Powerful lawmakers in Puerto Rico are joining conservatives in states across the U.S. mainland in attempting to restrict abortions, alarming feminist groups and others on the islandSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Powerful lawmakers in Puerto Rico are joining conservatives in states across the U.S. mainland in attempting to set tighter restrictions on abortions, alarming feminist groups and others on the island. A Puerto Rico Senate committee approved the bill last week in a 9-3 vote despite objections from the island’s health and justice departments. If Puerto Rico lawmakers approve the bill, they would join a growing trend of U.S. states restricting abortions. Health officials say about 99% of abortions in Puerto Rico are done before 22 weeks. Pedro Pierluisi has not joined the debate, saying only he favors public hearings "so that we can obtain input from all parties, including medical criteria.

Source: ABC News April 08, 2022 12:18 UTC