Civic Register
| 1.25.18

Tell Your Senators How to Vote on the 20-Week Abortion Ban

Join us and tell your reps how you feel!

What’s the story?

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) hopes to have a procedural vote next week on a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

"I'm pleased to have filed cloture on this bill to protect unborn children who are capable of feeling pain…And I look forward to voting for it early next week," McConnell said.

Why does it matter?

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, originally authored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), cleared the House in October.

The legislation would make it illegal for anyone to attempt an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors who violate the bill's requirements would face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

The legislation includes exceptions for rape "if the woman received medical treatment or counseling at least 48 hours before the abortion or if she reported the rape to law enforcement."

There’s also an exception for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest against a minor if the incident was "reported at any time prior to the abortion to either a government agency legally authorized to act on reports of child abuse or a law enforcement agency."

During last week’s March for Life event, President Donald Trump told the assembled anti-abortion rights crowd:

"I strongly supported the House of Representatives’ Pain-Capable bill, which would end painful, late-term abortions nationwide. And I call upon the Senate to pass this important law and send it to my desk for signing."

Pro-abortion rights groups have denounced this bill as an affront to a woman's right to obtain an abortion, with NARAL tweeting:

What do you think?

How do you want your senators to vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act? Hit Take Action and let them know. Then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

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(Photo Credit: onurdongel / iStock)