Congresswoman Brown Speaks on House Floor on Reproductive Rights, State of the Union Guest

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) spoke on the House floor today on the need to pass the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would establish a nationwide right to the full range of reproductive care: abortion, contraception, family planning, miscarriage management, IVF and more.

Congresswoman Brown’s State of the Union guest is Annette Watts, the mother of Brittany Watts, an Ohio woman unjustly arrested and charged with a felony following a miscarriage at her home. Brown spoke during floor debate after House Democrats attempted to bring the Women’s Health Protection Act to the floor for a vote.

Video of Remarks: Youtube, Twitter/X:

Congresswoman Brown’s remarks as delivered:

Mr. Speaker: 

My guest for the State of the Union tomorrow will be Ms. Annette Watts of Warren Ohio – the mother of Brittany Watts. 

Last year, Brittany Watts dealt with a common medical problem. 

She had a miscarriage. 

Instead of receiving care... she was charged with a crime. 

Mr. Speaker, this is because of the cynical, sinister, violent, vicious, blatant, barbaric, callous, and cruel agenda to deny women their rights. 

Their right to IVF... to contraception... to miscarriage care... and yes, the right to an abortion. 

1 and 3 women live in states that have passed abortion bans and now face health issues far more dangerous than the procedure itself - like maternal sepsis. 

And Black women like Brittany are on the front lines. 

We are more likely to miscarry... more likely to need an abortion, more likely to die during pregnancy. 

And yes, more likely to be targeted. 

It is time to restore rights rather than restrict them.

We must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act– because everyone deserves access to reproductive care. 

I urge my colleagues to vote no on the previous question so we can bring up this important legislation. And with that, I yield back.

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