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WASHINGTON - As the House of Representatives debated two measures to protect reproductive freedoms and push back against the attacks on abortion rights, Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), took to the floor to vote in favor of the bills and speak about the ongoing attacks on abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Blunt Rochester voted in favor of the Women’s Health Protection Act and the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. 

The Women’s Health Protection Act, which Blunt Rochester voted for earlier this Congress, would codify reproductive freedoms at the federal level. The Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act would stop Republican state legislatures from criminalizing those traveling across state lines seeking abortion care. 

Blunt Rochester’s full remarks can be found below and full video of her speech can be found here:

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act. In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this legislation is necessary to ensure that those in states that have restricted abortion care can travel across state lines to seek the care they need and not be criminalized for doing so. 

“I’m proud that women in my home state of Delaware still have access to abortion care - and that we can serve as a safe haven for those from other states.

“But the reality for far too many people across the country is they live in states where access to reproductive care has been so severely restricted that it’s unavailable. And while the bills we’re voting on today are necessary - we must also confront the realities of what overturning Roe means. 

“Now my middle name is Blunt - so let’s be clear about who will be hit the hardest. Poor women, young women, women in rural areas, and women of color. People who may not have the ability to travel hundreds of miles to get the care they need. 

“Madam Speaker - I was 10 years old when the landmark case of Roe was decided. Half a century later I am standing on the floor of the House of Representatives. Standing in the gap for doctors and health care providers - so they don’t have to consult with a lawyer before they decide to give good care to their patients. Standing for all those who stood before us - and fought for us to have reproductive rights in the first place. And I’m standing here for our young people - so that our daughters and granddaughters don’t need a health passport to travel from state to state or need anybody to worry about being criminalized for seeking care. 

“I urge all members of the House to support both the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act and the Women’s Health Protection Act. Bottom line - there’s no room for politicians in our wombs. I yield back.” 

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