VA Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Ban Abortions After 15 Weeks, Backed by Gov. Youngkin

(CNSNews.com) — Two Republican lawmakers in Virginia introduced legislation today that would prohibit abortions in the Commonwealth after 15 weeks, the time at which children in the womb undeniably feel pain. The bill is backed by Virgina Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

Virginia Delegate Kathy Byron (R-22) and Sen. Stephen Newman (R-23) introduced the legislation. The bill would ban abortions after 15 weeks, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. 

If a doctor tries to perform an abortion after 15 weeks, he could face a Class 4 felony, which “carries a sentence of up to 10 years and a possible $100,000 fine,” reported WRIC in Richmond, Va.

Commenting on the proposal, SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said, “We thank our allies Del. Kathy Byron and Sen. Stephen Newman and Governor Youngkin for leading the fight to protect unborn children and mothers from brutal abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.”

“Babies in the womb are as human as we are,” she said. “By 15 weeks they have fully formed organs, fingers and toes, and can feel excruciating pain. This compassionate bill would save as many as 500 lives a year and bring Virginia in line with the overwhelming consensus of Americans, almost two dozen states and counting, and 47 out of 50 European nations that limit abortion at 15 weeks or earlier.”

“Governor Youngkin is keeping his promise, and in the Dobbs era the voice of the people must continue to be heard in the Assembly,” said Dannenfelser.

When campaigning for governor in 2021, Youngkin said he believes that “life begins at conception.” He also said that, if elected, he would “proudly advocate to limit abortions when the unborn child can feel pain.”

“The United States is one of just seven countries around the globe – in the company of China and North Korea – to allow late abortions when the child can feel pain,” Youngkin added. “That’s why over 20 states have enacted Pain-Capable limits to stop late abortions. I’ll work tirelessly to add Virginia to the list.”

A Harvard Caps Harris Poll from June 2022 revealed that Americans think there should be limits on abortion no later than 15 weeks of pregnancy. The poll also showed that only 10% of Americans support the Democrat Party’s position of abortion on demand until birth.

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