Proposed "Pain Capable" Abortion Ban Has a Rape Exception Now

published 17 June 13

The latest in the increasingly contented abortion battle? Arizona representative Trent Franks recently spearheaded a bill called the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would ban abortions after 20 weeks when, according to some studies, a fetus can feel pain. The bill, approved by the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee, originally came with a caveat: There would be no exceptions for rape or incest because, as Franks said, "The incidence of rape resulting in pregnancy are very low."

Franks is no Todd Akin (opens in new tab), but Franks' "incidence of rape" comment produced quite the negative media circus in the last week, with unfavorable articles published in Politico (opens in new tab), The Huffington Post (opens in new tab), and even his local Tucson Weekly (opens in new tab).

To counteract any further backlash (we speculate), the House Rules Committee has last-minute amended Franks' Pain-Capable Act to, conversely, include exceptions for rape and incest. However, women will still be required to report their crimes before receiving the abortion.

Stay tuned, and we'll keep you up-to-date in the latest women's health happenings!

Maura Brannigan