Congress considers 20-week abortion ban

An Arizona Congressman has introduced a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 11 states have already passed similar legislation.

The bill is based on the disputed claim that unborn fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks. The Republican-lead House approved the bill last year, but it was considered under special rules and did not make it to the Senate.

According to Rep. Tent Franks of Arizona, the bill takes on a new urgency following the trial of Kermit Gosnell, an abortion doctor accused of killing babies after they were born alive.

The District of Columbia currently has no laws restricting abortion.