Calling HR 490, Heartbeat Protection Act, an “unjust ban” Rep. Pramila Jayapal said it ignores a woman’s constitutional right.
The Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on Wednesday debated the HR 490, the bill that decides as to when can a physician perform an abortion. The hearing came after much criticism and concern from the pro-choice activists. And Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) was the only woman to speak on the subcommittee, Bustle reported.
“As the only woman on the dais, it was incredibly disturbing to see Republican men attempt to strip away my constitutional rights and privacy of women,” Jayapal told Bustle.
The H.R. 490 bill, also called Heartbeat Protection Act, was introduced by Rep. Steve King in January to propose that the US should “prohibit abortion in cases where a fetal heartbeat is detectable.” The opponents, however, criticized the move saying that this would actually put a ban on practically all abortions.
If King’s demand is introduced, the abortion could be performed only if the fetal heartbeat is not detected; additionally, the procedure could be performed only in the first six weeks. Reportedly, even the six-week marker goes against the women as most of the women are not even aware of their pregnancy at that time.
“The six-week abortion ban bill is simply unconstitutional,” Jayapal said. “It restricts the constitutionally protected right for women to make decisions about our own bodies, and similar state bills have already been struck down in the courts.”
Jayapal tweeted on Wednesday, “ HR 490 institutes an abortion ban at six weeks, a time when most women don’t yet know they’re pregnant, making this an outright, unjust ban.”
HR 490 institutes an abortion ban at six weeks, a time when most women don't yet know they're pregnant, making this an outright, unjust ban.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 1, 2017
She said, “This reprehensible bill ignores the Constitution and tries to control our bodies without our consent. Our rights are not up for debate.”
This reprehensible bill ignores the Constitution and tries to control our bodies without our consent. Our rights are not up for debate.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 1, 2017
The “heartbeat bill” states that even if the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest, there should not be any leniency or exception. The only exception the bill makes is when woman’s life may be in danger. It says that when “life is endangered by a physical disorder, physical illness, or physical injury,” the abortion will be allowed. Even “psychological or emotional conditions” do not make an exception.