SW News: The governor of the US state of Arizona has taken a pro-life move by inking a bill that prohibits abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. On Wednesday, March 30, Governor Doug Ducey signed Senate Bill 1164 into law. Last week, the legislation had cleared the state legislature.

According to the bill, termination of pregnancy can be allowed after 15 weeks only if there is a health emergency. However, there are no exceptions for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest. Once it is enacted, any medical professional in the southwestern state can face felony charges if the law is violated and there is a chance of their licence being revoked. If the new law does not face a legal challenge, it is likely to come into effect by late summer.

The bill is modelled after the Mississippi Gestational Age Act, which is being scrutinized by the Supreme Court with regard to its constitutionality. If the law comes into effect, Arizona will join the league of states having the strictest abortion restrictions.

In a letter written on Wednesday, Governor Ducey stated, "In Arizona, we know there is immeasurable value in every life – including preborn life." He further added that each state has to protect the lives of the unborn.

Recently, Idaho Governor Brad Little signed a Texas-model bill into law banning abortions after six weeks of pregnancy when a fetal heartbeat is detected. Earlier this month, the Florida House of Representatives also passed legislation banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.