Russ Feingold: “I opposed that bill and instead supported a constitutionally sound alternative offered by my colleague, Senator Durbin.…”

“I opposed that bill and instead supported a constitutionally sound alternative offered by my colleague, Senator Durbin. The Durbin alternative would ban post-viability abortions unless the woman's life is a risk or the procedure is necessary to protect the woman from grievous injury to her physical health. I understand that people on all sides of this issue hold sincere and strongly held views. I respect the deeply held views of those who oppose abortion under any circumstances. Like most Americans, I would prefer to live in a world where abortion is unnecessary. I support efforts to reduce the number of abortions through family planning and counseling to avoid unintended pregnancies. I have always believed that decisions in this area are best handled by the individuals involved, in consultation with their doctors and guided by their own beliefs and unique circumstances, rather than by Government mandates. I support Roe v. Wade, which means that I agree that the Government can restrict abortions only when there is a compelling State interest at stake. I feel very strongly that Congress should seek to regulate abortions only within the constitutional parameters set forth by the U.S. Supreme Court.”