(CP) – Mississippi’s legislature passed a pair of bills Wednesday aimed at banning abortion at the time a baby’s heartbeat is detected, which occurs as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. Known as the “heartbeat bill,” the proposed legislation does not include exemptions for rape or incest. This and the early time in the pregnancy makes the proposed legislation, according to the Mississippi-based Clarion Ledger, “one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the U.S.”
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant applauded the passage of the bills on his Twitter account, stating his intention to sign the legislation into law when it comes to him. “I’ve often said I want Mississippi to be the safest place for an unborn child in America. I appreciate the leadership of the MS House and Senate, along with members of the legislature, for passing the fetal heartbeat bills today. I look forward to signing this act upon passage,” tweeted Bryant. READ MORE
