Ban on Abortions after 12 Weeks Vetoed by Arkansas Gov.
By: NBC News
Updated: March 5, 2013
Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe vetoed a controversial bill Monday that would have made abortions illegal after only 12 weeks, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional."
Arkansas already has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the U.S. after the Republican-led Legislature last week overrode Beebe's veto of a similar bill that set the legal abortion threshold at 20 weeks' gestation. Most states allow abortions until the 22nd to 24th week.
That law took effect immediately. The new measure, which would be the most restrictive in the nation if the Legislature overrides Beebe's veto, wouldn't take effect until 90 days after the Legislature adjourns later this month or in early April.
The measure includes exceptions for rape and incest, medical conditions that would not allow the fetus to live long after birth, and circumstances under which delivery would significantly threaten the life of the woman.
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