An Arizona congressman has reintroduced a bill that would ban abortions in the District of Columbia after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Republican Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona, who introduced the bill, says it takes on new urgency following revelations from the trial of Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortion doctor charged with killing babies after they were born alive.
The bill is a top priority of anti-abortion groups, and 11 states have passed similar legislation. It's based on the disputed claim that fetuses can feel pain at a gestational age of 20 weeks or older.
The Republican-led House voted in favor of the measure last year, but it was considered under special rules and did not proceed to the Senate.
The District of Columbia has no criminal laws restricting abortion.
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