Mississippi Legislature Approves Bill Banning Abortions After 15 Weeks

Mississippi's Legislature has passed a bill banning abortion after 15 weeks of gestation, one of the most restrictive limitations on abortion in the country.

The measure, which is poised to become law once signed by the governor, allows for exceptions only in a "medical emergency and in cases of severe fetal abnormality." It does not allow abortion in cases involving rape or incest. Fifteen weeks is calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period.

The bill defines severe fetal abnormality as a physical condition "incompatible with life outside the womb."

Gov. Phil Bryant has signaled that he will sign the bill.

"As I have repeatedly said, I want Mississippi to be the safest place in America for an unborn child," he wrote on Twitter. "House Bill 1510 will help us achieve that goal."

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