultimately consume the lysate supreme court independence and that is not a good day for america. ms. foster, is building a strong pro-life advocate you are an attorney. i like to ask, can think of another example of a breach like this certainly of this magnitude in the history of the supreme draft opinion is illegally leaked to that media and how damaging do you view breach to the functionality and reputation of the court? >> i cannot think of one and that is because there has not been one. that leak even this hearing today, it really threatens the integrity of the court.

today as well as speculation what the court may dude not what it has done for the weaker intended to bring chaos in public pressure to the reasoned deliberation of a court as he attempted to determine the outcome of the case for it is simply wrong request about you and many advocates would like this to be no more abortions in the country. but in reality what actually happens? >> what actually happens? >> if this decision in a row would be overturned by the supreme court. looks of rose overturned the issue returns to the states. as ron paul has listed it's based not on constitutional principles but rather on a rnsocial construct created out f thin air by the rope court. this dobbs opinion should this be the final opinion wouldt reverse that damage and return the issue to the people in the elected representatives. >> thank you my time is expired mr. chairman. >> a gentleman yields back mrs. jackson late.

i think the chairman very much. this hearing is probably one of the most important hearings in my lifetime dealing with the absolute question of the survival of the constitution. first of all let me acknowledge the distraction of a leak had no concern about a leak or a duly constituted a body of the supreme court would be prevented from doing its work. there's no question that the republicans won a total nationwide ban on abortion with no exceptions. not of incest no exceptions for rape.on an intolerable inhuman posture they would put america in. i think the day i come claiming for women freedom, justice, equity, equality, and an absolute ban on politicians telling women what to do with

their bodies.so the cdc found in 2020li non-hispanic black women 3%. [inaudible] a number 2.9 the rate of non-hispanic white women. which means that in many instances adult to choose it can also mean death to women who happen to be african-american and other minority. let me ask questions to doctor goodman first. as it relates to constitutional rights. we heard the question that abortion is not inn thela constitution. for those who understand the document is a living documentti could you answer the question of the idea of ignoring the first amendment because it's not

specifically mention synagogues are not specifically mentioned. or ignoring the fourth amendment. could you analyze the importance of recognizing that roe v wade is a precedent and the ninth amendment? >> thank you very much for thata question. first of all, over 233 years of the supreme court's existence, the supreme court hasn't fashioned rights because they ninth a memo provides for bread that set out to say all life has to be specifically enumerated in the constitution for thehe suprh court has the discretion through its interpretation of the constitution to speak to matters that are not explicitly delineated with the drafters of the constitution anticipated had not thought of all matters though be important to americate as it developed a bit of there

be a ninth a memo that would allow for the court to be able to further interpret as society emerged.r at the time the constitution was drafted wouldn't have clankedso trains we did not have cars we had no electric cars. we had none of the machineries of war that we currently have. so it's a look at other amendments, the artillery be had today was not anticipate the time of the second amendment drafting into the point you made when the first amendment was drafted as well for certain articulations we appreciate today that were not explicitly delineated within the context of the constitution. also worth noting what the constitution says. the constitutions of people or people in the states are people who are born.tu it makes no mention of embryo or fetus is but it's also worth noting with a 13th moment set in the 14th amendment.

i fully appreciate members of congress were frank not only black men but also black women at sesser shall be no involuntary servitude. it explicitly also mentioned that black people shall have, this includes women liberty and freedom. it is the incredibly important. >> thank you so much. thank you for your father's life eand legacy. tell me what it means have a stocking provision meeting women can be exposed and a bounty can be given to them under the texas law and that laws spreading across america along with an absolute ban on abortion. are you there? >> yes, thank you for that question. to insert into effect have been terrified because extremists have been essentially deputized

as bounty hunters to come after people they think might have been aiding, abetting orpe providing abortion care that a set of chilling effect for people time to access abortion care. people cannot exercise our constitutional right to have abortions that is not okay that it's about to spread throughout the country. it is terrifying to correct young ladies time has expired but. >> i yield back. >> thank you, mr. chairman thank you to the witnesses here today. ms. foster we have heard a great deal it is my body it is my choice. but the same people that said that seemed to feel like if it comes to a vaccination it is not your body and it is not your choice. we get to tell you whether you have vaccinations or not regardless of what the risks

are. do you believe people have the right to choose what happens to their own bodies? >> i believe in protecting every human being no matter who they are, where they are, any other aspect about them. whatever you call that is what i am four. that actuallyer includes human beings in the womb. >> it is interesting you are familiar with the law state and federal law does not recognize a child being made sure enough to enter a legally binding contracts normally there is a parent is required to make decisions of the best interest of the child's body. correct?

>> caress ontrack correct. >> you have obviously been working in a pro-life movement for a long time. do you think it's an appropriate presumption that a parent will choose to do what is in the best interest of a baby's own body said they cannot make the choice for themselves? >> absolutely should be protecting every human being. >> do you believe there should be a presumption that a parent will make a decision for the best interest of the child's body? >> yes. you know, we have seen lots of problems we have heard the testimony about the mental duress of carrying a child. and of course i'm sure you are aware of what is called

postpartum depression. some have it very severely. i am wondering if a mother is suffering severe depression as a result of having a child that she is not mentally and physically able to take care of, do you believe the mother should have the right to drowned a child? to get rid of a child because of the mental stress and duress and problems that the mother is having? >> of course not that's horrifying that's what we have laws to provide support and resources and an outlet for women in difficult situations. >> or might have said already you seem topr feel like the child's body does it belong to the child but it relies on the parent to make the decisions for the child best well-being,

correct?bu >> i trust people are looking out for the best interest of all human beings including the righo to life but. >> are you familiar with premature babies, preemies? >> of course yes. >> do you find it seems they have an inherent desire to live? >> absolutely. when you visit a nicu you see them fighting for their ability to live, for every breath. >> that is a good term fighting for their ability to live. our own daughter that was bornrm eight -- ten weeks prematurely we were sent to a higher level icu neonatal icu because they had a higher survival rate. when i got there my wife had to stay at the hospital where she

had been and encourage me too go do anything i could. i began to see why the survival rate was so high there. the doctor said you've got to sit down right here, that baby cannot see you properly but she knows your voice. you stroke her little face, her little hands, she grabbed the end of my little finger and i could not move for eight hours because as a doctor said she is drawing strength, she is drunk life from you. >> a gentlemen's time has expired for. >> at the role of a parent i thank you for being here. >> and q mr. chair. mrs. foster at let me you a question are you in favor of outlawing abortion in allll 50 states questioner. >> i believe in protecting every human person the matter where they are proven to be a a call that is what i am for pre- >> you are in favor of outlawing in all 50 states should that be done in the federal government protecting all those individuals as you call them?

>> i don't think that we have gotten to that point necessarily. we voted on the women's health protection act and so we have seen the converse. >> senator mcconnell's able to go forward and have a bill to outlaw abortion federally, which is not prohibited from congress from doing such would you be in favor of congress prohibiting abortion and all 50 states? 's ibm in favor protecting every human being no matter where they are. >> what if a person was impregnated by rape, incest would you be in favor of an abortion then are still against abortion? >> as a every human being is inherently valuable of christ you i said that make sense basically what you're saying is against exception for rape or incest. so if someone is raped or sink that would have to bear that child because you consider that fetus a human being. and so that child be brought into this world even though the woman was forced into fight

possibly improbably somebody who she had no affinity towards whatsoever. i find that abhorrent to think that is where we are and many states are requiring and concerned about forcing young people to wear masks, chipper which protects others not them. but they want them to bear children they want to force them to bear children even if they are raped. even if they have or are raped by a family member which is incest which can be problems and how the child would develop as a fetus. this is what we have got we've got an effort to outlaw abortion and all 50 states and to do it by congressional law if possible. if the senate and the house become republican, that will happen. it will be outlawed here in all 50 states. not just mississippi.

not just louisiana. not just arkansas, texas, oklahoma ands. all the red stat, everywhere. that is pre-roe v wade i will tell you what happened pre-roe v wade is only about 14 or 15 years old and lives in california. i had a relative who lived in new york state. she became pregnant. she was not ready to have a family. she made that decision the decision she made she could afford she had wealthy parents and wealthy family was to fly from new york to california and then go down to mexico get an abortion but it turned out to be safe, fine, good. the only reason she could do it as she had money and the resources to do it. people in small rural areas to the south and other places without wealth could not afford it.

they had to go to back alley abortions sometimes lose their life because it was not legal.ti they had to possibly raise a lot of money to get somewhere but they did not have the money to get to california, to go to mexico only the wealthy did we p will have abortion by financial status if this happens. it will happen in mexico or it will happen in back alley he got enough money will probably find somebody who can do it.en and it meant that she'll have to go to illinois which is also expensive and time-consuming. you do not know with the laws will be in tennessee whether they follow texas and put a bounty on people's had forex finance folks to go and get an abortion.as it is wrong what happens in this country in the 60s when abortion was illegal and the wealthy could afford it in the non- wealthy code and spread it's wrong to try to protect and care about people's rights to wear a mask or not wear a mask but not the right to happen bear a child or not even if you might

be 12 or 13 years old. now, abortion is not mentioned in the constitution. but fetus is not mentioned in the constitution either the constitution does not say anything about when life starts. that is something the courts have to decide because it is not mentioned in the constitution. for the courts to absolve themselves of it and get away from it is wrong. three justices said row is set a law. roe is the law. it is settled. its was not for some of the othr side of said terrible decision wrong from the beginning and just terribly wrong. it was right said cap it out. it was right said barrett, it is right then and it is right now. i yield back the balance of my time for. >> tenement deals back. thank you, mr. chairman. professor goodwin, is a 20 week

pregnancy, unborn child a human being under the constitution? >> under the constitution and the 13th amendment that recognizes born individuals as being citizens of the united states. >> no, no okay born. so is it your testimony that constitutionally prior to the term, born being exercise the unborn have no rights and they are not human beings? >> according to the constitution born individuals are citizens of the united states and according to american for. >> i am asking for the conclusion as a constitutionall scholar. the unborn prior to their delivery are not persons under the constitution. the constitution itself or the 14th amendment specifically says board is that yourli testimony? >> that is what the constitution says and that is what this

congress adopted. >> thank you professor. ms. foster, in your opinion is a child sucking its thumb, knowing if it is left or right-handed, able to feel pain but not yet delivered from the mother. does that child comment to you, represent human being? >> to me and to every embryology textbook out there. guess if they are not human what are they? let's not courts to determine reality its human life that child as a human being. >> undere, existing law if somee were to kill that 22, 23, 24 week gestation, pregnancy, is that a crime in virtually every state including under federal law? >> in virtually every state. thanks to roe v wade in planned parenthood versus casie.

