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Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has introduced a bill that would create a federal ban on abortions after 15 weeks.
On Tuesday, Graham discussed thenew legislation— which would punish medical professionals who perform the procedure after 15 weeks with up to five years in prison. The national ban would have a few exceptions.
“I think we should have a law on the books that says after 15 weeks, no abortion on demand except in cases of rape, incest, to save the life of the mother,” Graham said during a press conference. “And that should be where America’s at.”
The move comes as an effort to unite the Republican party on its anti-abortion stance ahead of the midterm elections. However, it is highly unlikely that the bill will advance past Congress, where Democrats hold the majority.
Many Democratic leaders quickly shared their opposition for Graham’s proposal.
“The nationwide abortion ban proposal put forth today is the latest, clearest signal of extreme MAGA Republicans' intent to criminalize women’s health freedom in all 50 states and arrest doctors for providing basic care,” House SpeakerNancy Pelosisaid.
The White House also criticized the bill and vowed to restore the rights lost following the overturning ofRoe v. Wade.
“Today, Senator Graham introduced a national ban on abortion which would strip away women’s rights in all 50 states. This bill is wildly out of step with what Americans believe,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierresaid in astatement.
A majority of Americans support the right to abortion — polling fromPew Researchshows that 61% of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all or most cases.
source: people.com
