Proposed abortion ban after 18 weeks passes Utah House
UPDATE 2/27/19: The Utah House has passed a proposal to ban most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation.
The Tuesday vote sends to the state Senate the measure that opponents warn is likely unconstitutional and could embroil the state in a costly legal fight.
Supporters argue it would significantly reduce the number of second-trimester abortions, a procedure that Republican sponsor Rep. Cheryl Acton has said “shocks the conscience.” She says potential legal costs would be worth it.
Her plan would allow exceptions for rape, incest, life of the mother and fatal fetal defects.
The 18-week deadline is in line with a similar proposal in Arkansas.
Opponents say it would insert government into a decision that should be between a woman and her doctor.
Currently, Utah allows abortions up to 22 weeks gestation.
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UPDATE 2/20/19: A Utah legislative proposal that would ban most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation has narrowly passed out of a House committee.
The judiciary committee voted 7-5 on Wednesday to send the measure to the full House.
The vote comes one day after the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Cheryl Acton, revised a proposal that originally would have banned the procedure after 15 weeks. She says she did it for “strategic reasons” and to help the idea survive a court challenge that’s likely if it becomes law.
The 18-week deadline brings the bill in line with a similar proposal in Arkansas.
Opponents have warned the measure is likely unconstitutional and could embroil the state in a costly legal fight.
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ORIGINAL:
A Utah lawmaker wants to ban most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation, a change to a proposal that originally would have banned the procedure after 15 weeks.
Republican Rep. Cheryl Acton said Tuesday she made the change for “strategic reasons,” and to help the idea survive a court challenge that’s likely if it becomes law.
The Deseret News reports Acton says Utah is known as a pro-family state with the nation’s highest birth rate, and it should be known as the safest place in the country for the unborn.
The 18-week deadline brings the bill in line with a similar proposal in Arkansas.
The bill is set to be heard by a panel of lawmakers on Wednesday.
Opponents have warned the measure is likely unconstitutional and could embroil the state in a costly legal fight.
