Fetal heartbeat abortion bill advances to Mississippi House

The House Public Health Committee Wednesday amended and passed Senate Bill 2116, which would ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.

The bill moves to the full House for debate another day.

Similar bills are being considered in other states, including Tennessee.

Mississippi enacted a 15-week abortion ban last year, and a federal judge declared the law unconstitutional. The state has appealed that ruling.

Gov. Phil Bryant has said he will sign the new bill into law.