Ariz., Mich., Latest States To Consider 20-Week Abortion Bans

February 8, 2012 — A bill that would lower the limit for legal abortion in Arizona to 20 weeks of gestation was introduced in the state House late Monday, AP/KTAR reports.

The bill's supporters claim that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks and that abortions beyond that point increase health risks for women. State Rep. Kimberly Yee (R) introduced the bill, which is backed by the conservative Center for Arizona Policy (AP/KTAR, 2/6).

Six states have passed laws based on the disputed fetal pain theory, which conflicts with research concluding that fetuses do not develop the ability to feel pain until at least 24 weeks of gestation or possibly much later. Florida lawmakers also recently proposed a bill seeking to ban abortion after 20 weeks based on the fetal pain theory (Women's Health Policy Report, 12/21/11).

Similar Bill Offered in Mich. House

A bill (HB 5343) introduced in the Michigan House also would ban abortion care after 20 weeks based on the notion that fetuses can feel pain at that point, the AP/CBS Detroit reports. The bill would allow an exception if a woman's life were at risk.

Under the bill, introduced by state Rep. Eileen Kowall (R), performing an abortion after 20 weeks would be considered a felony and be punishable by up to 15 years in prison (AP/CBS Detroit, 2/8).