Free Republic

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said this week that he was prepared to sign a measure banning abortion at 20 weeks without an exception for rape or incest because it’s only “in the initial months” that victims are “most concerned” about access to care. Walker, who is expected to announce his run for president at the end of the month, said that such an exception didn’t matter and that he would sign the bill regardless. “I mean, I think for most people who are concerned about that, it’s in the initial months where they’re most concerned about it,” Walker said. “In...

Calling America’s abortion policies “ultra-permissive,” a new report out Tuesday concludes that the United States is one of just seven countries that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks.Out of the sample 198 countries, independent states and regions worldwide, 59 allow abortion without restrictions. Of those 59, 9 countries limit elective abortions to before the 12th week, 36 countries limit elective abortion at 12 weeks, six countries limit elective abortion to 20 weeks gestation, one country (Australia) allows its state/territories to decide abortion limits, and seven countries allow elective abortion past 20 weeks or have no limit.The remaining 139 countries have...

The Supreme Court on Monday blocked Arizona from enforcing a ban on most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, in the latest blow for states that have tried to enact strict abortion laws. The high court declined to hear an appeal from Arizona, leaving in place a prior ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that determined the law was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court decision effectively strikes down the law. …

Senate Republicans, led by South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, are pushing for a federal ban on abortions after the end of the 20th week of pregnancy. … The planned legislation, though, will face many challenges, not only from the Democratic-controlled Senate, but from some Republicans like Sen. Mike Lee, Utah, who has concerns about Congress’ authority to regulate commerce as the law’s basis. …