Arkansas Moves Forward With Two Abortion-Ban Bills

A committee in the Arkansas House of Representatives has approved the “heartbeat-bill,” which would ban abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy if a fetal heartbeat can be detected. The bill contains exceptions in cases of rape, incest and certain medical conditions. Another Arkansas bill that is working its way through the legislative body and has been approved by the Senate would prevent abortions after 20 weeks—the point at which some research suggests that the fetus can feel pain. Both of the bills are expected to receive a full House vote in the coming days. Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, has not said whether or not he will veto the legislation if the bills proceed to him …