Chris Christie Endorses Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he supports the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.

The legislation, backed by the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List, would effectively ban abortions after 20 weeks.

Citing his pro-life record as governor of New Jersey, Christie endorsed the proposal, calling it one area where pro-life and pro-choice people could agree.

“One proposal that brings Americans together is the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which would protect unborn children beginning at 20 weeks, or five months of pregnancy, based on their ability to feel pain,” he said. “America is one of just seven countries that permits elective abortions past this point. We can do far better than this. I urge Congress to take swift action on this important issue.”

Christie’s response appears to be a quick turnaround for the governor’s office, after Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser released an email earlier today highlighting statements from likely Republican presidential candidates on the legislation.

“As you can see, 13 likely candidates, including Gov. Jeb Bush, Sen. Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, and Gov. Scott Walker, have announced their support for this popular measure,” Dannenfelser said in an e-mail. “Gov. Christie is the only exception.”

But later that afternoon, Dannenfelser issued a press release noting that all Republican presidential hopefuls were united on the issue.

“There is complete unity on the Republican side around this highly reasonable proposal to protect pain-capable children after five months,” she wrote.

According to a recent Qunnipiac poll, 60 percent of Americans, including 56 percent of Independents and 46 percent of Democrats, support the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act.