Proposed Medicaid Cuts Would Worsen Maternal Health Outcomes, Restrict Access to Essential Care Like Prenatal Care, Contraception, and Cancer Screenings

“I just need four Republicans – four people of conscience – to listen to their constituents, to look into the eyes of pregnant mothers praying for a safe delivery, to show a shred of humanity and oppose this horrific bill.”

Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a powerful speech on the House Floor in which she slammed Republicans’ reconciliation bill that would slash Medicaid, which is necessary to ensuring safe, healthy reproductive care and maternal health nationwide. She demanded Republicans consider the mothers, babies, and families that stand to be harmed by their devastating Medicaid cuts, and urge them to oppose this cruel legislation.

A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening remarks, as delivered, is available below, and the full video is available here.

Transcript: Pressley in Powerful Floor Speech: Republican Bill Gutting Medicaid Would Decimate Reproductive Healthcare
House of Representatives
May 20, 2025

Mr. Speaker,

This Republican Administration claims to care about babies and families – claims.

But I cannot hear the words they speak because I see the things that they do.

The birth of every baby should be a joyful transition defined by compassion and whatever healthcare is required for the baby and the mother.

America’s broken, for-profit healthcare system denies far too many this basic dignity.

But Medicaid has been a lifeline.

Today, 42 percent of births in America are funded by Medicaid.

Republicans who claim to be pro-family are coming for Medicaid with a sledgehammer.

And what would this mean for families across America?

Even worse maternal health outcomes.

States rescinding policies that improve access to reproductive care.

Decimating access to prenatal care, contraception, and cancer screenings.

This big, shameful, unconscionable bill is unacceptable, but it is not inevitable.

I just need four Republicans – four people of conscience – to listen to their constituents, to look into the eyes of pregnant mothers praying for safe a delivery, to show a shred of humanity and oppose this horrific bill.

If you aren’t here to fight for the people who sent you, give up your damn seat.

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