Senate hears emotional testimony on bill to ban late term abortions

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-SC, held a hearing Tuesday on his bill to ban abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

He was joined by pro-life activists who spoke in graphic detail about abortion procedures. 

“I am confident that over time we are going to win this fight. We are on the right side of history,” said Graham. 

The Senator is sponsoring the bill that would outlaw abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy in all 50 states. 

Graham explained the bill does have some exceptions. He says, “There’s exceptions for rape and incest. There’s exceptions to save the life of the mother.” 

But there is no exception for the health of the fetus. And that motivated some mothers to share their stories with the committee. 

Valerie Peterson said she was 16 weeks pregnant when she discovered her son had a fatal brain condition. 

“The condition was 100 percent incompatible with life,” said Peterson. She added, “Typically women won’t learn of these types of conditions until after 20 weeks which is when the ban would start.” 

Peterson was able to terminate her pregnancy. But if Graham’s bill becomes law she says others in her position would be forced to continue. 

“I couldn’t imagine having to carry the baby to term.” 

 News 2’s Washington D.C. reporter Drew Petrimoulx asked Senator Graham about this issue. 

“Senator you heard from mothers who had fetal anomalies during pregnancy, why not create an exemption for the health of the fetus.” 

Graham responded, “That’s a good question. My belief is the approach we have taken is sound and we’re going to stick with it. If anyone came to me and said this might change their mind, I might talk to them.” 

The reality in Washington is most minds are made up on this issue. And right now, Senator Graham’s bill does not have the votes to become law in this Congress.