LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The Arkansas House has completed a veto override that gives the state the toughest anti-abortion law in the country.
Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe had vetoed a ban on most abortions beginning in the 12th week of pregnancy. The GOP-dominated House voted 56-33 on Wednesday to override. The Senate overrode it Tuesday.
Only a simple majority was needed in each chamber.
The 12-week ban won't take effect until this summer. Last week, the Legislature overrode Beebe's veto of a ban on most abortions starting in the 20th week of pregnancy. That law took effect immediately.
Abortion rights proponents have already said they'll sue to block the 12-week ban from taking effect. Beebe says the courts are likely to overturn both bans and that the state will waste money defending them.
