State Passes Bills to Ban Abortion After a Baby’s Heartbeat Is Detected

The Mississippi Legislature on Wednesday passed bills to ban abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detected — usually at about six weeks — Live Action reported.

The “heartbeat bills” passed by the state Senate and House offer no exceptions for victims of rape or incest, according to The Clarion Ledger. There are, however, exceptions if it is believed the pregnancy could cause serious harm or endanger a woman’s life.

If either bill is ultimately agreed to and signed into law, abortions would be illegal in Mississippi as soon as a heartbeat is detected. Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant has said he would sign a bill banning abortion as early as six weeks. . .

Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane presented the bill in the Senate, according to the Clarion Ledger. That prompted Democratic Sen. Derrick Simmons to ask Fillingane if he was aware that Mississippi has spent $1.2 million defending in court a previous 15-week abortion ban, which was struck down by a federal judge. . .

Earlier this month, The Associated Press reported that Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, and Tennessee are considering legislation similar to what Mississippi lawmakers approved Wednesday. (Read more from “State Passes Bills to Ban Abortion After a Baby’s Heartbeat Is Detected” HERE)

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