The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks.
Largely along party lines, the GOP-led House passed the measure by a 228-196 vote.
The White House has already promised that it would veto the bill, and the Senate has not scheduled a vote on the measure - but Republicans say that passing the bill sends an important message, especially in light of the recent murder trial of abortion provider Kermit Gosnell.
"After this Kermit Gosnell trial and some of the horrific acts that were going on, the vast majority of the American people believe in the substance of this bill, and so do I," House Speaker John Boehner said.
The bill allows exemptions for women who become pregnant through rape of incest, or if the mother's life is in danger.
Democrats called the bill "an assault on a women's right to choose."
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com