OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that outlaws non-emergency abortions at or beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Walker signed the bill on Monday, one week after he officially launched his campaign for president. Wisconsin becomes the 15th state with a 20-week abortion ban.
Under the new law, doctors who perform an abortion at or after 20 weeks in non-emergency situations could face up to $10,000 in fines and 3½ years in prison. Doctors could also be sued for damages.
The law’s supporters say fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks and the measure will spare them the agony of being killed. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, says fetuses can’t feel pain until the third trimester begins at 27 weeks.
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