DC Vote Targets Rep. Franks Over 'Fetal Pain' Bill

March 12, 2012 — DC Vote has launched a Google, Facebook and newspaper ad campaign targeting Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) for introducing a bill (HR 3803) that would ban abortion care after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C., Roll Call reports (Dumain, Roll Call, 3/8). Both Franks' measure and the Senate version (S 2013) -- introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) -- would allow exceptions if a woman's life is at risk but not if the fetus has serious medical problems or to protect a woman's health. The bill's supporters claim that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks (Women's Health Policy Report, 2/22).

The ads include messages such as, "Stay out of D.C.'s laws and focus on Arizona" and "Congressman Franks, don't be a wiener!" They also feature an image of Franks dressed in a hot dog costume, wearing an "I Heart D.C." baseball cap and giving two thumbs up. The campaign will run for a few weeks in Franks' district.

Franks said he is not concerned about the ads. He said, "My district is well-acquainted with my commitment to protecting innocent human life" (Roll Call, 3/8).