State House Committee Mulls Abortion Ban
AUSTIN (AP) - A Texas House panel is set to debate hot-button legislation to ban abortions in Texas after 20 weeks. That's the point at which anti-abortion activists contend a fetus can feel pain.
Gov. Rick Perry has joined some of the Legislature's most conservative voices in cheering a bill to be considered Wednesday by the House State Affairs Committee.
Current federal law allows complete bans on abortions after 24 weeks but leaves procedures done between 12 and 24 weeks into pregnancy subject to state regulation.
Abortion rights activists say scientific studies have given no evidence to support the contention that a fetus feels pain after 20 weeks' gestation.
Nevertheless, Arkansas and several other states have recently passed bans after 20 weeks, but also have faced legal challenges.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Also Check Out:
- Kaufman County DA Mike McLelland And Wife Found Dead
- Victoria's Secret's New Lingerie Line Has Parents Outraged
- Homeowner Says 911 Hung Up On Them
- I-Team Investigates Identity Theft Targets In Texas
- Troopers Indicted After Roadside Cavity Search Of Two Women
MOST VIEWED GALLERIES
- PHOTOS: Your Pet Pictures
- PHOTOS: Dallas St. Patrick's Day Parade
- PHOTOS: Pope Francis I
