Arkansas Legislature passes 20-week abortion ban

— The Arkansas Legislature has approved a bill banning most abortions in the state at 20 weeks into a pregnancy.

House lawmakers on Thursday voted 80-10 on final passage of the legislation and sent it to Gov. Mike Beebe.

Beebe said again on Thursday that he has constitutional concerns about the bill but declined to say whether he would veto it.

The measure includes exemptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother, but not for any lethal fetal disorders. The proposal is based on the disputed idea that fetuses can feel pain at 20 weeks.

The House was also considering on Thursday a separate proposal to ban most abortions at 12 weeks. That bill contains exceptions for rape, incest, risk to the mother's life and fatal fetal disorders.

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