WASHINGTON (AP) — Doctors performing late-term abortions would be required to take steps to give the fetus the best chance of survival, according to a Republican bill the House plans to debate this week.
If the fetus seems capable of surviving outside the womb, the legislation requires the presence of a second, neonatal doctor to provide care and rush it to a hospital.
The provisions are part of a broader bill that would criminalize most abortions beginning with the 20th week of pregnancy.
GOP leaders abruptly postponed a vote on similar legislation in January. That reversal came after Republican women and moderates objected that a rape victim would only be exempted from the abortion ban if she had reported her assault to a law enforcement agency.
The new version of the bill drops that requirement and allows rape victims to receive late-term abortions if they receive counseling or medical care within 48 hours of the procedure. The women had complained that requiring a report to law enforcement officials was unduly harsh and could portray the GOP as insensitive toward women.
Much of the measure was described last week by GOP aides and lobbyists. The bill’s entire text was posted online on Monday, including provisions specifying the efforts required to save the baby’s life.
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