Heritage to ‘key vote’ 20-week abortion bill

An influential conservative group is pushing House Republicans to vote in favor of a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks. 

Heritage Action for America said it will “key vote” the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act,” which comes up for a vote in the House Tuesday. 

{mosads}The bill, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), would make it a crime to perform or attempt an abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Penalties would include a fine, up to five years in prison, or both. 

“Our representatives have a responsibility to push this debate into the political forefront,” Heritage Action said in a statement.

“By refusing to shy away from tough votes and embracing the pro-life principles on which many were elected, members can save thousands of innocent lives.”

A similar bill passed the House in 2015, but was blocked by Senate Democrats. 

If it passes the House again, it’s likely to meet the same fate this year in the Senate, where Republicans only have a 52-seat majority. The bill would need 60 votes to pass the upper chamber.