Abortion bills receive heavy attention in general assembly

DOVER, Del. –  Two bills in Dover are receiving a lot of attention this week because both would regulate abortion in the First State.

One of the bills, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, would prevent abortion after 20 weeks because lawmakers say there is scientific evidence that says fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks.

The other bill would require doctors to ask a mother if she wants to listen to her fetuses heartbeat, or see a sonogram.

Lawmakers we spoke with were split on the issue.

“Giving that mother the option to listen to the fetal heartbeat or to see the sonogram before the procedure, It’s not a requirement that they do. But giving them that option to do it is something that’s very important,” said Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, of the 19th district.

“This is always a difficult conversation. People, especially at that stage of pregnancy are not reaching this decision lightly and I think that this legislation is not appropriate,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend, of the 11th district.

The bills currently sit in the legislative oversight and sunset committee. These bills will also be taken up in the house.