Graham introduces bill to ban abortions nationally after 15 weeks of pregnancy

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a bill Tuesday that would ban abortions nationally after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The legislation includes exceptions for incest, rape and for saving the life of the mother if she is in danger from a physical condition, according to The Hill newspaper. 

Graham previously said abortion decisions should be left up to states, amid the Supreme Court in June striking down Roe v. Wade, which for decades protected the constitutional right to abortion. 

However, in introducing the bill he said elected officials – including those in Congress – have the power to define and regulate abortion. He also indicated that he was motivated to draft the legislation amid attempts by Democrats to enshrine abortion protections into federal law, The Hill also reports. 

Graham said he hopes to have a vote on his bill, especially since Democrats voted on their abortion legislation. 

"We should have a law at the federal level," he said.