States Likely To Consider 20-Week Abortion Bans, Despite Issues With Federal Bill

January 26, 2015 — Bills that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy are likely to advance in state legislatures this year, despite the difficulties conservatives faced with similar federal-level legislation last week, the Washington Post's "GovBeat" reports.

According to "GovBeat," antiabortion-rights groups have indicated that 20-week abortion ban measures are their "top priority" as state legislatures start their 2015 sessions. Americans United for Life general counsel Ovide Lamontagne said such legislation "is an important part of our premier legislative project."

"GovBeat" reports that 20-week legislation is already being considered in South Carolina, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, abortion-rights advocates said that the controversy that surrounded the 20-week legislation at the federal level shows what could happen if states take up similar measures. Jessica McIntosh, a spokesperson for EMILY's List, said, "The total debacle this [past] week showed what happens when the GOP makes banning abortion their top priority: Women revolt" (Wilson, "GovBeat," Washington Post, 1/23).