OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker plans to sign legislation banning non-emergency abortions at or beyond 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Walker, who launched his campaign for the Republican nomination for president last week, will sign the bill today at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. With his signature, Wisconsin will become the 15th state with such a law.
Supporters of the bill say fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says fetuses can’t feel pain until the third trimester begins at 27 weeks.
Under the new law, doctors who perform abortions after 20 weeks in non-emergency situations could be charged with a felony punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and 3 1/2 years in prison. The parents also could sue the doctor for damages.
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