WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Monday rejected legislation designed to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a vote that put vulnerable Democrats on the record on the issue during an election year.

The vote was 51-46, short of the 60-vote threshold to advance the bill. Three Democratic-senators up for re-election in conservative states voted to advance the legislation: Bob Casey of Pennsylvania, Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted with most Democrats to reject it.

The GOP is defending a 51-49 Senate majority in the midterm elections this fall. The House passed identical legislation in October and President Trump called for its approval by Congress.

Get Breaking News Delivered to Your Inbox

In a statement, Mr. Trump called the Senate action "disappointing" and added: "We must defend those who cannot defend themselves. I urge the Senate to reconsider its decision and pass legislation that will celebrate, cherish, and protect life."

Mr. Trump and Speaker of the House Paul Ryan made comments Jan. 19 via satellite from the White House Rose Garden to anti-abortion demonstrators at the March for Life rally who descended on Washington, D.C.

"As you all know, Roe vs. Wade has resulted in some of the most permissive abortion laws anywhere in the world," Mr. Trump said, listing the U.S. along with China and North Korea in terms of its laws governing abortion.

"It is wrong. It has to change," Mr. Trump continued. "Americans are more and more pro-life. You see that all the time."