Senator Murray Remarks Ahead of Senate Vote on Republican Bill to Further Criminalize Abortion, Hurt Grieving Families

ICYMI: On Roe Anniversary, Senator Murray, Democrats Hammer Republicans for Pushing Anti-Abortion Lies and Dangerous Extremism Rather Than Lowering Costs, Helping Families

ICYMI: Murray, Senate Democrats Slam Republicans for Pushing Anti-Abortion Extremism Instead of Legislation to Lower Costs and Help Families

***VIDEO of Senator Murray's remarks HERE**

Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member and former chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, delivered the following remarks in opposition to S.6 ahead of a Senate vote on the legislation, which would create a new government mandate overriding the best judgment of grieving families facing fatal fetal diagnoses, threaten providers, and create even more barriers to reproductive health care in America. Earlier today, Murray led a press conference with Leader Schumer and Senators Shaheen and Smith highlighting how, in week one of the Trump administration, Republicans are doubling down on anti-woman, anti-abortion extremism instead of doing anything to help working families or lower costs.

Senator Murray's remarks, as delivered on the Senate floor ahead of the vote today:

"Earlier this week, we lost a friend and a champion for reproductive rights-Cecile Richards. She helped countless women, and changed the conversation around women's health and abortion. And I know if she were here, she would say the fight continues. And that is very clear given what Republicans are choosing to focus on today.

"Of all the bills that we could be voting on-lowering the cost of health care, expanding child care, helping our families-it's an absolute disgrace that Republicans are spending their first week in power attacking women, criminalizing doctors, and lying about abortion.

"I am not going to let anyone perpetuate disgusting lies about people who have abortions and the providers who care for them.

"This isn't how abortion works; Republicans know it. All babies are already protected under the law, regardless of the circumstance of their birth. Doctors already have a legal obligation to provide appropriate medical care. And we already know this sham bill from Republicans is not going anywhere.

"We've been here, before. Last time we voted down this bill, I actually spoke about something Republicans refuse to acknowledge in this debate: the struggles, the struggles of a pregnant woman, who has received tragic news that her baby had a fatal medical condition and would not be able to survive, and who were able to make the choice that was right for their family.

"But now, here we are, already hearing stories of women who were denied that choice by extreme Republican abortion bans.

"Can you imagine what it is like to go for months, pregnant with a baby you know will not survive, and getting questions and comments like "oh, is this your first child?" and "are you excited?"

"Do you know what it's like fighting back tears as you try to decide whether to nod politely somehow, or explain that actually your world is falling apart? I can't imagine that. But it happens.

"Mr. President, all the while, you know you have to go through this against your will-because some politician decided they knew better than you, and your family, and your doctor.

Now, Republicans have a bill today to take that issue nationwide. That's what we are voting on. That is their top priority now that Trump is in office.

Shame on them. I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill."

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