Representative Hillary Scholten addresses her position on H.R. 26 and H. Con. Res. 3

H.R. 26

H.R. 26 does not actually add anything new to existing law regarding the protection of life—it is already illegal in the United States to kill a newborn. This bill is simply a messaging bill on the part of the Republicans. This legislation does not “support life.” What it does do is take away a woman’s option for end-of-life care for an infant when faced with heartbreaking medical complications. It also overrides medical providers’ judgment for how to provide the best care for infants and subjects providers to prison sentences of up to 5 years for doing their jobs. Furthermore, it disadvantages people especially in rural communities by forcing them to go to a hospital, not their local clinic or other health center.

As a person of faith, I honor the sanctity of life, including the life of the mother. Out of respect for that life, sometimes heartbreakingly difficult decisions, including decisions involving neonatal palliative care, have to be made. I oppose legislation that confuses and obstructs women’s healthcare choices, I oppose supplanting sound medical advice for political positioning, and I oppose scaring the nurses and physicians who work every day to save lives and provide critical care.

H. Con. Res. 3

I strongly condemn all violence against all reproductive healthcare facilities, and centers that support women in crisis pregnancy situations, including churches and other places of worship. The conversations on choice have escalated to a dangerous level. Women and their care providers must be able to make the decision that’s best for them in peace and without fear of violence or intimidation.

Unfortunately, this resolution does the opposite—it uses antagonizing and extremist rhetoric that fan the flames of violence rather than putting them out. And importantly, only condemns actions against one type of institution, saying nothing about the rise of violence and intimidation at clinics providing critical abortion and birth control care.

That’s why I am an original cosponsor of a resolution introduced by Rep. DeGette, condemning attacks on ALL healthcare facilities, health care personnel, and patients—including churches & pregnancy resource centers. Unlike H. Con. Res. 3, this resolution:

• Condemns all acts of political violence;
• Condemns attacks on all health care facilities, health care personnel, and patients;
• Affirms that all people have the freedom to access reproductive health care services and medical advice without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment;
• Calls upon the Biden administration to use all appropriate authorities to uphold public safety, to protect health care facilities, and safeguard health care personnel and patients.