House approves GOP bill that bans most late-term abortions

Associated Press

WASHINGTON

Republicans finally won House approval Wednesday for a late-term abortion ban after dropping rape provisions that provoked a rebellion by female GOP lawmakers, forcing party leaders into an embarrassing retreat.

The near party-line 242-184 vote was a victory for abortion opponents and a relief for top Republicans. Yet the path to passage took months of negotiations among anti-abortion groups, female lawmakers and party leaders, underscoring how tough it will be for the GOP to satisfy abortion foes while retaining support from women voters for next year’s elections.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, called the bill “the most pro-life legislation to ever come before this body,” adding, “We should all be proud to take this stand today.”

Even with House passage, the measure stands little chance of becoming law. Its fate is uncertain in the more moderate Senate, and President Barack Obama would likely veto it, leaving it chiefly a platform for both parties to signal their abortion stances to their supporters.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the measure contrasted with the usual Republican demands for keeping government out of people’s lives, saying, “The bill continues to add a harsh burden to survivors of sexual assault, rape and incest who are already enduring unimaginable hardship.”

The legislation forbids most abortions starting with the 20th week of pregnancy.

In January, Republican leaders abruptly postponed a vote on the original version, which permitted rape victims to have abortions only if they’d reported the assault to police. The new bill instead requires those women to receive medical care or counseling at least 48 hours before an abortion.