>> no, no, no i said if the father of a child kills that child. not the mother decision if an outsider kills the unborn, is it a crime? not just battery but a crime in a federal law in most states cluster. >> at the crime in virtually every j state. >> okay notwithstanding the constitution, if you kill the unborn you have killed a human being under state law even though abortion is legal. let's just go through since we are on the subject of law for a moment, behind me under usc 181507 is it a federal crime to protest near a residence occupied by a judge, a jury with the intent to influence the decision of a pending case? >> it certainly is. >> is and also even if it's the prosecutor or defense attorneys also crime? >> yes. >> so, behind me i'm trying to understand this. here is a picture.

they are using a in front of justice home. and they are clearly trying to influence it.in so is that a crime? >> it is. >> oh under 18 usc 1507 people are committing crimes. why is it we are not hearing it denounced by the pro-choice movement? no

>> i think it is reprehensible to stay away from homes and families of elected officials and members of the court correspondent the shout out to whoever the hero was within the supreme court who said the f

bomb ite lets burn the place down. is that a crime in your estimation? the time of, the gentleman expired so a brief answer from the witness. >> absolutely. >> the gentle man yields back. >> thank you mr. chairman. professor, georgia hasth a six week ban on abortions and it's also a state that is the most dangerous in the state for pregnant women. approximately half of the counties in georgia have no ob physicians were ob/gyn, no family physician providing obstetrical care, no midwives. half of the state.

furthermore, hospital labor and delivery units have been closing for the last several decades and in 2015 only 46 out of 159 counties had to such units. professor, isn't it ironic that states like georgia want to force women to remain pregnant but seem unwilling to help women stay alive during pregnancy? >> it's one of the most egregious aspects of what we see today those that have been most active in the antiabortion bands have the highest rates of maternal mortality and those that are the most effective have been black women. it's nothing more than little

attention to the fact [inaudible]me >> is it fair to say that there is a link between abortion access and maternal health? >> that is fair to say. there's supporting document he documentation that shows the maternal mortality rate will continue to rise and i'm glad you pointed out the fact many states have decreased access to care and resources, labor and delivery units closing down, people have to travel further and further to access maternity care particularly in alabama we also criminalize women who do not present for maternity care is considered a form of neglect

but in a community where you don't have access to those resources. and you cannot travel to meet the physician isn't fair to punish those women but forced them to carry pregnancies to term when they don't have the resources to support that. >> you seem to resident to answer the question whether you were in favor of a federal ban on abortions past by the congress but i've looked at your twitter account. you do have a twitter account, right? >> correct. >> may 2nd, the day the decision was leaked about the decision to overturn roe v wade, you posted an audio message on your twitter

account, did you not? >> yes. >> and you put forward the question what does a post-roe america look like, what comes after roe fax.me >> correct. >> and you. answered your own question by saying we never really wanted the reversal to state issuen a where some states protect life and others continue to kill and dismember. that's what you said? >> that's right and i don't believe i would run as an in answering the question. >> you also said after roe we don't want more victims, we want abortion affirmation. >> that is correct i believe in protecting every human being. >> also said your end goal was

for the united states supreme court to declare that abortion was thehe constitution. >> i believe that it was clinton who called for abortion to be rare so absolutely, yes. >> you are a republican who supports republicans. they called you as a witness and if that is the republican plan for women in america to not have the right to an abortion whether it be in the first, second or 1% of the cases that happen in the beyondnd the 20th week you don't want women to have that right for any reason whatsoever to protect or save the life of the mother in the cases of rape and incest? >> a more humane and just america would provide protection -- >> the

time of the gentleman is expired. i'm going to direct my questions to you. of what i'm wondering is how will america be judged by future generations, future societies when we learn about the great empires and cultures in school and world history we think of the ancient greeks and romans and chinese dynasties and studied the architecture didn't celebrate the science, technical and medical advances of the people and marvell at the military power of the great empires but it seems they all have an asterisk. *.the greek and romans have slaves. the dynasty performed human sacrifice as a way to appease their gods. when america is evaluated in the future certainly scholars will see us as an exceptional nation,

a country with great scientific and technological advances and architecture, the most powerful military in the world, tremendoush advances in civil rights from great universities, amazing agricultural accomplishments, spacece travel, energy production. what will it be for america? do we do enough to help those with physicall and mental handicaps, mental diseases and provide a pathway to prosperity for the poor, how do we address homelessness and crime and what do we do for the most vulnerable in our society for those who don't have a voice and can't vote and don't have an advocate? we know for example in unborn baby has been hard to beat at six weeks, develops pain receptors at seven weeks, arms, legs, fingers and toes at ten weeks and will jump up startled of ten weeks and respond to almost theghout entire body of 13 to 14 weeks

and have a fully developed heart at 15 weeks. how will future generations and cultures judge how we treated the most vulnerable in our society? >> i'm ashamed to thinke, of it and i'm hopeful the eventual decision that will be the first step in the right direction towards some kind of reckoning. >> i appreciate your answering think we could go into more ondetail quite frankly because those that don't have a voice, those that don't have political power are t often ignored and wn we are judged i think we will be examined for how we treated the unborn in this country and not that were caused by rape or incest but millions upon millions since 1973 that have

beenll killed as the result of abortion policies in this country. millions far exceed the historical accounts of other cultures. i think we will be judged harshly for those who didn't have political power t and i thk it's unfortunate we can't just for a moment to reflect on those that need our protection. any lastst comments before my te ecruns out? >> absolutely. it may not appear that way from the other side of the aisle, but this is a unifying issue for most americans. 51% according to the gallup poll believes that it should be either illegal in all circumstances or other rare circumstances less than a third believe abortion should be legal

under all circumstances. most americans agree and is a proud member of the board as well i know that in fact a third of democrats call themselves pro-life and the number swings. more and more pro-life the more radical bills are put forward by the other side of the aisle so when we see the act for example we see democrats more and more callingth themselves pro-life because they look at that kind ofwh bill and say if that's what pro-choice is i want no part of itsa so we welcome that on the pro-life side and i see there's so much hope for in america that pursues more for human beings. >> other than china and north korea how do we compare two countries in other parts of the

world? >> we have among the most radical abortion policy in the world. canada, china and north korea of course canada doesn't have a national wall that is subject to all. we are dramatically more radical than anyny country in europe for example to which we so often compare ourselves. our abortion law is so far beyond what others have chosen through their elected officials and with the american people would choose and what our elected officials do as they represent us. >> thank you, mr. chair man. i want to talk about three issues that my colleagues on the other side have brought up today. political power, intimidation and problems. and i want to start by asking is

good when is there any amount of political power that a 12-year-old could wage to stop her from being raped by a relative? >> no. there isn't. >> is there any amount of political power a young woman walking down the street raped on the street violently and impregnated during the political power that she could prevent that from happening? >> and finally, doctor robinson, is there any amount of political power that a woman that comes to see you that has desperately test desperatelywanted to only e problem with her pregnancy and

the development of the fetus may thmean either the fetus would be born with perhaps developed outside of the body or that her life media risk for delivering that a child. is there any amount of political power that that woman that so desperately wanted to be pregnant and finds herself in the situation is their political power that could have prevented that from happening? >> absolutely not. >> so, this is about power. the power to be able to make these decisions protected by the constitution. let me ask, and i'm sorry let me ask you about intimidation.

tell me about the intimidation that your father felt. >> in the 70s, 80s and 90s one of the things that was prevalent at that time with abortion providers and was the target of a lot of harassment and wore a vest to work every day. we are in gated communities and there was an fbi agent. he kept this party under wraps that i wouldn't be exposed to it but when i went to college i was called by someone that was harassing me and trying to get his home address despite the fact he had the same office. that is what he lived with and he did his work and provided care for so many across central centraland south texas because a

hero and provided health care that they so desperately needed and wanted. >> there are so many that are grateful for that. the doctor that was gunned down outside of an abortion clinic where he lived doing that work and who was shot by a slaver through his kitchen window because of the work that he did come of the receptionists that were killed, the security guard that was killed, these are not theoretical conversations. these are people whose jobs were to help those who are dead because of it. that's intimidation and i want to finish with this.

real problems it is true the price of gas is a real problem. it is. in my community and so many others. and the shortage of baby food is a real problem, baby formula. but let me let you finish. hwhat is the problem when we sm the door on them and tell them rape, incest and pregnancy, none of that matters, what is the problem? >> when you talkk about the harassment and thank you for highlighting that. when they put the pictures up i thought those were pictures outside of my office. it's not nearly as appalling to the other side when it's

happening. but when you talk about the problems people face, the train away study clearly highlights the implications of people not being able to access abortion care. many people have fall into poverty and have difficulty caring for the children they already have. that is what the problem is. >> i will yield back. thank you mr. chairman. >> mr. johnson. >> unanimous consent to enter a statement by the senior legal fellow for judicial studies at the heritagere foundation. >> i asked you earlier how one qualifiess as being fully human jeand you responded by saying tt when one becomes a human or someone does become a human at the moment of birth, and i found that absolutely stunning since you are not a political activist but you present yourself to be a

medical doctor. the fact an unborn child as a human being. aso summarized from the earliet stages of development the unborn are distinct, loving and whole human beings. they are not parts of the human beings like skin cells are about whole human entities capable of directing their own internal growth and development. the american medical association acknowledged the independent in existence was a scientific truth. nothing has changed since that time for more than 150 years doctors have known life begins at conception. a report in the united states senate states, quote physicians by other scientists agree the conception marks the beginning

of the life of a human being and a member of the human species there is overwhelming agreementa on this point and countless medical biological and scientific. there's a picture of this isn't a clump of cells. this wasn't an animal or an unknown species. it is a human being. and all ofll you here confusing human value, which human function you're defining your definingpersonhood by whats rather than what they are. it is summarized this way although human beings differ immensely with respect to the accomplishments andd at the degrees of accomplishment they are nonetheless equal because they share a common human nature. humans have value simply because they are human. and if you deny this it is difficultha to say why objective human rights should apply to anyone. as i noted earlier as a self-evident truth all human beings are made by the creator and endowed with certain inalienable rights the first listed is the right to life.

let me ask the abortion advocate to answer my questions on the subject. you were unapologetic into seeking unrestricted abortion access. so, i'm wondering at what point is it not okay to abort a child, what age of gestation? >> i trust all people to determine what they can and cannot do with their body for a fact. fact. i also believe that human rights including access too medical cae that they need within the communities is something that should be afforded to everyone. >> so you support late-term abortion. >> all people. >> do you support partial birth abortion and example the woman

says i want to take that one out, do you support that? what aboutrt abortion should be allowedon by your definition for any reason or any purpose at any stage. >> i trust people to make decisions about their body and when relevant they need to consult their medical practitioners. >> let me ask you this question. if it isn't lawful and acceptable to take the life of a 10-year-old child, i assume you agree that would be wrong, correct? and a 2-year-old child, same thing, we would agree that's wrong. what is the principal distinction between the human being that is 2-years-old were nine months old or one-week old or in our old and one that is 8 inches further up the canal. why is it okay in the latter and not the former? >> i trust people to determine what to do with their own

bodies. >> that describes what this is about. there is a legal issue and underneath that is a moral issue about reality and science. youl are talking about unborn children. and the. as you will support the termination of the child at any time and that isg frightening d why the decision should be turned to people that willha protect the sanctity of every humanth life and live up to the standards of the declaration of independence. thank you for holding this hearing. professor goodwin, i know some scholars including yourself have pointed out some of the states most eager to ban abortion are those with the history of jim crow and voterdi suppression. can you speak to this relationship and what this could mean for of a thorough civil rights and liberties including the people who live in blue

states such as myself in california. >> historically, during the period of slavery we had confederate slave states but denied fundamental human rights and this congress provided those rights through the 13th and 14th amendment upheld by the united states supreme court. but we have seen those rights through voter suppression and historically we've seen african-american women suffer end of the suffering continues in the state of mississippi the subject of the opinion 80% of cardiac deaths.

