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Bill Banning Abortions After 20 Weeks Heads To PA Senate

HARRISBURG (CBS) -- A bill that would ban abortion after 20 weeks passed the Pennsylvania House and is now headed to the Senate.

Dayle Steinberg is President of Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania. Her group has challenged 20 week abortion bans in multiple states, and says without certain exceptions in place such bills are unconstitutional.

"There is no exception for rape or incest, there's no exception for tragic fetal anomaly," Steinberg said.

She said she and her organization have looked at other states where the battle has been fought.

"In every week, where a 20 week ban has been challenged it's been enjoined," she said. "It's happened in Arizona, in Indiana, in Georgia, in other states."

Pro-Choice Advocates believe the bill is an election year political stunt by conservatives. But republican leaders say technology is improving to protect younger fetuses.

Governor Tom Wolf vows to veto it, House Democrat Rep. Jordan Harris says it's a distraction.

"As legislators, we should get back to business in passing a budget."

More than a dozen states have passed 20 week abortion bans, with exceptions for emergencies.

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