Doctors performing late-term abortions would be required to take steps to give the fetus the best chance of survival, according to a Republican bill the House plans to debate this week.
The legislation requires that if the fetus seems capable of surviving outside the womb, a second, neonatal doctor must be present to provide care and rush it to a hospital.
The provisions are part of a broader bill criminalizing most abortions starting at the 20th week of pregnancy. Though the overall measure was described last week by GOP aides and lobbyists, language detailing the efforts required to save the fetus’ life was not available until the measure’s full text was posted online Monday.
That focus on saving the fetus has been hailed by anti-abortion groups, who strongly support the overall legislation.
GOP leaders abruptly postponed a vote on similar legislation in January. That retreat came after Republican women and moderates objected that a rape victim would only be exempted from the abortion ban if she had reported her assault to a law enforcement agency.
The new version of the bill drops that requirement and allows rape victims to receive late-term abortions if they receive counseling or medical care — though not from an abortion clinic — within 48 hours of the procedure. The women had complained that requiring a report to law enforcement officials was unduly harsh and could portray the GOP as insensitive toward women.
As with the original bill, the measure’s other exemptions to the late-term abortion ban include mothers whose lives are in danger and minors who are incest victims and report the assault to law enforcement authorities or agencies that respond to cases of child abuse. Doctors — but not mothers — who violate the law could be subject to fines and up to five years in prison.
Newly added to the bill is a requirement that the mother sign a consent form acknowledging that an attempt will be made to let her fetus be born alive unless the mother’s health would be threatened. In addition, women would be able to bring civil actions against doctors who violate the law, and the federal government would be required to compile statistics on abortions performed under the law.
Republican aides and lobbyists say the new bill was written after months of consultations with anti-abortion lawmakers and Republican women who objected to the initial bill.
House debate is scheduled for Wednesday.
The measure is likely to be strongly opposed by Democrats and faces a likely veto threat from President Barack Obama.
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