Should abortions after 20 weeks be illegal?
Bill Summary
This bill makes it a crime for any person to perform (or attempt to perform) an abortion at 20 weeks or more. A violator is subject to criminal penalties—a fine and/or up to five years in prison. The bill provides exceptions for an abortion: (1) that is necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. Sponsor: Rep. Trent Franks [R-AZ-8]
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Opponents say
• Dana Singiser, vice president for government relations and public policy for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, stated: "The agenda behind this bill is clear: to shame women and to ban safe, legal abortion. It is unbelievable that politicians in Congress are once again attempting to interfere in a woman's ability to make personal decisions about her pregnancy,”
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund writes: "20-week bans are unconstitutional. 20-week bans are a clear attempt to erode Roe v. Wade. In fact, 20-week ban proponents are outspoken about their goal to challenge the 1973 Supreme Court decision protecting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion."
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund writes: "20-week bans are unconstitutional. 20-week bans are a clear attempt to erode Roe v. Wade. In fact, 20-week ban proponents are outspoken about their goal to challenge the 1973 Supreme Court decision protecting a woman's right to safe and legal abortion."
Proponents say
• House Majority Leader McCarthy [CA-23] argued: “The Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act will […] protect those children who science has proven can feel pain, and give them a chance to grow and live full and happy lives. We have an obligation to speak and defend for those who can’t speak for themselves.”
• Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, insisted: “This bill would not only save 20,000 lives every year, but would educate the public on the humanity of the unborn person and affirm the science of fetal pain early in development.”
• Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, insisted: “This bill would not only save 20,000 lives every year, but would educate the public on the humanity of the unborn person and affirm the science of fetal pain early in development.”