where we believe this is going how do you think that relates or puts in jeopardy other civil rights andis liberties? >> other civil rights and liberties even in the draft opinion there are some guardrails around those such as contraceptive access but that is to credit. it is to dismantle part of the provision that companies would

provide comprehensive care something that never existed before, justice alito's positions. the popular forms of contraception to do away with those rights and it is targeted as well by these individuals. >> thank you. for the line of questioning you experienced i would like to ask your opinion because adoption exists there is no need for

abortion and i want to know what you thought of that statement it's an alternative to giving the child up for adoption or -- i ask you that question because i heard your testimony about where you weree in your life at that time. that's how i wanted you to think about it from the perspective. >> i had been forced to carry a pepregnancy to term i wouldn't have survived. i have no doubt i wouldn't be alive today. i wouldn't have been alive to continue or start my medical treatment for my mental health issues or alive to have two healthy pregnancies despite how difficult those pregnancies were.ss i wouldn't be the mother that i

am today and have the wonderful children that are my whole world. t >> do you say that because of your mental health status at the time? >> my mental health status i wasn't able to get out of my bed or walk my dog, take a shower and if it happened for months and months at a time. as someone that has gone through to pregnancies and had placenta previa and a breach birth and a emergency c-section that could have taken the life of my child or myself, i unequivocally believe if i had been forced to carry a pregnancy to term at 25, i wouldn't have survived not only because my mental health bute because pregnancy is more dangerous and when you don't want to be pregnant, you don't want too continue your pregnanc, there are so many things that

can affect you and can have a good outcome. i believe i'm so lucky i'm able to access the abortion care i needed withinut my community without many obstacles and i wish that for anybody that is pregnant and doesn't want to be. >> the time of the gentle lady isis expired. this issue is life and death issue we will talk about the judiciary implications. what happened, can you still have abortion? >> if casey and roe are overturned in some states there will not be access to abortion

because that will be criminally punished. >> the states will decide didn't have a situation and have more liberal states and some conservative states but ultimately the states will make the decision how we will fund it as a country. the courtde will make these decisions, so who do you think should make the final decision which entity is at the federal level? >> toon be clear there was the fundamental rights that were not just about some states being able to carry on whatever they wanteded to do and where the lis

of black people were actually -- >> we have a constitutional amendment if the states decide to do that and the more you know 5-4 but ultimately which branch of the federal government has the ultimate decision to decide what is protected by the constitution, whichde branch? >> we are giving them that authority or do you believe every time because you don't like decisions so with every time that we do not like some

decisions do you think it is dangerous? >> i would also say that it's the congress that has the role in american law that ratifies the amendment abolishing slavery and the congress ratifies the amendment that provided a citizenship and equal protection under d law to people who were freed from human enslavement it was this congress that then struck down jim crow law in the states. we have a process of the supreme

court ruling. do you think this is still a valid process of the constitutional republic? >> thank you so much for that question. that is the process of the republic and it has been important the supreme court and the congress has the states that wanted to enforce and enslavement and trafficking and it's been this congress that has played a pivotal role. >> do you think congress should be exercising pressure by packing the court or do you think it is important to have the constitutional republic what do you believe is a good idea regardless of what it is o becae it comes outut from both sides? >> it's an important question

being able to operate independently and that is critically important such as the hearing today connected to urgent health care matters in the united states into so i'm glad thatim you and your colleagues are hosting this particular hearing. >> but i hope that we have a constructive conversation because we have a separation of power and it's important to hold. >> thank you forld convening the experts to discuss the ongoing crisis in the country. abortion is healthcare. plain and simple. the decision whether to become n parent is the most important that they can make in their life and one of the decisions with her to have an abortion should be hers alone, period. across america every day being dismantled by politicians

usually men pushing false narratives to control women's bodies. the ultimate goal as a nationall ban on abortion in america. they are pushing for deeply terrified criminalized not only for getting an abortion but for miscarriage and treatment and they are hunted down and arrested. it issc incredible to me this fundamental enshrined more than 50 years ago is again up for debate. it's unbelievable we are having this debate after the disastrous effects when women lose access to abortion care so thank you for the witnesses today to explain why access to abortion teservices is so vital in something you shouldn't have to do but apparently still needs to be done. and with that, a couple questions. first, can you discuss when one considers it happens in ten to

15% of known pregnancies, can you discuss the abortions where you have concerns people may be investigated or prosecuted for miscarriages and the dangers that exist from criminalizing pregnancy across america and have the courts begun to do that? >> thank you for that question. this is urgently important. in the late 1980s and the 1990s black women and around women in cases in mississippi a 16-year-old charged with murder because she had a stillbirth and the first in the country to be hcharged with murder and a young african-american woman in her early 20s.

individuals who want to carry their pregnancies to term but are in a hostile environment and in communities where t they are toxicy and it might make their pregnancies vulnerable people are afraid to seek medical care because of the possibility of being criminally punished and it also creates information on their patients that want to be able to get good quality healthcare and we certainly don't need to seek criminally punishing them.m. >> you were being asked some pretty wild theoretical questions earlier about abortions halfway out of the birth canal which of course is not how abortion happens in the country. it isn't a thing. it's good intelligence. it's not true. when your time was cut short can you give an actor accurate

picture what percentage happened in the first 12 weeks and can you explain the scenarios later in a pregnancy? >> it is very few that require it's important to keep in mind we have to consider the viability being more advanced gestational age so sometimes pregnancies that have progressed later but are later determined to have the lethal anomaly those are the ones in that instance where a personon may opt to terminate in those instances where it may not be valuable outside of the womb.

>> to be the first person to get the correct pronunciation during the process thatpe you described do you feel that your judgment was trusted and what should we learn from your experience in terms of being in the best position to hold those judgments? >> i believe i was trusted because there are no restrictions on the access to care at the time i think people are not trusted now and if that is happening as a result of the restrictions in place and i want to address my response to the question i trust people to make decisions about their body and just because he asked the question over and over again.

the science that proves it in its own blood type and fingerprint and continues to advance. revoking the rights of the

ongoing crisis in abortion care access but the suppose it rights rightto abortion isn't found ane in the text of the constitution. it was created by the judicial power when the court usurped the power of the elected officials at the state and federal level to and created the right that did not exist. we are a nation of laws and the rule of law works when we follow the text of both the constitution and the law made by elected officials not when the courts create the law out of thin air. if someone thinks there is a long needed within the used the political process and allow elected officials that represent the voices of the people that elected them to determine what should be. this is how the rule of law works. unfortunately, the roe v wade decision, the supreme court abruptly ended the political process. they created the right that

didn't exist. the bad jurisprudence should be and should go back to elected officials. bi was glad to hear them denoue the week. too many democrats have been silent despite lecturing us in the committee and elsewhere about institutional norms into the importance of following the regular order. it was a break of institutional norms, trust and confidentiality. democrats did not immediately denounce that it is most still not have done so shows that their words are hollow. they are for institutional norms only when -- take this hearing for example as missus foster so rightly put it in her written testimony by holding the hearing before the decision comes outcome of this committee risks the appearance of exerting and proper influence over the

judiciary by critiquing the unfinished draft the public wasn't meant to see. thank you for that. institutional norms and order mean we shouldn't be having this hearing at all. the majority is clearly hoping to pressure the supreme court to influence the decision. if you care about the rule of law and institutional norms, stop attacking the supreme court. denounce it as a despicable act that it is and denounce the bullying of the supreme court justices at their homes and in public, stop to support the overturning of roe v wade so that elected officials can once again make, the law and stripped the courts. with that, missus foster, i want to ask if there's anything in theon questions and the answers you've been hearing is there anything you would like to add to the discussion? >> ith would point out no one on the other side of the aisle has seemed to say a word about increasing resources or pregnant

and parenting women and getting women out of bad situations. every abortion story there is a common threat and that is every woman that's had an abortion has been let down in some way, myself included.d. but we were given a one-size-fits-all solution. we were not given individual rights for resources and support and life-affirming options we were pushed towards abortion. that's why i appreciate what you and your colleagues are doing and i am so grateful you are here standing for the human rights of all human beings. for 50 years, pro-life have been standing with the mothers and their children. you talked about pregnancy centers where they wrap their arms around those women and those babies before and after

birth and for many yearswh we he been doing that and we hope to continue that but after roe v wade so thank you for being here and with that i will yield back. >> i want to direct my questions to missus goodwin. thank you for your virtual presence as well as your legal expertise. it seems to me to be a conflict between those of us want to make sure that a woman has the freedom to make her own healthcare decisions and those who want to criminalize healthcare. the women of the country with government mandatedd pregnancies even in the cases of rape and

incest. the opinion by justice alito regarding the women's health organization calls for the removal of the constitutional rights for more than 100 million american women i believe 167 million to be exact. if justice alito's draft becomes thee final majority opinion of the court, how many years of judicial precedent would the supreme court be overturning? >> if we are talking about roe v wade specifically you would be 49 years as a supreme court jurisprudence. oklahoma 1942 where the united states supreme court made clear the reproductive freedom and autonomy was of human rights in the united states, so it is looking to roe v wade and

involves a reproductive autonomy in 1942 that i decided that was unconstitutional. >> this is an extraordinary step the court may take a runaway right-wing radical majority of the supreme court. to justify the opinion in the draft, justice alito quotes and refers to sir matthew hale, i believe approximately 98 times. is that correct? >> a number of times. i can't express exactly the number of times, but it is alarming nonetheless. it also meant women could be legally beaten and raped by their husbands. >> trust me, we are going to get there. now, justice alito describes as

a great and eminent legal eminence legalauthority is that? >> that's correct. >> mr. chair, i ask unanimous consent to enter into the record the judge who treated women as witches and property. without objection? >> and english judge from the mid-1600s sentenced to women to death hee deemed as witches. is that correct? >> that may very well be correct. those that supported those ideas and views. >> the so-called legal scholar is the one who was the

foundation for the most frequently cited of the infamous maritalsi rape exception. is that true? >> that is correct. >> he once wrote the husband cannot be guilty of a rape committed by himself upon his wife for the mutual matrimonial consent and contract the wife has given of herself unto her husband which she cannot retract sors sadly viewed women as property that could be violently raped and abused without consequence, is that true? >> that is true. >> most of the basis for the draft opinion and doctrine stems

from the misogynistic so-called scholar from the 17th century who died before a single word of the constitution was written. is that true? >> that is correct. and he's not from the united states. >> end of the motion that these are individuals who want to speak about original intent and would discard 49 years of federal precedents here as outrageous, problematic and that is what will undermine the confidence of the american people in the judiciary. we are going to continue to stand for the freedom of a woman ndto make her own healthcare decisions. thank you for your testimony. the gentle man yields back. >> thinks mr. chairman. on the one hand, the focus of the hearing seems to be on the draft opinion as we just heard from the last gentle man out of from several of the questioners on the other side.

the timing of this hearing makes it suspect in and of itself. the line of questioning, but it seems to be is putting or attempting to intimidate the justices and in some ways is going to encourage the continued advocacy for the judges and as dhs is going to anticipate increased violence. but in a way, that whole thing, that whole aspect is a distraction because this isn't about the necessarily end isn't present about saving a mom's life. it's one tenth of 1% of all pregnanciess advances in medical technology have developed so far that it's almost always possible to save the lives of both mom and baby. this isn't about pregnant man or how you define women and it isn't about personal autonomy

about the individual individuality, whether it feels pain, recognizes voices et cetera. what this is about is nearly 65 million little persons who have been aborted, killed since the roe v wade decision. this is about killing babies. that is what this is about today. appearing on msnbc to fantasize about having sex with a person that leaked the draft opinion of jackson and then joyfully aborting the baby out of spite if iter turned out it was a conservative. this is about the arizona state senator, democratic d state senator arguing his own foster children should have been aborted. this is about the lieutenant governor saying abortion without any lament is sacred. about a change in the cultural attitude. this marks a significant shift, significant shift in what we

have discussed over time about abortion where even hillary clinton said in 2008 should be safe, legal and rare. that isn't the debate anymore from the left. this is about shouting they are taking a life. and i am quoting here this is about shouting they are taking a life from the innocent and the woman isn't a big deal. norm mcdonald once marked the suggestion of the time frame to the worst aspect of disgrace could mean the sexual crimes were, quote, the hypocrisy. norm responded i think it was the raping. most rapists are hypocrites. a man willing to commit an enormous sins but more easily commit lesser and one the struggles to imagine a more egregious than killing and innocent little baby. this is about the left trying pro-life station to shut up when pro-life kids protest roe v wade andby pray for it to be overturd but for groups to violate the law and supreme court justices

to intimidate them. or when they failed like the crisis pregnancy center in wisconsin or oregon were churches and houses of worship who preached the sanctity of life or remain silent when the attorney general who wants pro- abortion o protesters to refrain from harassing worshipers gets his window shot at or when the secretary of the treasury testifies abortions actually are good for the economy forget the economy of the life of the unborn. the left will stop at nothing to advance this radical agenda. wlast week during the markup oe of the colleagues said nothing will be enough to protect the democracy into fundamental rights for this majority end of the court to its rightful place in the minority and into history by experiencing the supreme court. we have heard, is abortion an act of love?

>> never. >> are pro-life policies racist? >> absolutely not. >> the reason i ask that is. part of the systems of oppression and the indigenous constitutional rights. is that accurate, ms. foster? >> absolutely not. the pro-life policies are meant to protect all human beings. >> thank you. my time is up in bible yelled back.

