Bill Banning Abortions After 20 Weeks Fails in Senate

A bill aimed at banning most abortions after 20 weeks gestation failed to move forward in the Senate this week, leading pro-life leaders to express their disappointment regarding the bill's failure.

The legislation, known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, failed to pass the required 60 person Senate vote, failing to move forward with a vote of 54 to 42.

Ahead of this week's vote, Senate Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked supporters of the legislation to stand up for the unborn.

Supporters of the bill argue that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks gestation, and therefore abortion should be made illegal after that mark.

"What I am asking every colleague is this: look in your hearts and help us stand up for the most innocent life," McConnell said.

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act is just the latest of multiple bills aimed at clamping down on abortions in the U.S.

Pro-life supporters have been especially focused on abortion legislation since the recent release of undercover videos that show Planned Parenthood executives discussing the costs surrounding the procurement of aborted fetal tissue.

Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) issued a statement following this week's vote that argued it is "morally wrong to inflict pain on an innocent human being," suggesting that those who voted against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act are allowing such painful abortions to take place.

President Barack Obama has vowed to veto a bill that seeks to federally defund Planned Parenthood, arguing that the legislation would cut other health care services for women provided by the organization.