There is one thing that everyone in this room should agree on: depression is a serious illness that we need to better understand. Statistics tell us that women are roughly twice as likely to develop depression than men. That's powerful information. With this fact, scientists can target their research efforts in areas that are unique to women, like reproductive, hormonal, genetic, and other biological factors.

Research conducted with the support of the National Institutes of Health has uncovered a variety of useful information. We know that for females, the risk of depression increases after puberty, indicating possible hormonal links. New imaging tools are helping researchers to better understand how the brain works, enabling them to highlight brain functions with respect to depression. The mapping of the human genome allows, for the first time, scientists to identify and explore potential genetic triggers. All of this basic information combined together will ultimately lead the way to improved, targeted treatments for depression. The more information we collect and analyze, the better off we will be.

I am concerned that some have suggested that it's unnecessary to even evaluate the impact of abortion and its relationship to depression. We need to know more information about depression, not less. Right now, scientists are still evaluating the impact of depression screening and intervention tools to improve health outcomes. When there are still outstanding questions about the incidence and prevalence of perinatal depression, it's obvious to me that we still need to learn a lot more.

Patients look to their doctors to provide them with the latest information about treatments and options. This is the case in every medical situation: whether it is a wife seeking advice about pregnancy or a young woman contemplating an abortion. Medical procedures are risky. They often have permanent consequences. I want the patient to be able to make a truly informed decision.

I would like to thank all of the witnesses for taking the time to participate in this hearing today. I look forward to the testimony.