Abortion bill may move to extraordinary session

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A bill that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy may wind up being handled in a special legislative session.

Republicans who control the Legislature have begun circulating paper ballots asking senators to vote on whether to hold what’s called an extraordinary session. The ballot is due back by noon Friday.

It wasn’t clear whether a similar ballot was circulating among Assembly members. A spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos didn’t immediately respond to an email message.

The move is largely tactical, and Republicans don’t need Democrats’ help to call the extra session. It would allow Republicans to blunt minority Democrats’ stall tactics during the regular session, where a difficult budget deal will get floor votes.

The Senate passed the abortion ban in June but it still must clear the Assembly. Supporters have argued that fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks; the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says evidence suggests that’s not possible until around 27 weeks.