In Alabama, the bill was passed without exemptions for rape and incest, amendments that other states such as South Carolina are considering as their state lawmakers debate similar legislation.
Alabama state senators voted on Tuesday to pass the most restrictive abortion law in the United States after days of debate that at times created explosive reactions among lawmakers on the floor of the chamber.
The bill is one of several similar proposals commonly referred to as a heartbeat bill, so-named as they ban abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually around six weeks. Opponents of such bills have stated that some women do not learn they are pregnant until after six weeks and that the proposal effectively eliminates any choice a woman might have as the restriction begins so soon in a pregnancy.
Doctors who conduct abortions outside of those circumstances can also face felony murder charges in Alabama. The felony is classified as Class A, meaning the doctor could be sentenced for life or 99 years in prison. Attempting to perform an abortion would be a Class C felony, resulting in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.Earlier in the day, Alabama senators voted to include an amendment that would allow for rape and incest, a measure that was voted down 21-11.
The bill now goes to Republican Governor Kay Ivey, who is generally considered to hold a pro-life position on abortion, for her signature. Ivey told reporters on Friday that she would not decide on whether to sign the bill until she had seen the final version. At the time, the Senate had not decided on a rape and incest amendment.
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