On Monday, the Trump administration officially backed a House bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks, when preborn children can feel pain.
The Office of Management and Budget announced in a statement that the administration “strongly supports” the bill and “applauds the House of Representatives for continuing its efforts to secure critical pro-life protections.” The House is set to vote on the bill Tuesday.
“The bill, if enacted into law, would help to facilitate the culture of life to which our nation aspires,” the Trump administration wrote in a statement of administration policy.
Sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks, the 20-week ban would prohibit abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, with the possibility of a fine, incarceration, or both, for abortionists who commit or attempt to commit late-term abortions. The measure, however, does contain exceptions for rape, incest, or in cases when a woman’s life is in danger. The bill would not penalize women seeking abortions.
Dr. Anthony Levatino, a former abortionist, describes the most prevalent abortion procedure committed during the second trimester.
In 2015, pain-capable legislation passed the House, but was blocked in the Senate. The measure is expected to pass the House again, but faces opposition from Senate Democrats. Currently, Republicans hold 52 seats, and the legislation requires 60 votes to pass.
