Move to ban abortions after 20 weeks

Republicans in both the House and Senate plan to vote on a measure that would ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act” was set to be passed by the House last Thursday, the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade, which legalised most abortions nationwide. That same day, tens of thousands of pro-life activists gather in Washington for the annual right-to-life march.

In 2013, the House passed a similar bill, but it was engulfed in controversy when sponsor, Trent Franks of Arizona, declined to include an exception of rape victims. The current legislation includes exceptions for rape, incest and to protect the mother’s life.

The ban would only apply to about 1 per cent of abortions but abortion opponents believe it would be a first step towards more restrictions. The US has far fewer restrictions on abortion than most industrialised countries. President Barack Obama has said he would veto the bill if it reaches his desk and pro-abortion groups are vigorously opposing the measure.

n AUSTRALIA: The right-to-life group Cherish Life Queensland has called for the introduction of baby hatches and safe havens so that mothers can leave infants anonymously, writes Mark Brolly.