Assembly passes bill banning abortion after 20 weeks

A Republican-backed bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks from fertilization passed the Assembly on Thursday and headed to the desk of Gov. Scott Walker.

Action on the bill came four days before the Republican governor plans to announce his bid for the presidency Monday in Waukesha. He repeatedly declined to say what he thought of the idea when he ran for re-election last year, but as his likely presidential run has taken off he has said he supports the measure and would sign it.

The bill passed the Assembly on a 61-34 party-line vote.

Debate quickly became heated on the Assembly floor.

“I feel that any woman who votes for this bill is truly a traitor to your gender,” said state Rep. Terese Berceau (D-Madison).