House Passes Partial Birth Abortion Ban
Dateline: 04/05/00
The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the controversial Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2000 (H.R. 3660) by a roll call vote of 287 -141.
Sponsored by Rep. Charles T. Canady (R-Florida), the bill prohibits "any physician from knowingly performing a partial-birth abortion unless it is necessary to save the mother's life that is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury."
The bill defines a partial birth (late-term) abortion as "an abortion in which the person performing the abortion deliberately and intentionally: (1) vaginally delivers some portion of an intact living fetus until the fetus is partially outside the body of the mother, for the purpose of performing an overt act that the person knows will kill the fetus while the fetus is partially outside the mother's body; and (2) performs the overt act that kills the fetus while the intact living fetus is partially outside the mother's body."
Supporters of the bill argued that it would put an end to a barbaric and legally or morally indefensible practice while opponents accused if of being a constitutional ploy designed to outlaw all abortions.
The Senate version of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act was passed with amendments by the Senate on Oct. 21, 1999 by a roll call vote of 63-34.
President Clinton vetoed two previous bills banning partial-birth abortions and has indicated he will do so again, demanding that Congress provide exceptions in cases of potential harm to the mother's health.
The bill passed by the House today provides exceptions only in cases where the abortion is required to save the mother's life.
Both of the President's previous vetoes of partial-birth abortion bills were overridden by the House, but sustained by the Senate.
From other About.com Guide Sites |
Partial-Birth Abortion - Pro-Choice Views
Links to resources opposed to the law banning Partial Birth Abortions from Pro-Choice Guide Margaret Sykes.Partial Birth Abortion - Pro Life Views
Links to resources in support of the law banning Partial Birth Abortions from Pro-Life Guide Christina Dunigan,Abortion as a Political Issue
Links to articles on the abortion issue and where the presidential candidates stand from Political Guide John Aravosis
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