Congressman Pushes Ban on U.S. Abortions After 20 Weeks

An Arizona congressman wants a nationwide ban on abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Republican Rep. Trent Franks had introduced a bill that would ban such procedures only in the District of Columbia. But following the Kermit Gosnell case, he plans to amend it so it would apply nationwide. Gosnell is a Philadelphia abortion doctor who was convicted of killing three babies after they were born alive.

Several states have banned abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The legislation has been pushed by anti-abortion groups and is based on the disputed claim that fetuses can feel pain at a gestational age of 20 weeks or older.

Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has introduced a similar bill in the Senate that would apply only to the nation's capital.