A bill led by Virginia Republicans that would have banned abortions after 15-weeks of pregnancy failed on Wednesday evening after a state Senate subcommittee blocked the legislation.
The education and health committee blocked the “Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protect Act” with a 9-5 vote and also defeated a proposed near total ban later in pregnancy. Under the bill, doctors who performed or assisted with an abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy would have to face a felony charge. The legislation included exceptions for rape, incest, and the life of the mother.
Many states have passed 15-week abortion bans, both before and after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June of 2022. A 15-week cap is used because studies have found that it is possible for unborn babies to feel pain at that point of development.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s (R) spokeswoman, Macaulay…
