Mississippi bans abortion after foetal heartbeat can be detected

Phil Bryant, the governor of Mississippi, has signed a law banning abortion after a foetal heartbeat can be detected, which is about six months into a pregnancy.

The law, which becomes one of the most restrictive in the US, is due to take effect in July but is expected to be challenged in courts. Critics in Mississippi say that the bill – Senate Bill 2116 – will probably be overturned, and that the state is wasting money by mounting a legal defence.

Bryant told reporters that he’s not worried about lawsuits.

After the signing of the bill, Bryant said that this is showing the profound respect and desire of Mississippians to protect the sanctity of that unborn life whenever possible.

A ban on abortions after 15 weeks was passed in Mississippi in November 2018, but was almost immediately blocked by a judge who later overturned the law saying it “unequivocally” violated women’s constitutional right to an abortion.
Via BBC