Dec. 19, 2017
HARRISBURG – Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) today expressed his deep disappointment in Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of legislation aimed at updating Pennsylvania’s Abortion Control Act. The legislation (
Senate Bill 3) would have redefined the time in which a woman could get an abortion in Pennsylvania from 24 weeks and six days to 20 weeks and six days, and prohibited the practice of dismemberment abortions.
“The change to the timeframe in which a woman could get an abortion is based on new information from the medical community that at five months gestation a child can start to feel pain and has the ability to survive outside the womb. The original 24-week limit on obtaining an abortion was based on a child’s viability outside the womb, and with new medical advancements in infant care and treatment, it only makes sense to update the law,” said Irvin.
“Every life is precious and should be given the chance to thrive,” said Irvin. “I supported Senate Bill 3 because it is simply the right thing to do. If a child can feel pain and has the ability to live independently of his or her mother, then shouldn’t that child be given the chance at life?”
Sixteen other states have already begun to reduce the maximum gestational age for legal abortions from 24 weeks to 20 weeks. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
The other notable change that was contained in the legislation was the prohibition of a D&E procedure, also known as a dismemberment abortion. This happens when a child has its legs and arms torn off in-utero before being removed from the mother’s womb.
“This is an absolutely barbaric method of abortion that needs to end,” said Irvin.
Wolf vetoed Senate Bill 3 on Monday, Dec. 18.
“Gov. Wolf’s decision to veto a bill in which the majority of members in both chambers of the General Assembly supported is disappointing to say the least,” said Irvin. “This is an important issue with proposed changes based on the latest medical information that reflects the intention of the original law.
“I am hopeful we will take this issue up again in the coming months and garner even greater support for its passage,” said Irvin.
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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