" The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act doesn’t protect women’s health. It threatens it. "
- Jan Schakowsky

The quote refers to a legislative act designed to restrict abortions after detecting certain fetal developments, often referred to as pain capability. The speaker argues that such legislation does not provide health benefits for women but instead poses significant risks by limiting their access to safe medical procedures and reproductive choices.

Beyond the immediate context of abortion rights, this statement raises broader questions about the intersection between healthcare policies and social values. It highlights how laws intended to protect fetal life can inadvertently compromise maternal well-being, suggesting a tension between safeguarding potential future persons and supporting current individuals' health needs. This perspective emphasizes the importance of comprehensive medical care that considers both ethical dimensions and practical implications for women's overall health and autonomy.

Jan Schakowsky is an American politician who has been serving as a U.S. Representative since 1999, representing Illinois’ 9th congressional district. She is known for her advocacy on issues such as reproductive rights, civil liberties, and consumer protection, often speaking out against policies she believes undermine women's health and rights.