Could Passage of an Extreme Abortion Bill Come Back to Haunt Democrats?

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone described HR 3755 as “nothing short of child sacrifice.” It would make abortion legal for any reason before the child can survive outside the womb, which is usually considered to be between 22 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. After viability is reached, abortion would be legal if an abortion services provider says that “continuation of the pregnancy would pose a risk to the pregnant patient’s life or health.” This language seems to allow restrictions, but in effect it eliminates limitations on late-term abortions. “Health” is not defined in the bill, but courts have considered emotional and financial concerns as “health.” Risk does not have to be physical or serious. Nothing in the bill requires an attempt to preserve the life of a baby who could survive outside the womb.