SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah legislative proposal that would ban most abortions after 18 weeks of gestation has narrowly passed out of a House committee.
The judiciary committee voted 7-5 on Wednesday to send the measure to the full House.
The vote comes one day after the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Cheryl Acton, revised a proposal that originally would have banned the procedure after 15 weeks. She says she did if for strategic reasons,” and to help the idea survive a court challenge that’s likely if it becomes law.
The 18-week deadline brings the bill in line with a similar proposal in Arkansas.
Opponents have warned the measure is likely unconstitutional and could embroil the state in a costly legal fight.
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