Politics

Ayotte Leads Republican Senators In Pushing Harry Reid For A 20-Week Abortion Ban Vote

Patrick Howley Political Reporter
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Thirty-three U.S. senators, led by New Hampshire Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte, sent a letter Wednesday to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid pressing him for a vote on a 20-week abortion limit bill that passed the House of Representatives.

The letter was signed exclusively by Republican senators, including Sens. Mitch McConnell, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and John McCain. The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which the letter supports, received six Democratic votes when it passed the House in June 2013.

The United States is one of seven countries to allow abortions after 20 weeks, according to a recent study by the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List, which examined 199 countries.

“It is time that Congress acts to bring the United States out of the fringe when it comes to late term abortions,” Ayotte said in a statement. “I urge Majority Leader Harry Reid to allow a vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would bring us closer to international norms and the views of the American people.”

“It is time America join the ranks of most other civilized countries by protecting unborn children at least at the point at which they are capable of feeling pain. The House already approved this humane measure in a bipartisan vote last summer. There’s no reason our constituents should be kept from having their voices heard on this issue in the Senate as well,” Senate Minority Leader McConnell stated.

“I find it troubling that the United States is standing with countries such as China and North Korea in allowing elective abortions past 20 weeks. With an impressive 40 co-sponsors and overwhelming support by the public in poll after poll, it is time that Majority Leader Reid allow a vote on a compassionate 20-week limit,” said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.

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