ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 19, 2011 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Minnesota Senate has approved a bill that would limit late-term abortion to 20 weeks on the basis of fetal pain; however, Democrat Gov. Mark Dayton is almost certain to veto the measure.
The GOP-controlled Senate voted 42 – 24 to approve the late-term abortion ban, HF 936, “the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.” The vote was largely divided along party lines, although a handful of Democrats joined Republicans to support the bill.
The House had approved the bill previously on an 82-46 vote, but amendments added by the Senate means the versions will have to be reconciled before a final bill is sent to Dayton, who supports legal abortion.
The bill only allows an exception if an abortionist certifies that continuing pregnancy carries a serious risk of death or “substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function” to the mother. The law specifically excludes emotional or psychological factors from being considered.
The measure also specifies that an abortionist ending a pregnancy after 20 weeks gestation must actually try to deliver the unborn baby in a way that gives the child the best opportunity to survive outside the womb. Only if delivery or other methods to save the unborn child’s life “pose a greater risk” of the mother’s death or serious irreversible physical impairment would abortion be permitted.
Abortionists who violate the law by performing illegal abortions may face both civil and criminal penalties. Abortionists who intentionally or recklessly violate the law would face felony charges.
Dayton’s expected veto, however, means both chambers of the legislature will have to summon two-thirds majorities in order to override the governor and enact the bill into law.
In order to override Dayton, the Senate will need 45 votes and the House will need 90 votes. That would mean three Democrats who voted against the bill would have to switch, and eight more Democrats would have to join ten other Democrat colleagues in the House that voted with the GOP for the pro-life bill.