In a completely anticipated move, the Arkansas House of Representatives overrode a gubernatorial veto that would have defeated a measure to ban abortions at 20 weeks.
The so-called “fetal pain” bill has received huge attention across the state as the new Republican majority in the Legislature and Democrat Gov. Mike Beebe swing back and forth on the issue. Although the matter passed with ease in the House and Senate, Beebe shot it down with a veto days later.
According to Arkansas News, the House voted again on the matter today, passing the legislation again with a vote of 53-28. Only 51 votes were needed for the majority in the House. If the matter goes to the Senate, only 18 votes will be needed for the measure to become law.
Accompanying the 20-week ban, the Legislature is still contending with changes to the 12-week abortion ban, which would make illegal any abortions performed after a fetal heartbeat can be detected.
Beebe has openly opposed both pieces of legislation, stating they’ll ultimately prove unconstitutional.
Loading ...