Earlier today, Lauretta wrote about how the Trump administration is fully behind the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would ban abortion after 20 weeks into a pregnancy. Now, it has passed the House, but it’s certain to die in the Senate (via the Hill):
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), would make it a crime to perform or attempt an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the possibility of a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
The measure passed heavily along party lines, 237-189.
The bill allows exceptions in cases of rape, incest or to save the life of the woman and wouldn't penalize women for seeking to get abortions after 20 weeks.
The legislation is likely to face a tough sell in the Senate. A similar bill passed the House in 2015 but was blocked by Senate Democrats.
With only a 52-seat majority it would be unlikely Senate Republicans could gather the 60 votes needed to move the legislation to President Trump's desk.
The 20-week abortion ban is not controversial; 60 percent of women support the ban. In Europe, abortions are limited, on average around the 20-week mark. Most are within the 12-16 week time frame.