Pennsylvania governor vetoes 20-week abortion ban

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a bill Monday that would have banned abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

The bill, passed by the state’s Republican-controlled legislature last week, is a “vile assault on women’s ability to make their own decisions about their own health care,” Wolf, a Democrat, said at a press conference. 

Under current Pennsylvania law, abortions aren’t permitted after 24 weeks, but there are exceptions if the life of the mother is endangered. 

{mosads}Supporters argue that with advances in technology and medicine, fetuses can now survive after 20 weeks, while opponents argue the decision should be left to the parents. 

“We thank Governor Wolf for standing strong to protect women’s health and rights,” said Cecile Richards, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund.

“This bill would threaten women’s safety and punish doctors for using their best medical judgment.”

Pennsylvania Republicans accused Wolf of being a “puppet” of Planned Parenthood. 

“Tom Wolf is a puppet of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s number one provider of abortions, and is going to gladly accept their special-interest money for more political favors,” said Greg Manz, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Republican Party.

At the national level, the U.S. House passed a similar bill earlier this year, with a vote in the Senate expected early next year. 

However, because Republicans only have a slim majority in the Senate, it’s not expected to pass.