The bill outlaws abortions from the point at which a heartbeat can be detected in the fetus, which can happen as soon as six weeks into a pregnancy. Doctors performing an abortion after this point would face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, while the woman receiving the abortion would face no penalties. The bill is in direct violation of Roe v. Wade, which permits all women to receive abortions prior to viability (usually 22-24 weeks), and abortions rights groups have already pledged to challenge the law in court if and when Republican Governor Jack Dalrymple signs it. source
Some context: 1) The revelations stem from a recently-obtained phone transcript; 2) the congressman, Scott DesJarlais hasn’t denied the allegations (he did that annoying politician non-denial thing, calling it a “desperate personal attack” but not actually addressing whether or not the charges are true); 3) DesJarlais used to be a doctor, and met the woman when she came to him for treatment; and 4), he’s currently leading his Democratic opponent in the polls. source
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