Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has vowed to veto a bill banning abortions after 20 weeks before the bill before was even passed by the legislature, asserting it would damage the image of the state.
McAuliffe called the abortion bill, which is currently being debated in the General Assembly, “socially divisive” and said lawmakers shouldn’t “waste time” trying to pass it, The Associated Press reported.
A Republican delegate proposed the bill, which is similar to a measure being considered by Congressional Republicans and one that Ohio signed into law last month. A new push for restrictions on abortion seems to be gaining steam after the election of Donald Trump for president, the AP asserted.
McAuliffe is not in the habit of commenting on proposed legislation before it passes, but he is attempting to nip this initiative in the bud.
“I can’t sit back and have that sitting out the same time I am traveling the globe recruiting businesses to Virginia,” McAuliffe said, the AP reported. “If there’s something that would be damaging toward business, and to our image around the country and the globe, I’ll veto it, you bet I will.”
McAuliffe also said his vetoes have always been upheld in the General Assembly.
Although the same legislation failed to pass last year, sponsor Delegate Dave LaRock feels that support is growing.
“It’s outrageous for a person with any compassion to turn a blind eye while this torture takes place,” LaRock said, the AP reported.
The legislation declares fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks, but some scientists dispute that assertion.