North Dakota Senate passes extreme 6-week abortion ban

[unhappycamper]

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/03/15/north-dakota-senate-passes-extreme-6-week-abortion-ban/

North Dakota Senate passes extreme 6-week abortion ban
By Stephen C. Webster
Friday, March 15, 2013 15:45 EDT

The North Dakota State Senate voted Friday for a bill that bans abortions as early as six weeks of pregnancy, in what looks to be the nation’s most extreme restriction on female reproductive health services yet.

The Associated Press noted that H.B. 1456 (PDF) received virtually no debate, and passed shortly after the chamber approved a separate measure that would ban abortions based upon genetic defects. The Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade legalized abortion up until a fetus becomes viable, usually around 22-24 weeks.

The North Dakota House has already passed the measure, which now heads to Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) for a signature or veto. It’s not clear whether he intends to sign the bill, which would punish doctors who perform an abortion without checking to see if a fetal heartbeat is detectable. Doctors say that can happen as early as the sixth week of pregnancy, sometimes even before the woman realizes she’s pregnant.

Although North Dakota lawmakers — most of whom are Republican — overwhelmingly passed the bill, the proceedings did not go off without a hitch. Sen. Connie Tripplet (D) abruptly stood and left the Senate as members were preparing to cast their ballots, according to The Associated Press. Her sudden absence caused a delay in the vote as senators shuffled to quickly pass a motion to formally excuse her from the chamber.



unhappycamper comment: Congratulations North Dakota! You now lead the Stupid Sweepstakes,