Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Monday signed into law tough curbs on abortions, tougher than any recent Republican president has backed, according to PolitiFact Wisconsin.
The law would ban abortions 20 weeks after fertilization.
“Walker supports outlawing abortion in all circumstances. The three most recent GOP presidents each supported exceptions, such as allowing abortion to protect the life of the mother,” PolitiFact said.
PolitiFact found that “as president, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush supported allowing abortions in cases of rape or incest, or to protect the life of the mother.”
President Ronald Reagan, who Walker often cites as a role model, did not support an exception for rape or incest, but did back an exception to protect the life of the mother, PolitiFact found. Walker is seeking the Republican presidential nomination.
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Walker said Monday "At five months, that's the time when that unborn child can feel pain," and "When an unborn child can feel pain, we should be protecting that child."
The Journal-Sentinel said opponents were angry.
"Signing this blatantly unconstitutional abortion ban is yet another attempt by our governor to cement votes from the far right in a presidential primary," said state Rep. Lisa Subeck.
It reported a battle is likely in federal court. The law would make it a felony to perform abortions after 20 weeks, except when the mother’s life is in immediate danger. There are no exceptions for rape, incest or health of the mother.
David Lightman: 202-383-6101, @lightmandavid