BREAKING RANKS

Republican Woman Derails Abortion Ban

Renee Ellmers revolted against her party.

Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers of North Carolina led the charge against a 20-week abortion ban that was defeated in the House on Wednesday, saying its mandate that rape must be reported to police prior to obtaining an abortion is too extreme. “The thing is—I am pro-life. I believe in the sanctity of life. I believe that life begins at the point of conception," said Ellmers, who is also a former nurse. Ellmers stressed but said she was worried about “that particular bill, and the path it was taking. It became more about rape and the victims of rape.” An alternative bill renewing a permanent ban on federal funding for abortions passed Thursday 242-179.