>> -- i yield back. >> we talk about a decision that is so personal and one that families and individuals with their families and friends make often times at the kitchen table. it's one of those few decisions in your life that will require you toto consult with your fries and family. it's like deciding what career you're going to pursue, whether you want to have a family, who you are going to marry. and it's a decision for our family that we don't want the government to be a part of at all. for my wife, the decision to have three children was her decision. a be decision she made in

consultation with her husband, her friends and her family. for every woman in america that has to make that decision, it's a decision that they have the right to make with their friends, their family, the individuals they choose to consult. and in no way should these guys over here be a part of her decision. they have no right to be at that kitchen table as she makes that very personal decision about whether she wants to be a parent or not and that's what they are asking for. they want to be at the kitchen table. they want to tell her whether she should or should not be able to be a parent. they don't want to be at the

kitchen table for anything else after the baby is born. they don't want to be there at all to help her finance the family. they walk away from every piece of legislation that we have that would help mothers feed their kids. they don't want to be there to help the mother educate her children. they don't want to be there to help her get a child care tax credit or child tax credit that could be permanent. they don't want to be there to fund the education and good schools in the neighborhood or to take the most dangerous weapons out of the hands of the most dangerous people that could kill that kid at the elementary school, to make college more affordable. they just want to be there to tell her she has to have a government mandated pregnancy and if she doesn't do if she is a criminal.ve that is what they want to be

there for. if this opinion is finalized, will this open the floodgates to allow states too criminalize a woman's personal healthcare decisions? >> yes, it well and we have already seen the signs of that coming from the state legislatures that have been the most active in drafting various kinds of bands evenat before no. >> would this invite states to pass more restrictive laws that would provide more rights to a rapist into his victim? >> we've already seen that and have an bolded and even the

family members to be able to sue a woman that has been sexually assaulted and raped. >> and from this opinion, does itxu also flow that you could abandon contraception? >> absolutely. some of the decisions that criticize justices that supported roe v wade, those are the same justices in griswold versus connecticut in this draft opinion if made a reality in june it would mean potentially that even contraception's could be something that could be outlawed and this is the court thatra might allow that. >> thank you again for holding this hearing. these guys do not belong at the kitchen table with any woman inn america as she makes this very personal decision. and we know that if they force

this decision on somebody, they are not going to be there for anything else. and i yield back. >> at this time the committee will stand in recess for five minutes. the committee stands in recess. >> the committee will come to order. mr. mcclintock. >> there are two issues before us. one is the judicial issue over the role of the court in the constitutional framework, which we should be defending, and the policy question of abortion which wee should be debating. i think it's all right to vigorously debate or protest a supreme court decision. i think it's all right to change laws or amend the constitution and response to a decision but itpr is not all right to

intimidate the justices during their deliberations. the judiciary is supposed to be focused on the wall the constitution. it's the one branch of government that is insulated from politics and political pressures for that very reason. just as often depicted as blindfolded because it's supposed to take no note of the politics or personalities before them or their favoritism or bias that is attached to them. one exception can be found in our own supreme court chamber and the justice is not blindfolded when she's looking to the constitution. >> the supreme court fulfills this function by an extensive process of exchanging argumentso and testing the various reasons and opinions among the nine justices in the sanctityy and security of knowing that as they format of modifying and protect their positions that process will remain confidential so they

can feel free to alter their opinions with facts and reason dictates thatsi this process is essential to the role of the court. that the unprecedented breach of the confidentiality by the leagued of the draft opinion is catastrophic to the process. for the chairman of the house judiciary committee to minimize this development as a distraction, i personally find it appalling and alarming. it is i'm afraid a very dangerous milestone in the attacks on the constitution and its fundamental institutions. there is no blinking of the fact they've refused to protect the deliberations of the cord from political pressure and influence unand indeed they launched the effort to apply the political pressure by threats such as those we heard from senator schumer recently and intimidation such as assembling mobs in front of justices homes and refusing to prosecute those

crimes under our law and by using the legislative branch to attack a draft opinion while it's being considered by the court along with explicit if they don't get their way. that is the judicial crisis that we face into the judiciary committee not only is not standing in defense of the judiciary but it's leading the attacks. conservatives for 50 years have uproar to the decision but we've never employed such tactics as we see from the left today. now if the draft becomes the decisionor of the court, the decision over abortion becomes a policy matter again that rightfully belongs to the people through their elected representatives here in this branch or more precisely the legislative branches of the 50 states. this debate isro appropriate in this body before this committee and by the way that is all the decision says. i agree with of the chair man but the decision to become a

parent is uniquely personal which the government has no right d to intrude upon but the point of the question is when does one become a parent and that is at the center of this debate. you said you trust people to decide what to do with their own bodies. is thatid accurate? >> i would go a step further and say nobody has the right to tell you what to do with your own body. would you agree? >> yes. >> then we have a perfect agreement on that but before we go on i also have to ask the question if this is solely about your body, does the process. stopyour heart from beating? does it suck your brains out

with your schooling to tear your limbs from your body? >> if you cannot answer that urquestion we have to entertain the possibility that maybe we are talking about another human being as well who has rights that have to be balanced through the walls that need to be talked about in forms like this that represent all the people where the strap would place that decision. ms. foster as a society we have a consensus if a human being has a brainwave and a heartbeat, they have an indisputable right to life. they cannot be legally harmed. >> of the time of the gentle man is expired. >> that is a standard that we apply. is that also a standardth we should applyot at the beginningf life? >> absolutely is, yes. >> the time of the gentle man is expired. >> thank you mr. chairman.

abe lincoln once wrote a beautiful passage in which he compared the constitution and declaration and said it is like a silver picture framing the apple of gold and the apple of gold he said his liberty for eachch and every person in the country end of the silver frame exists to protect the employees led to the constitution exists to protect freedom. the apple doesn't exist to protect the frame. today both democracy and freedom are under siege in the country. right-wing extremists and fanatics want to destroy both the silver a frame of the constitutional democracy and they came here to show us they mean business on january 6th of last year and also the golden apple of personal freedom to make our own decisions about the most intimate and personal decisions that we could make. they've brought mob violence to the constitution of the united states threatening to hang the

vice president to overthrow a democratic election andth now ty are about to do violence to the constitution and the doctrine of the right to privacy. a freedom a tens of millions of americans and women have considered central to their ability to lead and conduct their business as citizens of the country. this is an illuminating hearing mr. chairman. own witness, the witness they called is candidly and openly calling for a nationwide ban on all abortions with no exceptions for rape or incest. if i've got that wrong i would invite ms. foster to correct me. >> if we added exceptions, would you vote for it? >> i would reclaim my time of

course. this is i a position for a government compelled childbirth in all cases soof extreme that t excludes the vast majority of c americans of all political persuasions, talk for example to the republican colleagues who is written movingly of her own rate at age 16 and she refused to stand down before antichoice extremists in south carolina who wanted to criminalize abortion as this witness does in every single case, in all the cases. the party wants toti turn what s today and what has been for 50 years a constitutional right into a federal crime and they want to do it before the fourth of july. i want america to reflect on what's going on here. my wife and i have been parents for 30 years. there's nothing i'm proud or

overly in raising human beings of great decencye and character. i've only been in public for 15 years, half that time i venture to say i've h come to know politicians pretty well and i hope and must say i trust my 29-year-oldan and 25-year-old daughter is infinitely more to make the personal life planning decisions about when, where and how to start their families and all of the related health care decisions about their bodies and lives than i would ever trust the class of politicians to make those decisions for them and that's what thisul is about. i've served with great public officials from both parties, people w like john lewis, liz cheney,pu nancy pelosi but i wouldn't trust even the best politicians to make those judgments for my daughter's. much less what i trust the

politicians who are fighting to criminalize abortion in all cases with no exceptions even violent rape and incest all across america. why would we put this decision in the hands of those people? abraham lincoln was right about something else. he said government cannot and/or public half slaves. he said government cannot and/or half slave and half free. and ultimately i am sure that he is as right about the 21st century as he was about the 19th century. we are not going to be able to endure half free and have half controlled by the government. i tremble for my country when i contemplate what this five justice majority is about to do to the country. i will yield back to you

mr. chairman. >> mr. jordan. >> there've been a number of statements made by the other side this morning and now this afternoon. i just don't think they are accurate. one is that the court and republicans want to go after other rights. i want to read from the draft decision page 62 majority rights in the draft opinion to ensure the decision is not misunderstood or mischaracterized we emphasize our decision concerns the constitutional right to abortion and nothing in the opinion should be understood without precedents that do not concern abortion. they said there's no question what republicans won. want.they want the law that republicans are radical. is respecting the sanctity of life, ms. foster, is understanding all life is precious, that we are endowed with that by our creator the special right to life mentioned in the document that started this whole thing, is there anything radical about that? >> not at all.

>> life is precious, isn't it? >> the most precious thing. we cannot exercise any other right. >> here's what the court said. the court said we are not even going to make -- we are going to leave it to the respective states and the state questioned the decision in front of the court written about in the draft opinion in mississippi they said 15 weeks instead of five weeks unborn child hard begins at eight weeks and begins to move in the womb and the vital organs begin to function at 11 weeks into the diaphragm is developing at 12 weeks and the child has taken on human forms and all relevant respects. that happens even before the deadline they said and we can disagree with that but that is the case in front of the court and they say we will lead to states make this decision into the state of mississippi through elected officials have the law

that says that's radical. what is radical in my mind is the position they take. we just asked a question of one of our colleagues what is radical as the position they take because they say no limit. is that right? >> absolutely accurate you look at the women's health protection act they go so far beyond codifying so to speak they expand and do -- >> i was thinking about last week. you want to talk about radical, tell the members of this committee and the american people what they tried to pass in the senate last week. >> it would wipe out more than 500 protection laws that would invalidate informed consent, parental notification the much less consent. >> go back to that one. so, a minor is going to have a surgery done, this procedure

done and some legislatures say we think it may make sense to tell their mom and dad that they know what's going on and the bill last week got rid of that? >> my children couldn't get aspirin in school without consent but apparently can get an abortion without even notification under the act. >> that sounds radical and that way up.clude all the >> i don't even like to talk about this because it seems wrong. all the way up until just moments before that child is about to be born is that right? >> on their birthday. >> and frankly it is even worse because we had a democrat, former democratic governor in the state not too far from here who said it shouldn't stop there. shouldn't stop there. the governor said no, no, it's not even up to that point which is just unbelievable. it's even past that when someone

can end the life of the week is lithat right? >> he did he was on public radio and said after the child was born and would be kept comfortable while the debate ensued about whether or not the child would be given any kind of medical care. >> that child certainly would have a beating heart and functioning brain and everything else. a democratic governor in the state not far from here who said this, unbelievable. that's the position the american people say wait a minute. we don't want to go there. we don't want that. we would much prefer i believe to loveer legislatures in the respective states put something together that makes sense for their states. that isn't what mississippi said. they don't want toor let that happen because they want the radical bill they tried to pass in the senate last week that would allow all kind of things

to happen the at the american tpeople been distinctively know is wrong. >> thank you mr. chairman. in 2019 i was compelled to share my abortion story is the states pursued abortion ban legislation. you want to know what's radical, a radical and politicized supreme court majority stands poised to take away the basic freedom women and pregnant people must have to make choices aboutco our own bodies and instd to have the government forced pregnancy and here's the thing that really gets me, the hypocrisy of the antifreedom, antiabortion movement that claims to support life r and republican witness and colleagues to facebook about the so-called violencece of abortion when they are the very people pose for funding for contraception to prevent pregnancy and opposed to the child tax credit that reduced hunger or advocated to separate

thousands of immigrant kids from their. or withhold formula for babies at the border in fact states with the most draconian restrictions also have the highest maternal mortality rate. that is the violence here and the hypocrisy i want to examine. so maternal and infant mortality is a raging epidemic and black women and children are especially at risk. what are the antiabortion and antifreedom advocates doing to protect the lives of black mothers and infants and iar hava number of questions so if you answers short. >> they are not doing anything to protect the lives and i appreciate you asking the question. it's effective contraception we need access to healthcare before you become pregnant, access to ecare beyond 60 days postpartum, we need to be able to send our children to child care if we do choose to. , we need access to a affordable

abortion. >> at every turn this movement as you said that is opposing access are the same people who don't wanty to provide healthce to people. how much will abortion bands strain the overburdened health care system in harm the health of pregnant people and women of color? >> thank you for the question. we are already seeing what it looks like for about 50,000 to go into other states trying to access the care they need when we seized 26 other states are going to ban abortion in this draft opinion if t it goes into effect it's going to be exponential. people will be forced to carry their pregnancies longer. that's only if they can access the care and traveling and find childcare and if they can take off work to access thehe care ty needs and if they can afford to pay for their procedures.

