Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has proposed a strict nationwide abortion ban amid the ongoing outrage following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
On Tuesday, Graham unveiled a bill proposal that would prohibit abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. His recommendation is based on the theory that fetuses feel pain at that stage. However, this belief has not been proven. The bill would only allow exceptions for victims of rape and incest and for mothers whose lives are at risk. This latest proposal from Graham is much stricter than his previously introduced bill, which allowed abortions up to 20 weeks.
This latest measure is the first GOP attempt to ban abortion nationally since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June. According to reports, Graham believes stricter abortion laws would align with “other developed nations” such as France, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.
When presented on Tuesday, Republican Senators were divided on whether or not to enact an abortion ban at the federal level. South Dakota Senator John Thune said even if the GOP regained control of the Senate this Fall, he was unsure if Republicans would move forward with a floor vote on Graham’s proposed legislature. However, Graham still feels that it is only fair that his bill is heard and considered.
“They (Democrats) had the chance to vote on their bill. I’m asking for a chance to vote on my bill,” Graham stated at Tuesday’s press conference.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell believes the matter should not be handled nationally but at the state level. If Republicans take back control of the Senate in November, it is unclear if they will introduce the Graham plan.
