Russ Feingold: “I will vote against H.R. 1122, the so- called partial-birth abortion bill that would outlaw a particular abortion…”

“I will vote against H.R. 1122, the so- called partial-birth abortion bill that would outlaw a particular abortion procedure, the intact dilation and extraction, sometimes called intact D&E. I do support a ban on post-viability abortions, if it contains important and constitutionally required exceptions to protect the life and health of the woman. I am disappointed that the proponents of H.R. 1122 have steadfastly refused to accept any amendment, no matter how tightly crafted, which would include provisions to protect women's health. I have said repeatedly here on the floor of the Senate, during hearings in the Judiciary Committee, and at listening sessions held across the State of Wisconsin that I believe that a law to ban this controversial procedure could have been enacted last year with one simple addition--an exception that would allow physicians to perform the procedure on women whose health is at risk. Such an exception, in combination with the bill's existing exception to save the life of the woman, is an important and necessary provision. I am sensitive to the fears of the bill's proponents that such an exception could prove to be a major loophole, and I agree that the health exception should be narrow. But it needs to be there. Let me remind my colleagues that the Supreme Court has clearly ruled that, although States have the right to restrict post-viability abortions, exceptions must always be made to protect the life and health of the mother.…”