Political Quotes

“I appreciate that. Let me reiterate for the record, I do not question--and I mean this with all sincerity--I do not question the sincerity of the Senator from Illinois. I know because many on his side have voted against his amendment who agree with him on the position of abortion. So I truly do recognize the Senator is attempting to find some middle ground. With all due respect, I just don't believe you have gotten there, but I do not question you have attempted to do so. The point I am trying to make is the whole operation of your statute does not apply unless the physician claims viability. If the physician doesn't claim viability, then your statute doesn't apply. I am a physician. I say--and under the Supreme Court a physician can abort a child under any circumstances for any reason up until the time of separation. So I have no legal liability out there. Outside of your amendment, I have no concern about my license, a lawyer, anything. So all I have to say is this child is not viable. If I make the claim this child is not viable--I don't care if it is 39 weeks and 5 days. If I say it is not viable, your statute does not apply. If your statute does not apply, I am in the clear. So that is the concern I have, that you leave the determination of viability to the physician.”