A bill to almost entirely ban abortion in Utah was unveiled Friday afternoon.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan McCay, R-Riverton, it would ban abortions at all stages of pregnancy, except in cases of rape, incest, if the mother’s life is at risk or if the fetus has a lethal defect or severe brain abnormality.
McCay’s bill will likely face a legal challenge if it passes the Legislature and is signed by Gov. Gary Herbert. The state is currently being sued over a bill it passed last year, which banned abortions after 18 weeks. That lawsuit has put the law on hold.
Planned Parenthood Action Council of Utah condemned McCay’s bill, arguing that abortion is a critical component of health care.
“Every person must have the freedom to make decisions about their health in consultation with their doctor and loved ones without interference from extremist politicians,” PPAC Utah wrote on Twitter.
McCay did not immediately return KUER’s request for comment.
Sonja Hutson covers politics for KUER. Follow her on Twitter @SonjaHutson