Abortion Restrictions Passed In PA House, Gov. Wolf Pledges Veto

A bill putting new restrictions on late-term abortions in Pennsylvania was passed Tuesday by the House of Representatives after what the Associated Press called an "emotional" debate.

The bill would ban elective abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The current law allows the procedure up to 24 weeks.

The measure passed 132-65, with nine Republicans voting no. Click here to see how your representative voted.

Gov. Tom Wolf has pledged a veto if the bill reaches his desk.

Supporters, including sponsor Rep. Kathy Rapp, say the bill would end "inhumane" practices only legal in six countries in the world.

“In the year 2016, when Pennsylvania hospitals are leading our nation in performing dramatic, life-preserving surgeries for the most fragile of lives, we must finally end the inhumane practice of dismemberment abortions, which tears a human being to pieces,” said Rapp, a Republican. “It is indisputable that the later in pregnancy an abortion occurs, the riskier it is for the mother and the more painful it is for the unborn child. All Pennsylvania mothers and their unborn children deserve far better than this."

Opponents, however, pointed out the new law is poorly written and does not provide exceptions for rape and incest. It also provides no exception for fetal anomalies, opponents noted.

Rep. Leanne Krueger-Braneky called it an "egregious attack" on women's reproductive health.

“This attack on female reproductive health is not only an embarrassment to the entire state of Pennsylvania but, more importantly, it puts the health of our pregnant women at significant risk with no input from doctors and the medical community," Krueger-Braneky said.

The governor said the legislation, which would be a step backward for Pennsylvania, will be vetoed if it reaches his desk.

“I urge the Senate to reject it. If this legislation reaches my desk, I will veto it," Wolf said. "This is a bad bill for Pennsylvania, and we cannot afford to allow it to go forward.”

Photo: Wikimedia Commons, Kumar Appaiah