then the regular health system especially in texas we've already seen how overrun it is and we are a state that has cut family planning and access to prenatal care. we don't pay attention to the highes maternal mortality rate d in addition to that we haven't expanded medicare. we don't take care of the people that are in our community is now and we have the devastating effects. >> thank you for the work you do. even though did the data is clear that the rate has fallen thanks to the u.s. and unintended pregnancies the organization has written articles and amicus briefs and oppositions to a wide array of reproductive health care services including intrauterine devices, plan b, so they are clearly not interested in preventing unintended pregnancies. in fact justice alito and the decision does note the supreme

court established many other modern rights based on the same reasoning of abortion rights and specifically includes precedence around contraception. professor goodwin, those this movement solely focus on the reversed abortion rights but also to revoke other rights as well? >> other rights within the reproductive health and those associated when justice alito says childcare states how does one do that effectively and where it becomes very difficult to be able to vote in dc. >> in response to mr. jordan my colleagues across the aisle and the fact the supreme court is not aiming to take away the rights in that same draft decision didn't justice alito make reference to several others

that followed the same logic as this decision? >> that's right. >> in the wake of the opinion it is clear that the movement is not pro-life. they are antifreedom and they support abortion bands that would mandate the pregnancy and disproportionately harm people of color. >> to make sure the rights remain thank you and i will yield back. >> of the chair recognizes the gentleman from florida for five minutes. >> more than a 63 million unborn childrenco have been murdered by abortion in thest united states since roe v wade was decided. between 1975 and 2012 it was more than a million a year that equates to more than 2700 children a day whose life was taken during that period. in my state of florida is that is approximately 70,000 a year. luckily but those numbers in

perspective 63 million is more than the m number of deaths in e holocaust, the cambodian genocide and of the armenian genocide combined, 2700 per day is more than the death toll of pearl harbor and just shy of september 11 and if that happens every single day in this country. 70,000 per year is more than the combined populations of the cities of venice, sebring and arcadia in my district everyth single week here in florida alone. a 63 million since roe v wade and many of them are adults now and would be contributing to the community as an economy making the world a better place but they never have the chance because the court created a right where none existed in the law. at some point in the 20th century liberals developed a bizarre obsession with a sinister misuse of science and ignored the text of the constitution and the declaration of independence. the will of the electorate and nearly two centuries of the

supreme court precedent to mandate each state legalized abortion in the infamous decision that even its ideological supporters have a hard time defending on legal grounds. roe v wade took the discretion and required every state in the union to allowow the killing of thee unborn. congress has never passed a bill legalizing the killing of unborn children in the country and recent attempts in the congress to do so have thankfully been stopped by a member of their own party. the supreme court in the right despite no law allowing it ignored the effect of such a right had never been recognized in the 184 year history of the court. today we stand on thelo verge of writing the wrong but instead of accepting the fact into turning their attention to the crisis by inflation, gas prices are crime epidemic they are doubling down on the obsession with killing the unborn and as has been

eluded to recently they sought to legalize abortion up to the point of birth. some democrats have now explained how they would euthanize children outside of the womb shortly after they were born then explained the procedure they would take to accomplish it. the biggest focus right now is making sure no jurisdiction in america can do anything to stop the killing of a nine -month-old baby in the womb. their infatuation and admiration for abortion is one of the most shameful occurrences in history. you want to talk about the genocide but no further than the united states over 63 million and counting children have been killed in the name of choice. and of course democrats can't let your hypocrisy get in the way of the accomplished mission. they couldn't bring the issue up at the opening statement and there was another member that's eluded to it the same people that call the protesters domestic terrorists and insurrectionist's are a cheering on protesters violating federal law as they age and attempt to

intimidate and of course biden's weaponize damned politicized department of justice would rather investigate parents protesting of school boards to turn a blind eye to the violation of the criminal law what is happening in the justices homes and i'm sure if we had the trump supporters in the homes of liberal judges it would be the next threat to democracy. the swat teams with what democrats call weapons of mass destruction. so, missus foster in the limited time can you speak further about the other abortionists? >> absolutely. that is another way the industry makes money.

it's about the misinformation and intimidation. what's true is we are in favor of supporting life and protecting all human beings. we did that for pregnant and parenting human beings and for children in the womb. we shine a light on exactly what planned parenthood is doing with the bodies of these children that it aborts and other abortion industry layers. all too frequently they are selling these parts for research, examination. we've heard even that it's been exposed to that they are often even burned, incinerated in order to power the streetlamps. that is simply inhumane and is the core of the industry is treating people like things and stripping away the humanity of

human beings that science has known for many decades long before that we saw even on the cover of time. >> the gentlewoman from florida is recognized for five minutes. >> thank you madam chair and thank you to all the witnesses for being here. today. you know, after sitting here listening to this for a while it's a difficult to know exactly where to start, but i think i will start here. i grew up in a rural part of florida. my parents were poor, but they were good, decent, honest people who taught their seven children to be good, decent and honest. my mother was in church every sunday so that meant i was in church every sunday. about my mother taught me to not just listen to a sermon.

she taught me to try to be a sermon, to practice what i heard preached, to treat people with respect and leave them with their dignity. because of that, i made a decision a long time ago that i would dedicate my life to service. of that i wanted to protect people. i decided the best way for me to do that was to become a police officer. madam chair i can tell you as a police officer i cannot tell you the number of times i may havei disagreed with people's personal choices, beliefs and decisions, but i took an oath that i would protect them and their constitutional rights to those

decisions. that's what sets us apart from every other nation. your family, your life, your religion, your circumstances, your beliefs, your bodies. it is what makes this the greatest nation on planet earth. i swore as a police officer and so did we in this body that we would protect that. as a police i've investigated to sexual assault, rape and incest. imagine, and i'm speaking to all of my colleagues, if you are willing, the trauma associated with these types of attacks and abuse, the darkness, the hopelessness, the humiliation, the shame.

madam chair, certainly it appears that these politicians have no shame. on the one hand they shout government needs to get out of our >> to what a woman does with her body. there has been a lot of talk about the league or perhaps the leaker is a conservativeke who just has to believe that roe v wade is the law and is

appalled at the plan to overt turn it in simply sounded the alarm. can't we just stop trying to control america's daughters? and with a thoughtful potential. and then trust him to. why do you think there's disagreement between state law and consistent polling why do you think that state laws areth inconsistent with reliable

polling showing broad support for the right to an abortion? professor quick. >> to try to dismantle the rule of law of our democracy roe vs wade those were a republican appointed but what we see today is antithetical to that. >> i yield back. >> this hearing in the context is being offered and the title of it is an ongoing effort of the radical left to influence the supreme court through intimidation the decision never should have been leaked and right now what is happening here what the democrats are doing is to amplify the leak in order to try as a last-ditch effort to

influence the decision. >> you mentioned in your opening statement something that i think needs to be explored more talk about euphemisms you didn't really get a chance to discuss those euphemisms but can you tell us what that euphemistic languages that the radical left uses to describe abortion and why they do that. >> and assure president biden they use terms like comp of cells or things like that they don't admit it is a child in the womb anyone who has seen an ultrasound can recognize

humanity back at the end of the day we're all a comp of cells that replicate and divide for the baby is doing inside the womb they multiply on their own without somebody causing that also pregnancy tissue and then to remove the pregnancy tissue. products of conception or medicall waste you have discussed that they refer to babies is medical waste once aborted. and describing ending the life abortion care? who is being taken care of their? birth control that is the

consequence of the lack of birth control but the process of ending the life of an unborn baby and abortion clinic even the name of the leading abortion clinic is deceptive in itself. planned parenthood that is the lack of planning the unplanneden thing that has happened now they try to treated like an emergency when it should be the birth of the baby those who would prematurely end of the life of their baby are a called patients my body my choice i remember when i was young and before i learned how babies came about i've that when they said my body my choice they were talking about whatever was inside of the woman was part of their body

but the baby is not the body of the woman it's inside of why do you think they use this language. >> those that are referenced in the opening statement abortion is discourage plain and simple it is presented asab a solution and it's a crime that we have to do better than this because ourof constitutional democracy is at stake if abortion has improved conditions can't we close the gap in the last 50 years right now inequality is greater than ever so please with the idea.

>> i think they are using these words to deceive because they are describing what they are doing when abortion causes far fewer people would choose that so i think they'd do it to deceive but they hold out hope the reason they use that language those the abortion industry has a conscience they know what they are doing is wrong and they come up with the language that allows them to end a life at the same time knowing it is morally and ethically wrong i yield backow the balance of my time. >> you recognize myself for five minutes. >> thank you to chairman out there for calling the hearing in the witnesses to cellular about american reproductive

freedom and for my entire adult life abortion is recognized as a legal form of healthcare and so has a growing number of contraception's that means i have the freedom to decide when and if i become apparent i did decide this with my husband of three wonderful children have the freedom to make that decision on my own terms after i completed college and law school at the freedom to make the decision on service physically emotionally ready to take the step have the freedom to make that decision once i was ready to spend 30 months being pregnant with all the i temporary and permanentsi physical changes and ready to spend the next 30 years and counting nurturing those children putting their needs ahead of my own. i can make those decisions about my health and well-being

because of roe v wade and griswold that americans have human rights and constitutional rights to privacy and liberty went to become apparent in him to marry ourselves and those that are most closest to us medical providers our faith leaders free from government interference and control we heard from some of today's witnesses lacking that choice had a huge impact on their lives have also seen the impact on the health and well-being of clients are represented as a lawyer to make reproductive decisions free of interference those decisions are complex and should be made by a woman based on the financial and

ioother circumstances and that the government does not belong in control of that decision we are at a point to indicate the supreme court is poised to overturn will be weighed which will threaten access to abortion care to undermine other personal privacy rights the purpose of this hearing is to support this but those have already exercised undue influence on the supreme court decision by packing the court with far right justices. the purpose is exactly as the title suggests to examine the likely impact to make reproductive health care decisions that will be weighed has overturned opening the door to increasingly restrictive laws restrictive laws and an outright national

ban on abortion care last fallab the house voted to pass the women's health protection act to codify many rights enshrined in row v wade in kc the senate needs to join us to protect these rights and if the current senate will not pass the bill than the majority of americans who support freedoms of reproductive healthcare decisions without government interference we need to know we need to change the senateth restricting access we cannot go back to an era of criminalized abortion so one of the priorities in congress those an unnecessary break of mortality the healthcaree emergency disproportionately affects my constituents adi pregnancy related death rate that far exceeds that of similar developed countries and is exponentially worse for women of color the vast majority are almost entirely

preventable and with abortion healthcare on the chopping block i'm very concerned how maternal mortality would be affected across the country. can you address thatt question for me, doctor robinson? > yes. i have taken care of pregnant people for more than 17 years being a physician i do understand their circumstances where people do need access to the full gamutic of options including abortion care. and those with the compassionate abortion care to have the highest maternal mortality rates. and that's the thing we need to focus on to give patientsat what they need like to make sure they have access to care

and not just once they become pregnant and to make sure theyo can continue that access to care past the postpartum period. >> at this time i would recognize the gentleman from texas for five minutes. >> earlier somebody was saying what sets us apart as a country and i would suggest it is life liberty and the pursuit of happiness and that framework that protects that. a quick question a lot has been made about the implications with respect to race on the roe v wade opinion coming down this summer. word you agree that 30 percent of abortions are black babies quick. >> tragically yes. >> 21 percent hispanic baby. >> yes. >> numbers or questions have been raised about rape and

incest. i did have an exchange with my colleague from maryland if he would accept limits on abortion if there was an exception for rape and incest. can you clarify for the record how the institute is an arm of planned parenthood quick. >> yes. >> according to data that i have those less than half are connected to rape and incest. does that line up with your understanding quick. >> data suggest low most women seeking leader termination it's not due to anomaly but relationship issues are financial hardship or not being ready to be a period with us as a loving community we could come alongside the woman. >>io yes or no do you believe

the answer would be a yes or no? it would be a no. we do not accept limits even at one.5 percent you made a couple of points about taxes not being a particularly hospitable place. with women as it relates tort abortion and a point of lack of care providing for women. so there are a in a half pro pregnancy counseling centers for every one abortion clinic in the state of texas then to appropriate $100 million for women's healthcare. my question is in light of that and in light of texas tos

be an inhospitable place are you aware how many people have moved to texas in the last decade? do you know the number? >> i don't know but the clinic that you are referring to. >> 4 million people have moved to the state of texas in the last decade that ise the population of the entire state of alabamaw right choice. in the last decade. with one other question, ms. robinson. >> can i finish my answer? >> i did not ask you a question about that. ms. robinson what is the latest you have performed an abortion in terms of weeks of the unborn child? >> yes i am doctor robinson i perform abortion care and alabama. >> what is the answer quick. >> we have passed restrictions

on abortion care which limits physicians like myself. >> so you would like to do it later what is the latest. >> i always follow the law i perform up to gestational age. >> you have done at 20 weeks as ian understand that that is dilation and extraction. have you performed abortions at that stage and in doing so have you had baby parts you haveti had to discard or store in some capacity quick. >> what you have done throughout this hearing is usingin inflammatory language. >> it is a simple question. have you had human baby parts, arms, legs as a result of abortion when you said you have perform. >> as an abortion provider.

and. >> so the answer to the question is obvious so there are baby parts and you don't want to talk about how they are being stored. you don't want to talk about putting them into freezers or the pyrex dishes or from planned parenthood from the gulf coast. >> the gentleman's time is expired. >> if you don't mind me answering i have never seen that healthcare settings ever. we don't puttl baby parts in freezers or pyrex dishes. >> your timeba is expired.

>> we appreciate you being under such stress i struggled to get pregnant we did everything we could to start a family of our own and finally mean were successful. i have never beenyt so happy and i prayed for this moment for so many years. i wanted to tell everyone i want to shout from all of the mountaintops four weeks. to dream about her life and her future together. and then one day i will cap covered in blood. it is hard to describe the agony of a miscarriage. the heartbreak and the

helplessness it's pain and profound sadness. millions of women suffer from them and i have heard from many that felt guilty like i did you felt as though we were not worthy of having a child. those of the same feelings that crept through my mind and every time i had these difficult discussions of other women, i remind them they are strong and powerful beyond measure and there worth is more than their ability to procreate but those that are in support of this ruling disagree itt seems. after my second miscarriage i wondered in my grief again if god had decided i was never meant to be a mother.ne

and then i was overjoyed. i believe god was giving me and my husband finally he had a plan for us to be parents. after formants i was rushed to the emergency room. and there was my doctor and my w husband and that i had had a stillbirth. there again i was filled with english. with the new be better to the medicine so commonly used. so i gave my dead fetus was

carried waiting for me to go into labor for two weeks people would pass me on the street telling me how beautiful i looked in to say they were so excited for me and my future with my child. and then the trauma that comes with it i never went into labor on my own. when the doctor finally induced me i faced the pain of labor without help for afi living child. this is my story. it is uniquely my story. and yet it is not so unique.

millions of women in america. women in this room, women at your homes and women you love and cherish have suffered a miscarriage. after which a failed pregnancy would have been from the first miscarriage with the use a drug to abort the lost fetus would you put me in jail after the second miscarriage. that guilt after losing the pregnancy would you put me behind bars after my stillbirth after i was forced

to carry a dead fetus four weeks after asking god if i would ever be of the research showed mild and then to the sameab medicine that texas would make illegal. about mmx abortion murder miscarriage manslaughter i want to know that next woman who has a miscarriage and then to carry dead fetus to term so for the women in your life who stories you do not know and those that you may not dounderstand and for the women in america who have gone to things that you cannot comprehend reproductive health healthcare.

not politicians and officials we have a choice we can be the nation that rolls back the clock and the rights of women to strip them of their liberty or be the nation of choice where every woman can make her own choice because freedom is our right to choose. >> this hearing is called because of an imminent peril you're the only witness is having expertise in the law. did you condemn the leak of the draft opinion? >> it is absolutely unprecedented.

>> do you condemn it was it wrong? >> and then to deliver a privately. and that you use she/her pronouns you are medical doctor. what is a woman quick. >> that's why i use those pronouns. >> what is a woman quick. >> it support we educate people like you about why we're doing the things that we do. the reason i use she and her pronouns as i understand people who become pregnant that may not identify that way and it is discriminatory to

speak to people or to call them in such a way as a desire not to be called if we respect each individual person. >> you answer my question what is a woman? >> i am a woman. >> which pronouns do you use? i will respect you how you want me to address you. >> see you gave me of an example you are a woman. can you tell me what a woman is? is that comprehensive as you canat give me so answering my question is part of theo message went to deliver.

>> yes it is my time i'm trying to ask you questions that is the purpose to uncover things you're not answer the question lessons part of the message you want to deliver? >> it's difficult to hear you we were talking at the same time. >> what do you say a woman is. >> everyone can identify for themselves. do you believe that men can become pregnant and have abortions and then to decree any running as president to exempt from evaluation and

that is the norm but not any natural command. and then plessy and lochner would still be the law and all the subject to evaluation of the court so the ability to review is important and that's another thing and then to strip away protection that has been made particularly with the starry decisiveness thatle

they respect to that. >> and then to be equally susceptible as plessy versus ferguson. >> one of the things we have not talked about in just a couple years ago and then to further uphold the principles of roe vs wade. >> i yield back my time has expired. >> i want to think our witnessess it has been challenging and then to in fact completely ignore how difficult it is it's more

difficult to listen to them of how women should plan their future and that they believe they should be the ones to stand between a woman and her doctor. it is shockinge to me and then the dark days to return women into. want to share a story briefly. once the supreme court draft was made public, and incredible mother approached me to share her story of abortion she is pregnant with her third child they bought a could then prepare the room and were fortunate they had a

means to provide for their baby. and in the final trimester she heard the horrific news that her baby was not viable and then she learned if she carries the baby to term, she would likely died leaving her kids motherless. leaving her husband so she made the decision to terminate a pregnancy that she had planned for and that they should tell women how to live their lives and then to usurp the authority of a physician

those outside the clinic who were taunting this mother who could not even mourn the loss of her baby because she had to hear the screams of people judging her and yelling at her. those who believe those extreme colleagues are not coming for you they are coming for you.yo i have heard absolute proof that they want to ban abortion there is no state where government forced would not be happening if justice alito says they're not coming for h

you just remember this is a supreme court majority it is like a majority without integrity and the people who are trying to stand between you and your doctor are the same people who is paid family medical leave and the same people who voted against haaccess to childcare some moms could go work to provide for their babies in the same people who voted against universal prepay so moms could give their babies a fighting chance for an education and the same people who put guns ahead of the lives of schoolchildren as we know they send their kids to school terrified and these are the

same people who champion the trump policies a family separation summits remember who the people in congress are that support families and value mothers and babies. if we want to reduce abortion then we provide free contraception and widely accepted sex education. doctor robinson, they have been trying to obscure your voice and speaking of you and the remaining 30 seconds anything you like to correct the record? >> yes one of the things i want to say is there is no doubt in my mind and that i do understand some people believe

that life begins at conception and then that is everybody's belief system and to bring their values and that life begins at conception never to have an abortion ever in their life and i also feel that we should respect for those who do decide and abortion is right forls them. >> i am so sorry about the i situation with the person that you spoke about to face the harassment as she went in my patients face that on a daily basis because she could not get that care in the hospital this is reality for many patients. >> thank you doctor robinson

remember they are coming for you to. i yield back. >> last week a senate banking committee hearing secretary janet yellen said restricted abortions have an effect on the economy secretary yellen argued in the life of an unborn child and very aware of the founders of planned parenthood secretary yellen the valuation of life that is very concerning in the 1946 book where she shared a vision

and with the eventual extinction and those followers of the civilization. so these are the words of a rabid racist founder of planned parenthood and then responsible for the deaths of the legacy of tens of millions of black babies and other children. and then to be biased and calculated that there is dignity and all work and life

the op-ed published in theha "washington post" that the words are too often disconnected from many americans. and then that reference to the issue of life and those to be disproportionately targeted by the industry and 20 million black babies of last 40 years. then the labor force participation rate secretaryd yellen has concluded these black lives would have been an economic train in our society. and those that founded 80 percent of planned parenthood that targeted one men of color the percent specifically targeting blackd

communities. loving the concept of equity when it comes to the death abortion is not healthcare isto at the intentional death of 60 million human beings and the dignity of work of the god-given right to life if a woman feels abortion has been failed her family, her partner in community and healthcare providers that comes from the joy of watching them grow. and then thank goodness i was

raised by public americans it taught me that the financial status does not define us but also the invaluable treasure and they areer the most precious gifts from loving god and it's never been more important with the founding 80 of the nation and then to be and out by our creator with certain unalienable rights of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness has never been more important. asking consent to put the op-ed abortion is not the way to help single black mothers on the record.

>> that brought me to tears. and i would just say when it comes to helping mothers in difficult situations the last planned parenthood is they perform rent assistance or bill assistance or counseling or continuing education and then compare that to a pregnancy care centers offer and then come tell me that pro-life don't care for children after they are born? give me a break. >> thank you so much fore that. >> we have unanimous consent. spent just to enter into the record from the american association pro-life gynecologist. >> thank you, mr. chair i was shocked to learn the news a

draft decision had leaked from the supreme court but as i read that opinion was shocked turn to disbelief enter into outrage that has been nearly 50 years since the court decided roe vs wade and in the half-century the american people have recognized the constitutional right to an abortion. to make an informed medical decision with her doctor. the constitutional right to exercise control of their own body. the american people support that right my time in public life i have learned although there are wide ranging personal opinions about abortion, most believe the government has no business getting between a woman and her doctor and they believe government has no business forcing a woman who does not want to be pregnant to remain

pregnant they know what their core it's wrong and morally reprehensible to force a victim of assault to carry the rapist child if roe vs wade is overturned that will be the future for women in many states including my state of arizona. signing in ann taylorr abortion law this is no safe harbor for victims of rape or incest somei state legislators working with activist areha gearing up to go even further to outlaw abortion altogether. the american people do not want that. they support roe vs wade in the right to choose to have an abortion and in my state which is evenly split, more than 70 percent of voters oppose making abortion illegal. that may explain why up to this point my republican

colleagues have been more concerned with the leak itself then what the draft decision actually says and what it would mean for a country this issue is about choice and self-determination and liberty that americans believe in those freedoms and rely upon them in the fight to protect them is so important should the draft opinion become the decision of the supreme court and the rationale used to overturn roe vs wade could be used to undermine other fundamental rights including the right to access contraception in the right to marry who you love now today we have heard soth many misstatements and attacks on our esteemed panel of witnesses but to give my time to correct the record and respond to any comments made

here today. >> in the comments today there is a suggestion went on cnn on sunday night and then to band some forms of contraception. but in idaho with idaho public television says they would hold hearings and then to signal into law and with those abortion pills including those that havern to be provided by qualified physicians have also seen states like louisiana

