Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement on Voting Against H.R. 21

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Releases Statement on Voting Against H.R. 21

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney released the following statement on voting against H.R. 21, also known as the “Repro Health Care Surveillance Act.”

“As the mother of four daughters, I deeply believe in a woman’s right to have reproductive freedoms and control over her maternal health. I myself almost died of an ectopic pregnancy while the young mother of two children, and I most certainly would have died today if I lived in a state with a strict abortion ban. However, I would never support infanticide. Infanticide has long been illegal in this country, and doctors already have an obligation to provide appropriate medical care to the baby and to the mother.

Today, I voted against H.R. 21 as it grossly misrepresents reality and what takes place when babies, who will not survive outside the womb, are born with severe complications, health issues or deformities. In this heartbreaking situation, families often choose to have the baby so that they can hold this life in their arms once before the baby passes and choose to not immediately incubate the baby to avoid causing the dying infant great duress. Moreover, the mother’s health is often also under great duress at that time and a doctor must also protect the mother’s health and well-being. I know this situation because it happened to someone close to our family.  

Most importantly,  this legislation would–under the threat of criminal prosecution–require a doctor to use extreme medical intervention to keep alive a baby that will ultimately not survive and cause the family and the baby great stress. It further puts doctors in an untenable situation and most certainly will result in fewer doctors choosing to pursue obstetrics for fear of criminal prosecution and liability. For these reasons, I believe this legislation is very harmful and I stand with my colleagues in voting against it.”

For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.

Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.