Political Quotes

On the recordMarch 11, 2003
At the risk of reading what has been read many times: It shall be unlawful for a physician to intentionally abort a viable fetus unless the physician prior to performing the abortion-- (1) certifies in writing . . . The premise of this amendment is viability. Now, I will concede the point, there are fetuses in the 35th week and later that are not viable, will never survive outside the womb. But the premise here is the fact that you must be dealing with a viable fetus in order for this prohibition to apply and for the exceptions to be applied, as well. For the Senator to continue to ignore this clear language, I have to say I am prepared to defend what is written here. I am not prepared to defend what the Senator refuses to read.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Debating the legality of abortion and the definition of viability.

Share

More from Dick Durbin

Aug 21, 2026

The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis in the U.S. last month for just the second time ever, which has impacted patients’ ability to be treated for illnesses or undergo surgery.

durbin.senate.gov
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 20, 2026

For all of these reasons, ATF should withdraw this rule.

durbin.senate.gov
Aug 18, 2026

The Trump administration has not provided transparency into the use of federal funds for the East Wing project, and they have limited congressional oversight, meaningful public input, and adherence to established federal processes.

durbin.senate.gov

Other voices in this conversation