'Fetal pain' measure that would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks sent to North Dakota governor

[alp227]

Source: AP via Mpls Star Tribune

A measure that would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the disputed premise that a fetus can by then feel pain was sent to the North Dakota governor Friday.

The North Dakota Legislature is taking a multi-pronged approach this session in trying to make North Dakota the most restrictive state in the nation in which to get the procedure, with Gov. Jack Dalrymple already signing three measures into law, including one that bans abortions when a heartbeat can be detected — as early as six weeks into a pregnancy and before some women even know they're pregnant.

Lawmakers' intent is to challenge the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion up until viability, usually at 22 to 24 weeks.

The so-called "fetal pain" bill passed the House on Friday with a 60-32 vote. The bill, which was approved by the Senate 30-17 in February, now goes to the Republican governor, who has hinted he will sign it.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/nation/202735221.html

[Gore1FL]

1. If it is feeling that much pain

We should do the compassionate thing and put it out of its misery.

[Psephos]

5. Said with a smirk, no doubt. Thanks for giving ammo to the wingers.

I am firmly Right to Choose.

But this is not a smirking matter.

[Newest Reality]

2. NC

is really in bad shape with that crew.

The real pain is coming from them and their relentless expedition to annex the womb.

So, is ALEC encouraging the extremists who want to legislate morality and control other people's minds and lives for some not so religious agenda? When you extrapolate the outcome, perhaps we should be stacked on each other like cities in China and India? More consumers/wage slages/Serfs? Would they really?

[crim son]

3. Fetal pain is not something to be taken lightly

whether or not one believes that a fetus at 20 weeks is fully human or not. Most of us would swerve to avoid a dog, or even a pigeon on the street, from a desire not to cause pain or injury. If fetal pain is a reality, then anaesthesia should be part of the process. Prohibiting a woman's right to choose is NOT the solution.

[RC]

4. And yet these same people do not have a problem with hunting.

North Dakota is big on hunting. Most anything in the wild. Where is their empathy on pain there?

[NutmegYankee]

7. Part of hunting is training for a quick clean kill.

You aim for the heart to give the deer a humane ending.

And do not take this as an endorsement of the anti-choice movement. I hate those fuckers.

[valerief]

11. god god god god god god bible stuff god god god god etc. nt

[tout_le_monde]

6. Federal Law Trumps This One

I fully expect it to find its way to Federal Court and be struck down. These idiots will NEVER learn.

[On the Road]

8. At 20 Weeks,

a fetus can sometimes be born prematurely and survive. At that point it is considered a human being and has legal proctections. If that same fetus is still in the womb, it is considered a nonperson with no legal protection. That seems inconsistent.

The heartbeat bill at six weeks, on the other hand, sets a standard that IMO is indefensible.

[RC]

12. Brain waves are a much better indicator here.

They do not show up until almost 6 months.

[Pterodactyl]

13. I'm not a doctor, but 6 month seems really late. A friend of mine just had a preemie...

... that young and her brain seemed to be working!

Let's see. Pregnancy.org lists it as six weeks not six months.

http://www.pregnancy.org/article/overview-fetal-development

[smirkymonkey]

9. I am so sick of men deciding what is right for women.

When will this bullshit stop? It is none of their business.

[valerief]

10. While human pain gets ignored. nt

[daleo]

14. Being born is no picnic either, in many cases it is long and arduous

Nor is being born into poverty. Some birth defects lead to short lives of excruciating pain.

It seems like a wedge issue to control women, not primarily about pain.