Cindy Hyde-Smith

Mr. President, 4 years ago today, our Nation took the historic step when the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs decision overturned the so-called right to end a baby's life in America and returned the authority to regulate abortion to the people. Since then, the abortion industry has intensified its efforts to convince women that pregnancy is inherently dangerous and harmful to their health. While pregnancy can involve complications, those cases are the exception; they are not the rule. Yet these exceptions are often used to justify abortion at every stage of a pregnancy, including a growing number of at-home abortions, using mail-ordered mifepristone, without having direct physician oversight.

Here is the truth about chemical abortion: First of all, this regimen is not safer than Tylenol. A woman can experience anywhere from a month to 6 weeks of bleeding after taking the abortion pill regimen-- horrendous bleeding that is significantly heavier than usual. It is especially dangerous for women who are already anemic with low blood counts. Nearly one in nine women who take these drugs will suffer a serious adverse event, such as sepsis, hemorrhaging, infection, or emergency surgery, within 45 days of ingesting the pill.

Chemical abortion can also pose a serious threat to women's future fertility or even their lives when they are not screened through an in- person doctor visit for conditions like an ectopic pregnancy, and a woman who has a chemical abortion has a 300-percent increase in having a preterm birth in future pregnancies--a 300-percent increase.

The SAVE Moms and Babies Act puts commonsense safety protections back into place by at least requiring an in-person doctor visit before being prescribed mifepristone, which is designed to abort a baby. This drug should never be administered through the mail, where abusers and traffickers can hide behind a computer anonymously.

While I cannot stress enough the importance of correcting misinformation about abortion drugs and reinstating the safety protections that the Biden administration recklessly removed, we also need to flip the abortion industry's entire script by highlighting something too often overlooked: the extraordinary benefits of pregnancy for women.

Pregnancy is nothing short of remarkable when you consider everything that must fall into place perfectly to conceive, sustain, and deliver a healthy child. While the process can feel overwhelming, women's bodies are uniquely equipped for this lifegiving role. The resilience and strength demonstrated through pregnancy and childbirth are incredible and empowering.

For example, pregnancy is often described as a marathon--and for good reason: A woman's cardiovascular strength expands when her pregnancy is carried to full term, and her risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke are significantly reduced later in life. From the long-term well-being that motherhood can inspire with a commitment to healthier habits to the protected effects of breastfeeding associated with the reduced risk of breast cancer, these changes offer life-sustaining gifts.

In fact, research suggests that women who have children later in life often experience greater longevity. Women's bodies were seemingly designed to break the limits and then keep going.

As we continue to build a life-affirming society in this Dobbs era, our ongoing challenge is to continue championing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of pregnancy and of motherhood.

Mr. President, as if in legislative session, and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions be discharged and the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S. 3697; further, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.

Mr. President, reserving the right to object. Mr. President, I object.

While my colleague's bill seemingly aims to assist expecting mothers with the burdensome cost of pregnancy and childbirth, I would like to point out that this legislative effort is not designed for success, and it has zero bipartisan support.

However, bipartisan support in this arena is possible, and I am so grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have worked with me on the Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act. I introduced this effort last year with Senators Kaine, Gillibrand, and Hawley to insulate expecting parents from the high cost of pregnancy and childbirth by eliminating cost-sharing requirements for prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal, or post-partum healthcare. Bringing a child into the world is costly enough without piling on cost-share fees that saddle many mothers and families with debt. The bill would take away some of the burden for childbearing generations.

My hope is that if we can relieve the financial stresses associated with pregnancy and childbirth, more families will be encouraged to embrace the beautiful gift and the responsibility that comes with parenthood.

Mr. President, I rise to call attention to a serious barrier in our healthcare system, one that

hinders too many Americans from accessing the medications and the treatments that they need. Across the country, patients and providers alike are increasingly frustrated by prior authorization requirements imposed by insurance companies. Too often, these requirements override the medical judgment of doctors who know their patients best.

I have had oncologists, cardiologists, psychiatrists, and many other medical professionals visit my office to share their ongoing concerns and how prior authorizations are disrupting care. They are trained experts; yet their decisions are being second-guessed by insurers.

The result is deeply concerning. Many patients are denied or delayed access to the medications and services that their physicians have prescribed because they know those treatments are effective based on their many years of medical education and clinical experience.

And the delays are not minor. Patients are often forced to wait days, weeks, or even months for critical care which, in many cases, will still be denied in the end. There are simply too many unnecessary hurdles standing between a patient, the doctor, and the care that they need.

I am a proud cosponsor of the Safe Step Act, which would allow patients to access appropriate treatments more quickly by bypassing dangerous or ineffective ``fail first'' prior authorization requirements.

I have also cosponsored the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act, which would modernize and streamline prior authorization for Medicare Advantage patients. This timely access legislation would deliver realtime decisions for routinely approved treatments, increase transparency around CMS approvals and denials, and replace outdated paper-based systems with electronic prior authorization.

These are practical bipartisan solutions. In fact, 68 Senators have already joined me in support of this effort.

Despite this, the issue persists. We must act with urgency. Every day we delay is another day patients are left wanting for care, waiting for care that they need and deserve. I urge my colleagues and the administration to prioritize this issue and move swiftly to address it.

Every day we delay is another day that insurance companies will continue making decisions on behalf of medical professionals, which they have no business doing whatsoever.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, National Police Week serves as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice shown by the men and women in law enforcement who lost their lives in service to others. This week, we set aside time to honor their memory and recognize the families, friends, and fellow officers who continue to carry their loss with strength and grace.

Behind every officer is a family that serves alongside them. They share in the sacrifices, the uncertainty, and the responsibility that comes with a life of public service. These officers are more than public servants. They are parents, neighbors, mentors, coaches, and leaders who play an essential role in the communities they call home. In my home State of Mississippi and across the country, we are so proud of these dedicated individuals who serve with integrity, professionalism, and honor.

This year, we honor the three Mississippi officers whose names have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, three heroes who protected our communities and whose legacy will live on.

We remember: Joshua Brashears, a Jackson County Sheriff's deputy who died from injuries after his patrol vehicle struck several horses on a dark road in Stone County on October 17, 2025. He served in law enforcement for more than 21 years and is survived by two children and his parents.

We remember: Martin Shields, Jr., a Hinds County deputy who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic call on February 23, 2025. After serving with the Jackson and Ridgeland Police Departments, he sadly only served with Hinds County Sheriff's Department for 9 months before his death. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

And we remember: Bryan Pippin, a Jackson police officer who passed away from COVID-19 complications. He served with the Jackson Police Department for nearly 20 years, often working parades in the motorcycle unit.

We honor the memory of these fallen officers and stand beside their families with enduring respect.

As we remember those we have lost, we also must continue supporting those who serve today. That means ensuring law enforcement has the tools, resources, and support needed to do their jobs safely and effectively, while also showing appreciation for their sacrifices.

To every officer serving our communities, know that we recognize your service and the sacrifices inherent with ensuring public safety. During National Police Week and every week throughout the year, let us stand together in gratitude for all who protect and serve.

May God bless our fallen officers, the families who miss them, all who wear the badge, and the United States of America.