Pennsylvania is the latest state to consider controversial anti-abortion legislation.Sen. Doug Mastriano and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz unveiled so-called heartbeat bills Monday in Harrisburg.Senate Bill 912 and House Bill 1977 would prohibit abortion if a fetus' heartbeat is detected. A heartbeat can typically be detected between six and seven weeks of pregnancy."Since a heartbeat denotes the end of life, obviously, logically, scientifically, it denotes, clearly, the beginning of life. So anytime there’s a heartbeat up until death, that baby needs to be left alone," Mastriano said.Lawmakers supporting the bills said they're protecting unborn children who can't protect themselves.Gov. Tom Wolf opposes the proposed legislation and said he will veto it if it reaches his desk.Planned Parenthood is also against the measures. Officials with the organization issued a statement saying, in part, "This bill is nothing but another unconstitutional attempt to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. Similar bills have been blocked by courts in nearly every other state where six-week abortion bans have been enacted."Ten other states have similar legislation.Under current Pennsylvania law, abortions are permitted up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy with exceptions for when the mother's life is in danger.Join the conversation on Facebook:

Pennsylvania is the latest state to consider controversial anti-abortion legislation.

Sen. Doug Mastriano and Rep. Stephanie Borowicz unveiled so-called heartbeat bills Monday in Harrisburg.


Senate Bill 912 and House Bill 1977 would prohibit abortion if a fetus' heartbeat is detected. A heartbeat can typically be detected between six and seven weeks of pregnancy.



"Since a heartbeat denotes the end of life, obviously, logically, scientifically, it denotes, clearly, the beginning of life. So anytime there’s a heartbeat up until death, that baby needs to be left alone," Mastriano said.

Lawmakers supporting the bills said they're protecting unborn children who can't protect themselves.

Gov. Tom Wolf opposes the proposed legislation and said he will veto it if it reaches his desk.

Planned Parenthood is also against the measures. Officials with the organization issued a statement saying, in part, "This bill is nothing but another unconstitutional attempt to ban abortion in Pennsylvania. Similar bills have been blocked by courts in nearly every other state where six-week abortion bans have been enacted."

Ten other states have similar legislation.

Under current Pennsylvania law, abortions are permitted up to 24 weeks into a pregnancy with exceptions for when the mother's life is in danger.

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