SW News: The House of Representatives in the US state of Utah passed legislation that places new curbs on abortion. On Friday, Feb. 17, Republican representative Karianne Lisonbee-sponsored House Bill 467 was passed 51 to 14 after much opposition from Democrats. The bill will now move to the Senate for its assent before it reaches the Governor’s table.

According to Lisonbee, “It is the state’s responsibility to protect the most vulnerable and that includes the unborn.” Pro-life supporters say the legislation is essential and it explains how things will work out once the lawsuit against the anti-abortion trigger law is settled. If the House Bill is passed, it would pave the way for the closure of abortion facilities in the state next year. Termination of pregnancy will then be permitted only in hospitals. The law will also restrict doctors outside the state from prescribing abortion pills.

Once it is enacted, House Bill 467 will define the medical emergency that calls for an abortion. Women or girls who are the victims of incest or rape can terminate the pregnancy only during the first 18 weeks of gestation as per the new law. There were changes to the bill such as raising the age limit to 14 at which a pregnancy resulting from incest or sexual abuse need not be reported to law enforcement officers. However, the doctor must report it as a case of child abuse.

The bill has been hailed by Governor Spencer Cox who hailed it as a clean-up that will result in more transparency on that matter. On the same day, the House also passed similar legislation sponsored by Kera Birkeland that provides more help and resources to women and girls who suffer sexual assault. Named House Bill 297, it was passed 53 to 14.

However, irate Democrats allege that the bill will result in abortion becoming a costly affair.