When you represent the state of Washington, we have a tradition of deciding social issues by vote. Washington State passed abortion rights before Roe v. Wade and affirmed it at the ballot box later.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Remember that before 'Roe v. Wade' was decided, there were four states that allowed abortion in the first trimester if that's what the woman sought: New York, Hawaii, California, Alaska. Other states were shifting. And people were fighting over this issue in state legislatures.
Make no mistake, a 'yes' vote on the Democrats' health care bill is a vote for taxpayer-funded abortions.
We are not voting for health care if we do not resolve this language on public funding for abortion - no public funding for abortion.
I consider abortion to be a deeply personal and intimate issue for women and I don't believe male legislators should even vote on the issue.
Indeed, an entire generation of Americans has grown to adulthood since the Roe decision of 1973, which held that the right to choose an abortion was a privacy right protected by our Constitution.
All I'm asking for is the law that's been on the books for the last 33 years, no public funding for abortion. We are both saying the same thing, pro-life, pro-choice. Let's find the language that works for both of us so we can pass health care.
After 'Roe v. Wade' - when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973 - I thought the national conversation about abortion and birth control would be over. It was not.
The Supreme Court has in place a legal structure which protects abortion rights in this country, and something has got to be done to change that before we can put in place truly meaningful protection for the unborn.
I don't want to come to Washington to be just another vote. I want to lead on issues that are important.
Voters don't decide issues, they decide who will decide issues.
No opposing quotes found.