Virginia Governor promises to veto bill that bans abortions after 20 weeks

Jardine Malado Thursday, January 05, 2017

Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe of Virginia makes remarks during a "Growth and Jobs in America" discussion at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, February 23, 2014. | Reuters/Mike Theiler

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe has promised to veto a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks due to his concern that it will affect business in the state.

The bill known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Protection Act was proposed by Republican Delegate Dave LaRock. The measure will prohibit abortions after 20 weeks, the period when unborn babies are believed to be capable of feeling pain, Life News reported.

McAuliffe, a Democrat, has warned the Republican-controlled General Assembly not to "waste time" in trying to pass the bill. The governor stated that he wanted to make it clear to companies who are planning to invest in the state that the legislation will not be passed.

"I can't sit back and have that sitting out the same time I am traveling the globe recruiting businesses to Virginia," McAuliffe said, according to the Associated Press.

"If there's something that would be damaging toward business, and to our image around the country and the globe, I'll veto it, you bet I will," he added.

The measure failed to pass the House last year, but LaRock said that there is growing public support.

"It's outrageous for a person with any compassion to turn a blind eye while this torture takes place," he said.

During his campaign in 2013, McAuliffe had vowed to oppose any legislation that imposes limits on abortion in the state. Last March, he vetoed a proposal to cut taxpayer funding to Planned Parenthood.

Fifteen states have already passed a law banning abortions after 20-weeks. It is already in effect in 13 states, but the legislation is currently facing legal challenges in Georgia and Idaho.

On Tuesday, Kentucky Republicans introduced a similar measure, along with a requirement for women to undergo ultrasounds prior to acquiring abortions.

According to the Center for Disease Control, there were at least 5,770 late-term abortions that were performed at or after 21 weeks of pregnancy in the U.S. in 2013. Around 8,150 abortions were conducted between 18 and 20 weeks.