Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 11, 2003
I ask the Senator to pause and think about that for a moment. If a doctor called you and said: Attorney Santorum, there has to be a second opinion here on whether this mother's pregnancy should be terminated postviability, late term, what do you suggest? I think the first thing you would ask is: What is the penalty if you are mistaken? Oh, I could lose my license, face a penalty of $100,000 or $250,000. I think Attorney Santorum and Attorney Durbin would say to this doctor: Wait a minute. Let me sit down and talk to you. Are you prepared to stand behind the fact that this is a viable fetus? Are you prepared to stand behind the fact that there is a threat to life here? Because if you are not, stay away from us.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the implications of late-term abortion decisions during a Senate debate.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 14, 2026

I still have five or six months at this job and I’m planning on running through the tape.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 14, 2026

It was a grave mistake for the Senate to approve Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 15, 2026

Investing in our airports is laying the foundation for increased connectivity and reliability.

duckworth.senate.gov
Aug 11, 2026

“Birthright citizenship is the law of the land, which the Supreme Court just upheld in June.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation