WASHINGTON — A Republican senator from Utah has attached an amendment to a cybersecurity bill in an attempt to ban abortions in the District of Columbia after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The move by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, follows Tuesday night's defeat of the abortion bill in the House. While the Republican-led House voted in favor of the bill, it was considered under special rules that require a two-thirds majority.
Lee had previously introduced the abortion measure as a standalone bill, but it faced bleak prospects in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
The legislation is based on the disputed claim that fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks' gestation and is a top priority of anti-abortion groups.
The Senate is considering the cybersecurity bill this week.