House Republicans tentatively schedule consideration of fetal pain bill

Dec 2 2006

House Republicans have tentatively scheduled consideration next week on a bill (HR 6099) that would require women seeking abortions to be offered an anesthetic for the fetus and told that there is evidence the procedure can cause fetal pain, the AP/Forbes reports.

The legislation -- sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) -- would require HHS to create a brochure stating "that there is substantial evidence that the process of being killed in an abortion will cause the unborn child pain" (Kellman, AP/Forbes, 11/29).

According to the measure, abortion providers would be required to give the brochure and offer anesthesia to all women seeking abortions of a "pain-capable unborn child" -- defined in the legislation as fetuses of at least 20 weeks gestation (HR 6099 text, 11/30).

The woman could accept or reject the anesthesia by signing a form, according to the AP/Forbes.

According to Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee, the group wants a House vote to measure the amount of support for the bill.

According to the AP/Forbes, the bill has no chance of passing the Senate before Democrats assume control of the chamber next month (AP/Forbes, 11/29).