Ward Supports Legislation to End Late-Term and Dismemberment Abortions
HARRISBURG – In order to better protect both mothers and babies, Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) today supported House passage of legislation that would revise the state’s Abortion Control Act to limit elective abortions to within five months of gestation, instead of the current six months, and end the practice of dismemberment abortions.
“Research now suggests, that at five months gestation, a fetus can start to feel pain. Abortions also become more complicated and dangerous to a woman’s health the later during the pregnancy they are performed, which is why I think there is sufficient call to revise the state’s Abortion Control Act,” said Ward, a member of the House Pro-Life Caucus. “I also feel that the practice of dismemberment abortion is barbaric and stricter controls over its usage are warranted.”
Under
House Bill 1948, elective abortions would only be available up to 20 weeks gestation and the practice of dismemberment abortions would be prohibited. Dismemberment abortions occur when a doctor purposefully causes the death of an unborn child by means of dismemberment and then extracts the unborn child one piece at a time from the uterus. Exceptions would be made regarding both of these changes only under specific instances, such as to protect the life of the mother.
“This legislation is aimed at preventing any undue pain to the unborn child, as well as making sure procedures are performed as early as possible during the pregnancy to reduce any health risks to the mother,” said Ward. “Although this is a difficult issue for many people to discuss, the law is in need of updating to best reflect today’s knowledge and medical capabilities.”
House Bill 1948 passed by a vote of 132 to 65. It now advances to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepJudyWard.com /
Facebook.com/RepJudyWard