Anti-abortion bills fail in GOP-controlled Nebraska and South Carolina

Washington () — Measures that would have severely restricted abortion failed Thursday in Nebraska and South Carolina, which have Republican-controlled legislatures, a reflection of growing anger among Republicans over the political popularity of the strict bans.

In Nebraska, a “Heartbeat Law” would have prohibited most abortions after six weeks, except in cases of rape or incest or to preserve the mother’s life once a “fetal heartbeat” is detected. , but it stalled in the legislature.

The vote to overcome the filibuster failed 32 to 15, with two senators abstaining, including Republican State Sen. Merv Riepe, leaving the measure one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. consideration. Riepe, a co-signer of the bill, had proposed an amendment to move the ban to 12 weeks instead of six, but his amendment did not go to a vote on Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, the South Carolina State Senate did not pass the “Protection of Human Life Act,” which would have banned abortions in the state, in a 22-21 vote with five women voting in against, including three Republicans. The bill had previously passed the state House of Representatives and included exceptions for cases of rape or incest.

Following last year’s Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, many Republican-ruled states have enacted sweeping abortion restrictions. But the unpopularity—demonstrated by the election results—of the harsh restrictions has led Republicans to reconsider the political expediency of enacting near-total bans on the procedure, and House Republicans have recently backed away from pushing for a federal ban on the procedure. abortion.

News in development.