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Neb. senator seeks talks in Congress on fetal pain

The Columbian
Published: October 14, 2010, 12:00am

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns is pushing for a new federal discussion about fetal pain, after being bolstered by new abortion restrictions in his home state of Nebraska.

Although doctors are at odds about when during development a fetus can feel pain, it’s an issue that could change the way abortions are regulated.

The Nebraska law taking effect Friday bans abortions after 20 weeks based on the idea of fetal pain. That’s a departure from the standard of viability, based on when the fetus could survive outside the womb.

Johanns’ legislation doesn’t go that far. It would require women seeking abortions after 20 weeks to be told the fetus could feel pain and allow them to request anesthesia for the fetus.

Critics say the proposal is based on false science.

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