WASHINGTON (CBSDC/AP) — A bill that would ban abortions in the District of Columbia after 20 weeks of pregnancy will go to the House floor for a vote.

As expected, the House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to approve the bill.

The legislation is based on the disputed claim that fetuses can feel pain at a gestational age of 20 weeks or older. The National Right to Life Committee, an anti-abortion group, has made the bill its top priority on Capitol Hill this year. Nine states have passed similar legislation.

Opponents call the bill an attempt to undermine a woman’s right to an abortion and an intrusion upon the district’s self-rule. The bill is not expected to become law with Democrats controlling the White House and Senate.

Neighboring Virginia recently enacted laws making ultrasounds mandatory for women seeking abortions in the state.

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