Wisconsin passes 20-week abortion ban

Wisconsin’s legislature passed the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act last week, making it the 12th state to ban abortions in most cases after 20 weeks gestation.

The state Assembly passed the bill by a 61-34 vote. Gov. Scott Walker has promised to sign the bill. Passed by the Senate in June, the bill prohibits abortions after 20 weeks unless the pregnancy threatens the mother’s life or would cause irreversible injury within 24 hours. It imposes fines up to $10,000 and up to three and a half years in prison for violations.

“Wisconsin now joins eleven other states in recognizing the humanity of the unborn child,” said Mary Spaulding Balch, director of state legislation for National Right to Life. “The smallest and most vulnerable members of our human family need our protection, and Wisconsin has taken a vital step to save unborn children who are capable of feeling the excruciating pain of abortions.”

Fourteen other states have passed similar bans. While some face legal challenges, courts have only blocked bans in Georgia, Idaho, and Arizona.

Days after the ban passed, Walker announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination. State Rep. Terese Berceau, a Democrat, said the bill’s passage and Walker’s promised signature are aimed to win conservative votes. “You’re playing with women’s uteruses for political reasons and the governor is the worst offender,” she said.

Though the governor’s office didn’t respond, Assembly Republicans maintained the bill aims to save unborn children from pain.

“The state has a compelling interest to protect children. This bill is all about protecting children from feeling pain,” said Assembly health committee chairman Rep. Joe Sanfelippo.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.