Midweek News Roundup: 07/21/11

Hey all – I’m a day behind, but here’s some quick hits of recent news

Domestic News: Ohio Governor John Kasich (R) signed legislation yesterday which banned abortion after 20 weeks after performing a viability test. If an abortion is requested after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a test for viability of the fetus will be required; if the fetus is viable, the abortion can not take place. Texas is following Indiana’s lead as Governor Rick Perry (R) signed legislation defunding Planned Parenthood of taxpayer dollars. He also signed two other pieces of pro-life legislation, including a bill which, according to LifeNews, “…prevents local tax funding for elective abortions by hospital districts.” North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue (D) vetoed legislation requiring a waiting period before an abortion can be performed. Pro-life legislators are looking for one additional supporter to override her veto.

International News: Russian President Dmitri A. Medvedev signed legislation which requires abortion clinics to devote 10% of any advertising to describe the dangers abortions pose to a woman’s health as well as making it illegal to describe abortions as a safe procedure. Pro-life legislators in Russia are pushing for additional legislation including further restrictions on abortions. Russian Orthodox Church leaders have been active in pushing for this legislation.