Pa. gov says he’ll veto 20-week abortion ban passed by legislature

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) vowed to veto a bill passed by the state’s legislature that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

“This bill is an attack on women, and it should never have reached my desk,” Wolf tweeted Wednesday. 

“I will veto it, because all Pennsylvania women deserve to make their own health care decisions.” 

This bill is an attack on women, and it should never have reached my desk. I will veto it, because all Pennsylvania women deserve to make their own health care decisions. https://t.co/Iyh2QtoSy3

— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) December 13, 2017

The Republican-controlled House passed the bill by a vote of 121-70 Tuesday after it passed the Senate earlier this year.

Under current Pennsylvania law, abortions aren’t permitted after 24 weeks, but there are exceptions if the life of the mother is endangered. 

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The bill would move that limit up to 20 weeks and keep the current exceptions. It doesn’t allow exceptions for rape or incest.

Supporters argue that with advances in technology and medicine, fetuses can now survive after 20 weeks. 

Opponents argue the decision should be left to the parents.

At the national level, the U.S. House passed a similar bill earlier this year, with a vote in the Senate expected early next year. 

However, because Republicans only have a slim majority in the Senate, it’s not expected to pass.