Gail Mooney

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Apr 12, 2013) – As North Dakota lawmakers passed another anti-abortion bill, Democrats questioned if they’re going overboard.
 
     Rep. Gail Mooney of Cummings says the state has already made its point that it’s anti-abortion, having made North Dakota the most restrictive state in the nation to get the procedure. On Friday, the state House endorsed a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks based on the disputed premise that fetuses can feel pain at that point.
 
      
     Mooney noted that the scientific community is split on the matter. She says it’s unlikely that lawmakers know more than scientists.
 
     Rep. Peter Silbernagel, a Casselton Republican, says the bill was worthwhile because it “recognizes unborn children do feel pain.”

The bill now goes to Republican Gov. Jack Dalrymple, who has hinted he will sign it.

The law in Idaho was struck down by a U.S. district judge in March. The laws in Georgia and Arizona have been temporarily blocked by judges pending further court proceedings.
 

Earlier…

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP Apr 12, 2013) – North Dakota’s House approved a measure Friday that would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy based on the disputed premise that at that point a fetus can feel pain.
 
     It’s another in a list of North Dakota bills passed this session meant to challenge the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion up until viability, usually at 22 to 24 weeks.
 
     Gov. Jack Dalrymple has already signed a bill that would ban abortion as early as six weeks, or when a fetal heartbeat is detected, making North Dakota the most restrictive state in the nation in which to get the procedure.
 
     The Republican governor has hinted that he will sign the so-called “fetal pain” bill, which was first passed by the state Senate in February.