criminalize and punish abortion as homicide and that's just the beginning. >> thank you so much. >> i just want too add to clear up the record there have been a lot of mentions what has been suggested pregnant people areot making a decision just to terminate and that who provides abortion care it is very clear they are thoughtful in this decision and many abortions do take place in the first trimester. however abortion care needs to be accessible as the pregnancy progresses i know it's hard for people to imagine those

circumstances where a person may have to choose to end of pregnancy later and that's why we should leave that to the professionals in the medical professionals. and to suggest we need to keep passing a band as if we would perform an abortion without obtaining consent. that is what we dog is medical professionals there is not any other procedure that we do without obtaining proper informed consent. not even removing a toenail. and that is taking place without representatives having to keep passing bands to put this into place. >> i yield back. >> thank you this is a letter to the member of the house committee for students of life to action. >> thank you very much and

this is terrific in many ways we are having this hearing because this is the beginning point for the american people will really see the details behind roe v wade and rather than a couple of talking points to understand that i believe better what is happening behind the issue iey heard the incendiary rhetoric abortions will be outlawed and they are coming for you and various things like this juste seven years ago we passed the 20 s week bill and while i would have chosen to go to a different place that is what we passed with the consensus of the representatives of the people of the state of wisconsin my colleague from arizona just cited i come from a state evenly split we are

dead definition of an evenly split state but the most important thing is representatives of the people of the state of wisconsin were debating it so here is what we have learned. >> . >> this is the united states of america why should the rights of a citizen? >> the rights of the people of the united states first of all they are imbued by our creator at the founding. but then it is up to the will of the people and that is what rove v wade circumvented, the

role of the people. it was judge made law not from the people of the country. so if i may continue, since roe vs wade this is what we have learned look at the billboards you see all across the country at six weeks the child has a heartbeat 15 weeks they can feel pain and largely we did not know that at roe vs wade but the medical technology in the last 50 years is incredible of what has happened that has shown us the humanity of the baby and the mother's womb. so much has changed and that is part of the reason why you

have seen it appears justices will come to a different conclusion than the judge made law of 1976. is something that should be deeply concerning i chairman and others will say we cannot have this happen here in america. please placen some audio.

[inaudible] >> we are waiting for an audio message left at the wisconsin family action office in wisconsin. the pitcher behind me it was firebombed shortly after the release of the opinion.

>> you will burn as well. you will all burn you are following lives. the next time that goes off, i hope it doesn't yeah -- i hope it doesn't mess. i hope you all >> i'm sorry for the language contained but there were multiple messages sent to the sconce and family action advocacy group that just advocates for life. i see attorney general of the united states will enforce the laws protecting our justices as people attempt to intimidate them i hope the attorney general protects wisconsin family action as i

hope no more groups but a group in madison wisconsin has said this will be the summer of rage in madison wisconsin. i hope everyone rises up to say that is not acceptable of what should be normal discourse here in the united states of america and i hope the attorney general is paying attention and does not treat the wisconsin family action council a key treated theyi parents before the school board. >> your time is expired. >> i yield back. >> thank you mr. chairman for your leadership to convene this switch could be the most important impactful hearing weth will hold for generations to come. my faith and the love for

others to support the freedom for women to make a deeply personal and private decision about their own healthcare as a catholic and christian i'm not one to judge or punish or shame someone who has an abortion. as catholics we are taught to treat those going through uneasy times with kindness and compassion and freedom has no gender is not wrapped in pink or baby blue and government has no place to impose on a woman's freedom for her own noprivate personal decision when it comes to her pregnancy. abortion isin healthcare.n abortion is a human right. period. and the public agrees a reset gallup poll shows that a bear on —- abortion should be safe

and illegal in 75 percent support protecting roe vs wade and we did a survey of over 40000 people and keep in mind 77 percent latino that 76 percent said they favor women's rights to have a safe and legal abortion but the justices ignore and lawmakers may ignore the public but true justice and freedom means safe available and affordable for all but i will start with the doctor have you heard of the case in south texas? >> a young woman whose

self-induced abortion and had problems went to the hospital and they reported her the da charged her with murder. she had to stay two days in jail until she was bonded on half a million dollars bond. >> i'm not familiar. >> if we get rid of roe vs wade which is the goal of the republican party in the extreme supreme court justices and we could go to a situation where we criminalize the care that you and many other provide. the hospital was the one that reported her and the texas trigger law once roe vs wade is overturned then there is a complete ban and if a provider provides any services then they could be charged with a felony. as a provider yourself what is

the opinion of criminalization of abortion care or healthcare? so if the real goal is to protect women to do exactly the opposite it puts physicians in a situation they are not looking for the best interest of their patient to take their own freedom into consideration so it will harm people. >> and to have a chilling effect from doctors are providers or the workers in terms of emergencies. >> we are not post roe vs wade i'yet. >> that we are in texas. >> you are right and that is unfortunate. >> in alabama we are not there

yet and those who have medication that is legal for care that they needed and they fowere afraid they would be breaking the law. professor you heard the governor suggest that we can overturn a 49 year history of law that we should look at the case that tells us in texas of others around the state that all children must be educated regardless of immigration status we have a white supremacist to say if we overturn roe vs wade then overturn brown versus board of education. what is next?oa back the state legislators are saying what you just said is what will be debated.

>> that is unfortunate and there's so much more i could say and with that i yield back and my time is expired. >> . >> thank you want to think the witnesses for participating in the hearing with thech opportunity to call out the supreme court to intimidate and bully the court that is one of the most difficult issues and the judge will face and is also an opportunity for all of us to ask the american people to avoid violence and then to let the process work. and this hearing today even though based on a leaked memo is the evidence of the process working.

sometimes that works slowly it has taken 50 years for this issue to come before the court. and the process does work. the committee has engaged in a lot of discussion about we republicans being pro-life it's only natural we should take the opportunity to call out exactly where the democrats stand on an issue and the best means of doing that is drawing attention to the women's health protection act and he said his could be a dramatic expansion of roe vs wade. can you comment? >> yes in the very same sentence he says he could not support the women health protection act because it was so dramatically expanding rove one —- roe vs wade and would

wipe out what those 500 laws protecting women and children. >> waited not federalize the abortion issue and imposing the right to abortion from the time of conception until the time of birth. >> and there are some that suggested even on the panel that partial groups one —- group abortion doeshe not happe. >> under this act under the potential law partial-birth abortion is on the table or anything else you can think of over 49 years to protect me have had to enact these

hundreds of separate laws to protect women and children after roe vs wade wiped all the laws in all 50 states going beyond what any state had on the books at that time. so this would go even further and it would allow for abortion up to the moment of birth and strip away consent protection, parental notification much less consent, health and safety standards. goes against 50 years of protection and that is what is taking us backward. >> so to be clear attack about the women's health protection act? and to make it clear the assertion that partial-birth abortion and infanticide does not occur does not recognize in that bill and is still allowed isev that correct? >> it is still allowed.t

>> i yield back. >> mr. chairman thank you for holding this urgent hearing and to all of the witnesses, thank you for your testimony. a lot has been said today i have a set of remarks and questions but i just want to address a few things the first thing is i share in the outrage of pablo escobar of what we are hearing from our republican colleagues is the attempt and it would not be happening if the roles were reversed. can you imagine trying to regulate healthcare decisions of men in this country? so many guys don't like to be told to turn down the tv are

clean up after themselves. the idea we would have this concentrated effort to legislative ban on the ability of women to simply make decisions about their own healthcare is absurd on its face in going back in time to a place i have gotten past and it is hypocritical because the opposite would never be allowed to take place. mr. owens also made outlandish comments and he leverage the fact he was black and that was a bit disturbing for me as an african-american myself. it is simply the case of the republican party cared aboutse life that my colleagues would be working with me to pass the george floyd justice andn

policing act. if the republican party today cared about life they would be working with us to extend the expanded child tax credit if the republican party cared about life it would not actively try to undermine or overturn the affordable care act which provided high quality affordable healthcare for tens of millions more people than prior to the democratic congress enactment under barack obama so it support to clarify the record. at the committee markup, a number of my colleagues celebrated the criminalization of abortion as a win for democracy. the supreme court justice evenn blame those whose rights he

intends to the race and wroteam women are not without electoral or political power. but professor you wrote it is offensively naïve to suggest these matters can be resolved at the state level through voting particularly when voting rights are unprotected and voter suppression dominates the political process. since my colleagues don't seem to get it so explain why it's so wrong for republicans to blame women for the gop own war on abortion rights? >> thank you for that question. if they are black, yes. but those five having and abortion and is those that

happen to be black women and those charge within slave meant for the black women and even after the 13th amendment so many jim crow eraev laws that did not dismantle in a state that has continue the success of black people to vote. and to talk about those that were beaten in the best case scenario and with jellybeans in a jar and then could vote that is why it's not just jim crow and failing to pay any attention but that is the part of this. >> the unelected unaccountable

far right supreme court justices encouraging states to seize control of the decision-making power of women across america. politicians forcing women to give birth the government imprisoning patients and their doctors and this is what democracy looks like. but i would submit the american people know better. i yield back. >> the gentleman yields back. >> over the past year and a half we watch president biden continually push anti- life agenda. first the appropriation bill to prevent taxpayer funding for abortions to save an

estimated 2 million lives. the biden administration part of hhs change rules to require healthcare providers to perform abortions and voting on common sense pieces of protection and it would ensure those who survive abortions are provided with medical care. finally my friendst have if radical bill it allows abortion on demand no matter the age of the baby. the pv on —- the party who once claimed they wanted to be safe and legal and rare now stands for abortion on demand up through birth and funded by taxpayers. last week i joined my colleagues to send a letter to

attorney general garland at the family action office we need to make sure we prevent similar attacks in the future rather than focusing on diffusing threats for political beliefs as in the last 17 months have been silent to encourage further partisan targeting i myself will always push back on the anti- life stance with a clear opposition and a state legislator 27 years. every human life is precious and should be protected at every stage. if the late and it would be a fantastic victory for life and for the babies. the pro-life movement spent decades working on this

movement. this is not a complete nationwide ban and that is at the state level but they will base policy base for consensus is. babies in the womb pay tests on —- have the same right to life in my 16 weeks can have human features such as knowsto lips and eyebrows and can feel pain. even estates choose to ban l abortion the value of human life is not determined by the circumstances of his or her conception and abortions carried out in that and the mother is not during there are

two lives at stake. not one. the pro-life movement has always been committed to serving mothers and childrenal with pregnancy care centers and alternatives to abortion programs. even the most liberal constitutional scholars including justice ginsburg has been critical of the shaky if not nonexistent's constitutional standing. and those air at the how they could be corrected in the case. >> as of july 2021 we have compiled more than 38 pages of criticism to explain just how

we do hope that dobbs will be the case and then to find this purported right to abortion and in the decades since as it change the test in the from framework for motor casey the undo standard is up in the air. and to be push back and forth. >> listen to the stories to say it's time for presenting.

because they are all different and we are at a point where women have different a experiences. but two of you gave different testimony because you do not try to impose your experience onre anybody else. you don't tell women to get an abortion or not to get an abortion. you leave that emotional difficult searing and nuanced complicated life decision to her god and family and to her doctor. they want to take the decision away they want to put doctors in jail for helping women get

an abortion. and they can be sued by their neighbor. this is a radical agenda. and the questions that when does life begin but who makes that decision. do you want politicians to make that decision or a women in consultation with her faith in doctor and family. at conception, 12 hours later it is still a single cell and then to go up at four cells. for women would decide that and carry the pregnancy to term. some will not. to make a decision of the

woman with her family and doctor not a politician whose decision is this? is a government? and with her faith and her god. and i submit it is the woman's decision and only 20 percent support overturning row v wade and now i turn to legal issues.u >> and one of the supreme court justices misled thesp american public. look at the draft opinion and it says roe vs wade was egregiously wrong from the start. so professor goodwin are ther five supreme court justices

