Arizona Congressman Introduces Abortion Bill for D.C.

A Republican congressman from Arizona wants to write reproductive health rules for the District of Columbia.

Rep. Trent Franks has introduced a bill that would ban abortions of fetuses 20 weeks or older in D.C.

The bill from Rep. Trent Franks cites research indicating that fetuses can feel pain starting at 20 weeks. 

Franks currently chairs the Constitution Subcommittee in Congress.  In the past he has served as the executive director of the group Arizona Family Research Institute, an organization that says it's mission is: "to generate empirical research on issues that threaten the traditional family, particularly homosexuality, AIDS, sexual social policy, and drug abuse."

The National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion group, said Monday it would make the bill one of its top legislative priorities. It says Congress has a responsibility to limit abortions in the nation's capital.

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who represents the district in Congress, says she will work with her allies to help defeat the bill, which she describes as an intrusion on self-rule. She says Franks should introduce a bill that applies to the entire country if he thinks it's sound policy.