Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday he supports a newly introduced Republican bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, but added that the timing of the measure could be a possible challenge.
The bill’s authors say banning abortions after 20 weeks would prevent fetuses from feeling pain. Some doctors question whether fetuses can feel pain that early. Nevertheless, Gov. Scott Walker agreed with the rationale his fellow Republicans put forward.
“After 5 months, when an unborn child can feel pain, when there’s an inherent risk in terms of procedure, I think pro-life or not, I think the majority of people believe that’s a realistic requirement going forward. And I hope it’s something the Legislature passes,” said Walker.
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Walker said his focus currently remains on getting the state budget approved, but he said that he hopes lawmakers can pass the budget and the abortion bill.
Democrats call the abortion proposal an extreme measure that would restrict women’s freedom and say it’s meant to distract people from the governor’s harmful state budget plan.
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