HARRISBURG, PA, December 5, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – The Pennsylvania legislature is poised to pass a sweeping pro-life bill, but Democrat Governor Tom Wolf has vowed to veto it.
Senate Bill 3 would protect pain-capable preborn babies starting at 20 weeks gestation, and would ban dismemberment abortions (dilation and evacuation).
Currently in Pennsylvania, unquestioned abortion-on-demand is legal to 24 weeks, after which some reason needs to be given. Dismembering the baby is the most popular method of second-trimester abortion.
While the bill allows an exception for the life of the mother, there are no “hard case” exceptions added to abort babies conceived in incest, rape, or diagnosed with Down Syndrome or other disabilities.
Planned Parenthood says these restrictions would be “disastrous” for women’s health. The abortion behemoth began an anti-SB 3 campaign (and against the similar House Bill 77) to lobby lawmakers to defeat the bill.
“The proponents of this bill are hypocritical politicians who do not care about the health and safety of these women,” Planned Parenthood's website stated. Gov. Wolf concurred, characterizing the pro-life bill as an “attack on women” and “the most extreme anti-choice legislation in the country.”
The proposed law also requires better and more detailed documentation on abortions committed. Abortionists would be required to report all abortions.
They will also be required to include research-helpful facts like whether the baby’s father was notified of the abortion, and if not, why.
Reportedly, committee Chairman Matthew Baker is seeking passage before the Christmas break begins on December 15.
Various pro-life groups support the bill, including the Christian Medical Doctors and Dentists Association.
To better ensure a favorable vote, Republicans replaced a committee member who opposed the bill.
The legislation would charge violating abortionists with a third-degree felony.
If passed, the bill would head to the full House for a vote.