File photo: WRN
A fast-moving bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks into a pregnancy is up for a hearing today at the Wisconsin Capitol.
The Assembly and Senate health committees are holding a joint hearing on the measure, which backers say they hope to pass before lawmakers take up the state budget later this month.
Senate President Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin), a sponsor of the measure, has argued the law is needed to protect fetuses from being exposed to the pain of abortion, which she claims they feel at 20 weeks into a pregnancy. Opponents of the bill and several members of the medical community have said science does not support that claim.
The bill does not include an exception for rape or incest, but does provide one for cases where the life of the mother is at risk. Governor Scott Walker on Monday said he would sign the bill with or without those provisions.