ACLU Statement on Senate Vote on 20-Week Abortion Ban

WASHINGTON — The Senate is planning to vote next week on a bill that would ban abortions at 20 weeks nationwide with few exceptions. The legislation was passed by the House last year, and President Trump has pledged to sign it if it reaches his desk.

Faiz Shakir, national political director at the American Civil Liberties Union, had the following reaction:

“This bill is unconstitutional and shameful on its own—the decision to have an abortion is one that should be made by women, not politicians. It’s even more outrageous that the Senate would take up this vote when they should be spending their time finding a solution for the 800,000 Dreamers who have spent months living in fear and anxiety. Every day 122 Dreamers lose status, and could be deported if Congress does not act. The Senate should stop wasting time on unconstitutional abortion bans and get back to real priorities—the urgent work of keeping its promise to DACA-recipients.”