Missouri's state legislature has passed a controversial bill that would outlaw nearly all abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy.
Photo: 123RF
The bill was approved by the Republican-led Senate and the House of Representatives.
Republican Governor Mike Parson is now expected to sign the bill so it can become law.
If approved, abortions past eight weeks would be banned in most cases, including rape or incest.
Missouri state Senator Jill Schupp, a Democrat, condemned the bill for failing to "understanding that women's lives all hold different stories".
However, Republican state Senators Dave Schatz and Caleb Rowden published a joint statement praising the "life-affirming" legislation.
The votes come just days after Alabama's governor signed a near-total ban on abortion in the state, promoting protests and concern from pro-choice supporters.
Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio are among the other states to pass new abortion restrictions.
Most anti-abortion bills have faced legal challenges. However, this is what pro-life supporters hope will happen, as they want to reach the Supreme Court in order to challenge its landmark decision to legalise abortion in 1973.
Earlier this year the Supreme Court blocked implementation of new abortion restrictions in Louisiana. However, the ruling was made by a narrow margin and the case is due to be reviewed later this year.
HISTORY MADE! Missouri Stands with the Unborn Act (@Koenig4MO) passed by the Senate (24-10). No abortions after a heartbeat is detected, no abortions after the baby can feel pain, abortions are outlawed after Roe v. Wade is overturned. #prolife #moleg pic.twitter.com/pottSt7tGg
— Missouri Senate Republicans (@MoSenateGOP) May 16, 2019
Why is this happening now?
The Missouri bill comes amid a nationwide push for new restrictions by opponents of abortions.
They have been emboldened by the addition of two conservative justices nominated by President Donald Trump, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, who give the nine-member court a conservative majority.
Their aim, they say, is for the landmark 1973 Roe v Wade ruling to be undermined or overturned completely.
What is the Missouri bill?
The bill, dubbed Missouri Stands With The Unborn, would outlaw performing an abortion in nearly all cases.
Under the bill, exemptions would be made for medical emergencies, but not pregnancies caused by rape or incest.
Doctors who perform abortions more than eight weeks into pregnancy would face five to 15 years in prison, the Associated Press reports.
A woman who has an abortion would not be held criminally liable.
Mr Parson, who supports the bill, said it would allow Missouri to become "one of the strongest pro-life states in the country".
