Abortion restriction bill picks up traction in Pa. House

A bill narrowing the window to get an abortion in Pennsylvania could be on a fast track to Governor Tom Wolf’s desk sometime soon.

Under the current law, abortions are permitted until 24 weeks of pregnancy. This would roll the limit back to 20 weeks, except in medical emergencies.

The measure would also outlaw a procedure referred to as “dismemberment abortion,” which is not a medically recognized term.

It already passed the House last session, and made it through the Senate earlier this year.

It hasn’t received any public hearings this time around — which is one reason many Democrats and some moderate Republicans staunchly oppose it.

Many also say this is simply not a decision Harrisburg needs to make.

“It’s a decision between the woman and her doctor,” Philadelphia Democratic Representative Richard Dawkins said. “I don’t believe that any of us in an elected capacity have more knowledge than those who have a degree in this field.”

Gov. Wolf has pledged to veto the bill, calling it, “the most extreme anti-choice legislation in the country.”

A number of medical organizations oppose it, including the Pennsylvania Medical Society

Supporters include the Christian Medical Doctors and Dentists, and other religious and pro-life groups.