Bill to Limit Abortions After 20 Weeks Divides Montana Senators

The issue of abortion came up at the U.S. Senate today, September 24, where proponents of a bill titled “The Pain Capable Child Protection Act,” sought to limit abortions in the United States to only those pregnancies within 20 weeks of conception. Montana Senator Steve Daines spoke out in support of the act. Arguing that children at this age are viable and feel pain in the womb.

"Only seven countries in the world allow babies 20-weeks or older to be aborted... just seven countries," Daines said," and the United States is one of them, along with North Korea and China, to name a few."

Daines cited polls indicating that a majority of people and 60 percent of women in the United States supported restricting abortion to within 20 weeks and ended his speech by urging the Senate to push the bill through.

"We cannot stand idly by and allow such painful eliminations of human life to continue. We must continue to be a voice for those that don't have a voice. The United States Senate needs to join the House of Representatives and get this legislation passed.

The act failed to pass a procedural “cloture” vote where 60 votes were needed. 54 senators voted in support while 42 opposed. The votes were split mainly down party lines with just three democrats supporting the act and only two democrats opposing the measure. Montana Senator John Tester voted with the opposition.