SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah lawmaker wants to ban most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation, a change to a proposal that originally would have banned the procedure after 15 weeks.
Republican Rep. Cheryl Acton said Tuesday she made the change for “strategic reasons,” and to help the idea survive a court challenge that’s likely if it becomes law.
The Deseret News reports Acton says Utah is known as a pro-family state with the nation’s highest birth rate, and it should be known as the safest place in the country for the unborn.
The 18-week deadline brings the bill in line with a similar proposal in Arkansas.
The bill is set to be heard by a panel of lawmakers on Wednesday.
Opponents have warned the measure is likely unconstitutional and could embroil the state in a costly legal fight.
That shouldn’t even be a discussion. Once a baby is conceived it is a unique person and should have the same rights as all humans and as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. At 18 weeks baby kicks and moves, how can anybody think otherwise than this being a human being with unique DNA. Abortion should be outlawed. Take care of exceptions as they arise but don’t make the exception the law.