The Alabama legislature on Tuesday passed a pro-life bill that would ban almost all abortions, the only exception would be if a mother’s life is put in danger. Doctors who perform an abortion could face a Class A felony punishable by life or 10 to 99 years in prison. If a doctor attempts to perform an abortion he or she could face a Class C felony, punishable by one to 10 years in prison, the Montgomery Advertiser reported.
The bill is part of a multi-state effort to pass pro-life legislation with the hope that it will be challenged and eventually end up at the Supreme Court. According to the Associated Press, the bill's supporters didn't want a rape or incest exception added to the bill because it would lessen the likelihood of being challenged at the Supreme Court.
The bill passed the House of Representatives 74-3 and the Senate 25-6, LifeNews reported.
Republican Governor Kay Ivey said she's not sure if she would sign the bill, although she's an opponent of abortion, Reuters reported. Should the bill be signed into law it will go into effect six months later.
The American Civil Liberties Union has vowed to challenge the bill in court.
“We will not stand by while politicians endanger the lives of women and doctors for political gain,” wrote Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union’s Reproductive Freedom Project, in an email to CBS News following the vote. “Know this, Governor Ivey: If you sign this dangerous bill into law, we will see you in Court.”
This is a breaking news story and has been updated with additional information.