September 20, 2006
Contact: Robin Winchell (202) 225-4031

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon joined Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN-04) and Democrats for Life for a news conference announcing their introduction of the Pregnant Women Support Act.  This comprehensive legislation aims at reducing abortions in the United States by providing support for vulnerable pregnant women who want to bring their children to term. 

"As a pro-life representative of the people, I am committed to reducing abortion in our country.  We need to give women facing an unplanned pregnancy a helping hand so that they realize abortion is not their only option," said Melancon.  "The Pregnant Women Support Act takes a hard look at the economic and social reasons for abortion and will provide many vulnerable women with the support and information they need to choose life for their unborn children." 

The Pregnant Women Support Act will help pregnant women by:

• establishing a toll-free number to direct women to places that will provide support during and following their pregnancies;
• providing counseling for pregnant women and childcare for student parents on university campuses;
• requiring doctors to provide accurate information to patients receiving a positive result from prenatal testing;
• providing parenting education in maternity group homes;
• making the Adoption Tax Credits permanent;
• ensuring that pregnant women are not denied health care by insurance companies;
• supporting informed consent for abortion services;
• increasing awareness of domestic violence against pregnant women;
• codifying the regulation that extends State Children's Health Insurance Program to pregnant women and unborn children;  and
• providing new mothers with free home visits by registered nurses.

 
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