Minn. GOP Moves to Ban Abortions After 20 Weeks

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota are moving to ban abortions after 20 weeks, following in the steps of GOP majorities across the country, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Tuesday.

A proposed bill introduced in the state House and Senate Monday would overturn current laws in the state. The measure is modeled after a law passed last year in Nebraska.

"This bill will finally protect unborn children at 20 weeks and older from the torturous pain of abortion," said Scott Fischbach, executive director of Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life.

Minnesota is one of at least seven states considering nearly identical 20-week bans. The 2010 midterm elections saw a wave of conservative lawmakers swept into state capitols, and they’re now exerting their influence proposing limits on abortions.

House Speaker Kurt Zellers and House Majority Leader Matt Dean cosponsored the fetal pain bill, along with House Ways and Means Chairwoman Mary Liz Holberg.

If the bill passes, it faces a hostile Democratic governor, who has signaled that he would veto the bill. However, there may be enough votes in the Legislature to override a veto.