LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas Senate has given final approval to a bill banning most abortions in the state 12 weeks into a pregnancy.
By a 26-8 vote Thursday, the Republican-led Senate approved the 12-week ban and sent it to Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe's desk. Beebe has called the proposal unconstitutional, but has not said whether he'll veto the measure.
The proposal originally would have prohibited abortions as early as 6 weeks into a pregnancy, but it was amended to change that timeline and to add more exemptions after facing objections in the House.
The ban includes exemptions for rape, incest, the life of the mother and lethal fetal conditions. Doctors who violate the prohibition would have their licenses revoked by the state Medical Board.
