Iowa Senate committee advances bill banning abortions after 20 weeks into pregnancy

An Iowa Senate Committee has advanced a bill aimed at banning abortions after 20 weeks into pregnancy on Thursday.

Senate File 53 was approved by the Iowa Senate Human Resources Committee by a vote of 9–3. The measure banning abortions after 20 weeks is based on the notion that when babies can feel pain during that period.

The bill carries an exception for cases that involve fetal abnormalities between 20 and 24 weeks, according to the Des Moines Register.

Sen. Mark Costello (R-Imogene), who supported the measure, said that all lawmakers want to work to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

"I think this does have the potential to save lives. I always like to say there are two lives involved here," he said.

Jenifer Bowen, a spokeswoman for Iowa Right to Life, has expressed her beliefs that Senate File 53 could withstand a court challenge if it is signed into law.

There are currently 16 states that have the 20-week ban in effect, with Kentucky being the most recent.

The Centers for Disease Control reported that there were at least 5,770 abortions that were carried out at or after 21 weeks of pregnancy in the U.S. in 2013. About 8,150 abortions were performed between 18 and 20 weeks.

Planned Parenthood officials were dismayed by the Senate committee's decision to approve the 20-week ban, but they were pleased that a legislation aimed at banning abortions in the state failed to advance.

Senate File 253, which declares that life begins at conception, was withdrawn from the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee because it did not gain enough support.

"I am disappointed, but I certainly understand how the process works," said Sen. Brad Zaun (R-Urbandale), who co-sponsored the bill.

The measure was described by Planned Parenthood officials as a "thinly veiled, unconstitutional attempt to ban abortion" in Iowa.

"Even fellow Senate Republicans recognized it would have far-reaching unintended consequences and refused to vote in its favor," said Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Rachel Lopez.

Bowen said that she was disappointed that the measure failed to even pass the Legislature's first deadline. She noted that critics raised questions whether the legislation would have banned in-vitro fertilization and access to contraceptives.

"The message is that we have so many answers that still need to be given to concerned legislators," she said.