, did any of them say it was wrong from the start in a confirmationha hearing? >> no they did not. >> but do you remember justice gorsuch. >> i do not remember that. > and his confirmation hearing under oath he said i would tell you that roe v wade and do remember that it would be wrong from the start? >> now. >> this is what brett —- justice kavanaugh said under

oath. it is settled as a precedent but the supreme court has recognized the right to abortionup since the roe vs wade case and has redefined. supreme court justices misled the american people in order to get power and to get confirmed. now you will have a radical decision people taking a way that very complicated emotional decision from the american people. we will not let that stand.ot i yield back. >>ta thank you mr. chairman for holding this hearing today as we at the conclusion come i think it would be helpful to

try to resent are the conversation of what i believe is a fundamental issue and that freedom is at the core issue of what we are discussing today my friends on the other side of the aisle say there is too much government regulation when it comes to public health measures and yet would like to regulate intimate decisions to deprive the freedom of the healthcare decisions.. in the constitutional right to make an informed medical decision. unfortunately many republicans of made it quite clear when it comes to health and medical decisions and those are more than they claim. i don't want to repeat and i think all the witnesses for their testimony today. i repeat the comments of my

colleague that perhaps mr. johnson will engage me in a brief colloquy. but the question i have any understanding we don't know if that's a final opinion or not that myy understanding is that you are supportive of the holding that enables the states to make the determination as to abortion regulation. >> that's right. that was the case before roe vs wade. >> given that would you be supportive of that quick. >> there is nothing afforded in the structure the original meaning or intent as the draft opinion points out very well. so when i write is not included in the constitution it falls to the people.

they should make that decision to the elected representative in states and that's what they did before and it will happen again. >> does that mean yes or no on the federal abortion ban quick. >> there will be a lot of discussion about that but no one has drawn that conclusion when roe vs wade is overturned we are a pro-life state we have a trigger cause anwi amendment in our constitution in 2020 so my state and 18 others will have that resolved and then there will be a robust debate in the other states and we will see what happens. >> i appreciate your articulation of louisiana's construction of their abortion regulations many of your

colleagues have been much more forward acknowledging they would like to see a federal abortion ban that is what obfuscated this debate that we leave this matter to the states that many republicans including senator mcconnell have left the door open to a potential federal ban onou abortion to maybe you could expand but that would mean for states of colorado we have codified a statute but it seems pretty clear to me that this is not a matter that has a link to the states. >> with the legislation that has i been passed the last several years since i became a provider it is very clear the

direction they are trying to leaders is no access to abortion care. i am not a legal scholar as ablegislation passes we have to constantly rely on attorneys who can give us guidance how we continue care for patients. so the states that have protections in place for abortion care would be overwhelmed for those to access care. and a statement of my own in alabama that people will no longer have access to that care. >> that is correct and if in fact my colleagues who believe the federal abortion ban should be enacted at i the federal level then ultimately that is potentially a band nationwide i'm running out of time asking about black

maternal health we have the highest maternal mortality rate with other industrialized countries in addition from when it comes to black women and women of color you are doctor do you have any words or thoughts or wisdom with the congress can do with maternal health outcomes quick. >> answer the question. >> what we could do i encourage you to pass legislation to protect access to abortion care continue to center to the people who need access to this care and look at ways we can expand access to healthcare and not looking at including restrictions on insurance coverages for the

health care they need. >> your time is expired. >> thank you for holding this important hearing. thank you to the witnesses for being here and offering your heartfelt expertise andqu experience and thoughts and courage thinking of her past, present and future andht paraphrasing what you will be familiar with first they came for the jews and i did not speak out because i'm not jewish i speak with immigrants but i do not speak out the making for black people i do not speak out because i am not black. then they came for myy daughters, granddaughters and me and there was no one left to speak for us of course i am paraphrasing against the nazi thinking and values but yet

the argument applies today there are so many things americans are at risk of losing because people are not speaking out republicans are targeting our right to privacy and controller bodies and it's not a new story let me tell you a storyry i told often because it was a sad relic ofne the past my mother and i didi not know her own mother the youngest of six children bornaw in 1930 scranton. die in childbirth. it was 1930s scranton. the family had no choice. the mother took the stillborn baby to term. of course, the baby was stillborn, the mother die.

orbiting six children, my mother never knew her own mother. she told that story so it would never happen again. to warn that it must never happen again. dr. robinson, would it be possible that those stories of the past would become our future? >> it seems quite plausible that might be the case. >> it scares me, i have to admit to you. what are some of the risks that women suffer right now in the, not post roe world, though in texas we are in many ways, one of the risks right now you're seeing in your practice? >> one of the things that i have experienced, patients who have what we call an inevitable abortion. it is when a patient is pregnant, the cervix is open, the patient is having bleeding. but they are still cardiac activity. there is still the heartbeat of

the fetus. there is difficulty in our hospital system with proceeding with care with those patients. because there is still cardiac activity with the fetus. and those instances, we have mothers who are, their lives are put at risk in that situation. i have experienced it with a patient of my own, where we need it to start medication, to expedite delivery. there was a viewers all. a lot of back and forth before we can get administrator approval to move on with the care that the patient needed. that is one of the reasons why we really need to look at the decision that we are making. the other side has highlighted all of these dark ideas about what happens with abortion care. they are looking at very few examples of wet sometimes sounds like it could be bad medicine. like i said, there is already legislation. there is already laws in place for that.

we should just focus on enforcing those laws. but not tie the hands of patients and providers who really just want to provide good care for their patients. >> thank you for that. >> for those who say my state is going to be all pro life, i would argue with that characterization. i would say the state will become all pro-choice, the government's choice, not a woman's choice. not an individual choice to her reproductive freedom. i worry for my daughter, i have three sons, i worry for my daughters and law. i worry for my three granddaughters, for their future. what's their future will be is not but i enjoyed. the chance for me to plan alongside my husband, when we would have children, how many we would have, but we would be able to do with our own independent freedom. the most personal decision. when and whether to have children. miss arrambide, i thank you so much for having this conversation with us. your courage is remarkable. you live here with your dignity

intact, even though some of these conversations didn't lead but their dignity intact. finally, miss glen foster, i have compassion for you for your continued sadness. your regret over your abortion. thank you for sharing that story with us. it is something we all need to think about. but you had a choice. i'm sorry you regret your choice. no one forced you to do what you did. you had the right to make a choice. now, you work to impose your regret as the law of the land. banning everybody else's choice. just to warn you, this is a comment only. this is not how our rights work. this is not how our constitution works. your regret is not to be come a ban in the law of the land. i thank you, i yield back. >> mrs. ross? >> thank you, mister chairman. thanks to all the witnesses for testifying today. we are here today to discuss one of the greatest threats to

women and families that our country has seen in 50 years. if it holds, the supreme's draft opinion overruling row will affectedly allow states to ban abortion entirely. denial of necessary care, including abortion, can have profound and lasting impacts on peoples lives. denial of access to abortion will be particularly harmful to women who already face desperate access to all sorts of kinds of care. including people of color, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, and my state of north carolina, and low income people. in states like mine, we have not expanded medicaid for more than half 1 million people. we already see significant

disparities and who can access care and corresponding disparities and health outcomes. women who fall into the medicaid cap in non-expansion states like north carolina are frequently unable to access contraception, unable to get prenatal care, and delayed in accessing care during their pregnancy. many of these same states are also likely to enact severe abortion restrictions if roe is overturned. we know that forced pregnancy hurts women, threatens our physical and mental health, and restricts our economic possibilities. however, the republicans on this committee have shown that they don't really care about these realities, or these women. i hope that they demonstrate greater capacity for

understanding when they realize that this decision will have ripple effects that harm families and children by locking people into poverty and further limiting access to health care. my first question is for professor goodwin. please explain how low income and people of color will be prosecuted disproportionately and face greater legal risks for violating anti abortion laws, compared to those who are white and wealthy? >> individuals who have greater means will be able to afford childcare afford to be able to travel out of state, the ability to get healthier versus an abortion care out of state. individuals who happen to be poor, people of color, they are already subjected to

disproportionate police surveillance and surveillance by other people and society. those will only be entrenched in it even greater extent. when abortion access is not available in their state, that will result in high rates of maternal mortality, which we already see, and also mortar morbidity. these are people who -- by medical professionals who are pressured right now to report on their patients who have miscarriages and stillbirths. that is already occurring in the united states. given the antiabortion backdrop. >> dr. robinson, i saw you nodding when i talked about not having medicaid expansion. i know that you practice medicine in a state that has not expanded medicaid. could you tell us what that failure has done to the health of women who are either seeking to have a child or may not be

ready to have a child? >> thank, you yes, i to live in a state that did not accept medicaid expansion. as i said, in my testimony, in alabama, the maternal mortality rate is five times more than that then our white counterpart. that is higher than the national average. i think this directly corresponds to access to quality health care. so, with that, without taking medicaid expansion, my people are being harmed by this. >> do you see a hypocrisy between people who would deny access to abortion care at the same time they're denying access to health care? >> absolutely. >> thank, you mr. taylor chairman, i yield back. >> mr. chairman, briefly, can we allow miss glen foster to reply to the very personal comments. >> miss bush? >> st. louis and i thank you,

for swiftly convening today's hearing. i am a proud mother of two beautiful children. i'm also a person who terminated to unexpected pregnancies. i'm here to express my unwavering support for anyone who has ever decided to terminate a pregnancy. whether person is seeking abortion care because they were raped, the condom broke, other, birth control failed, they didn't have a reliable partner, or couldn't afford a baby, everyone needs accessible options to have an abortion where they live. when i was 17 years old, i was raped. weeks later i found out i was pregnant. without the protections afforded to me by roe v. wade, i would not, i would have been forced to birth a human being that i could not take care of. and the father would have been my rapist.

the emotional devastation of this encounter was traumatic. i didn't know if it was my fault. i didn't know what to do, did i do something wrong? i hadn't consented. but i blamed myself. the stress of possibly having a child at 18 was more than i could bear. it took a full two weeks worth of pay for me to afford an abortion. money that i sorely needed for bills, for food, for my education. for physical, for spiritual, and financial reasons, i knew that this was not the right time for me to bring a life into this world. miss arrambide, what has sb8 another abortion bans meant for low income people of color who need abortions? >> thank you for your question. i think in the time before roe, the people most impacted, especially in texas are the most marginalized communities. we are talking about black

communities, people of color, indigenous communities, trans and non-binary people, people in rural communities. people that live on the fringes of society. the immigrants, the undocumented people, and their access to care has been decimated. but the rest of the people that aren't afraid to seek abortion care because the laws of your computing or they might risk being sued, those people had to travel, on, average about 1300 miles. sometimes as far as 2400 miles, to access care that should be accessible within their community. that affects so many people in texas. and some people we love. we are talking about a state that has not expanded medicaid. we are talking minister date that has cut family planning, that has decimated any sort of support system for these families and people. abortion has become practically inaccessible for the majority. >> thank you for those critical

insights. i remember when i turned around $7 an hour. baby formula cost around $12 a can. i received formula through which, but that only lasted about two and half weeks of the month. that was back around 2000. over two decades later, the cost of baby formula has increased anywhere between, wet, 17 in $22? yet, the federal minimum wage hasn't changed much since 2009. and it is $7.25. so, poverty is expensive. especially in a society that fails to invest in living wages and the strong social safety net. here is my message for anyone trying to take away a person's bodily autonomy. if you are for life, you will support universal pay leave, if you are for life, you would support livable wages, if you are for life, you would support affordable childcare, affordable housing, and the expansion of wick, tenor, and snap programs.

if you are for life, you would support policies that help children and families meet their material needs. you would support the constitutional right to abortion. abortion care is health care. let me say that again. abortion care is health care. it is imperative that we protect that right for everyone, everyone meaning all, everyone. thank, you i yield back. >> gentlelady yields back. this concludes today's hearing. we thank all the witnesses for participating. without objection, our members will have five legislative days to submit additional written questions for the witness. for the witnesses. additional materials for the record. without objection, -- >> mister chairman, before real quick, we are going to have a statement entered into the record. miss glen foster's response to the, the ad hominem attack by miss dean. >> without objection, the hearing is adjourned.