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Bills to restrict abortion rights advanced in Pennsylvania

In the House Health Committee on Tuesday, Republicans passed two bills to further restrict abortion rights.

PENNSYLVANIA, USA — Editor's note: The above video is from Jan. 28, 2021.

Republicans who control Pennsylvania’s Legislature are advancing hot-button bills to restrict abortion rights and expand gun rights, although the bills faced opposition by Democratic lawmakers and certain veto by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf. 

In the House Health Committee on Tuesday, Republicans passed three bills regarding abortion rights. 

One bill, known as the Heartbeat Bill would restrict abortion after the detection of a fetal heartbeat, which typically happens around 6 weeks. Current law allows abortions up to 24 weeks in pregnancy, or later only if the woman's life or health is endangered. This Heartbeat Bill currently have more than 50 state representatives as co-sponsors. 

Another bill would prohibit an abortion on the basis of a Down syndrome diagnosis. It would not allow an abortion for the sole reason of a possible down syndrome diagnosis. Currently, the state bans abortions for the purpose of sex selection. 

The third bill is known as the Unborn Child Dignity Act and would require parents receive decision making authority over the remains of their child, even if lost prior to birth.

Governor Tom Wolf took to Twitter yesterday to weigh in on the passage of these bills out of the House Health Committee:

Currently, several states have tried to pass similar 'heartbeat' legislation, banning abortions after six weeks. Nearly all have been struck down or are temporarily blocked by a federal court. Texas was the most recent state to do so. Their law is set to take effect in September, where abortion rights advocates say they plan to fight it. 

In the House Judiciary Committee, Republicans passed a bill to allow people to carry a loaded firearm openly or concealed, without a permit, and revived legislation to make it easier to sue municipalities over gun ordinances that are stricter than state law.

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