Trump administration backs bill banning abortion after 20 weeks
The bill is similar to legislation that failed to pass in both 2013 and 2015
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump’s administration has backed proposed legislation that would see abortions banned after 20 weeks in the US.
The administration said it “strongly supports” the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which is due to be voted on in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
In a statement, the administration said it “applauds” the House for “continuing its efforts to secure critical pro-life protections” and claimed the bill, if enacted into law, would “help to facilitate the culture of life to which our nation aspires”.
Should the bill become law, it would ban all abortions after 20 weeks unless a woman’s pregnancy put her life at risk, or if the child had been conceived as a result of rape or incest. Those found performing abortions after 20 weeks could be fined or sentenced for up to five years in prison.
Similar legislation failed to pass into law in both 2013 and 2015, CNN reports. All three bills attempting to reduce the abortion cut-off point to 20 weeks have been sponsored by Arizona’s Republican Representative Trent Franks.
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund called the proposed bill “dangerous, out of touch legislation” and another attempt to restrict women’s access to safe, legal abortion.
It said 20 week bans are unconstitutional and opposed by doctors, and have been condemned by both the Physicians for Reproductive Health groups and American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments