Nebraska Outlaws Late Term Abortions Because Fetuses Feel Pain

Nebraska has outlawed abortions after 20 weeks on the grounds that by then, the fetus has developed the structures necessary to feel pain. From the story:


Gov. Dave Heineman of Nebraska signed a law on Tuesday banning most abortions 20 weeks after conception or later on the theory that a fetus, by that stage in pregnancy, has the capacity to feel pain. The law, which appears nearly certain to set off legal and scientific debates, is the first in the nation to restrict abortions on the basis of fetal pain.

Abortion opponents praised the law and said it was justified by medical evidence gained since Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973.Read more