House OKs bill banning most late-term abortions

DES MOINES - The Iowa House has approved a measure that would ban most late-term abortions.

The House voted 54 to 37 on Wednesday to ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy unless a physician certified a mother's life was in danger.

The measure was prompted by efforts to block Dr. LeRoy Carhart of Nebraska, who announced plans to open a clinic in Council Bluffs after his home state restricted late-term abortions. Supporters note their effort also would ban late-term abortions throughout Iowa, arguing it's a practice most citizens oppose.

Opponents say the measure could prompt legal challenges, and they claim it threatens women who face health threats from pregnancies that might not be deemed life threatening.

The measure returns to the Senate, which has approve a more limited bill.