KJZZ

The Arizona House of Representatives has given its final approval to a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks in most cases. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

MARK BRODIE: Among many other provisions, the measure would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor for a doctor to perform an abortion, if the fetus is at least 20 weeks old, except in medical emergencies. But Paradise Valley Democrat Eric Meyer, a doctor, says some birth defects can’t be detected before that.

ERIC MEYER: To force a woman to carry a fetus that has anomalies that are not compatible with life for 20 weeks isn’t a decision we should be making here at the legislature. That’s a decision for that woman to make, with their physician and their family.

BRODIE: Some Republican critics of the bill also argued it crosses the line from setting policy to practicing medicine. But supporters, like Carefree Republican David Smith, disagree. 

DAVID SMITH: I stand in favor of this bill, because we have to establish policy. And, it’s bad policy to have abortions committed after 20 weeks.

BRODIE: Supporters also say the bill is about protecting women’s health. Tuesday’s 37 to 22 vote in the house sends the bill to the governor.