House set to vote on D.C.’s 20-week abortion ban

The United States House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on a bill that will outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in Washington, D.C.; a contentious move that has been heavily endorsed by pro-life advocates and criticized by city officials and Planned Parenthood.

Originally introduced in January by Representative Trent Franks, Arizona Republican, the bill is based on the disputed claim that fetuses can feel pain at a gestational age of 20 weeks or older. The National Right to Life, an anti-abortion group, has made the bill its top priority on Capitol Hill. Nine states have passes similar legislation. The bill will be considered late on Tuesday under suspension of House rules, meaning it will require two-thirds majority to pass. Abortion-rights advocates say the bill is an effort to roll back a woman’s constitutional right to an abortion.