Alabama Senate outlaws abortion

A bill outlawing abortion at any stage of pregnancy was passed through Alabama's state Senate on Tuesday.

A 25-6 vote passed the ban after a debate broke out dividing Republicans on whether to legalise abortions for pregnant victims of rape or incest.

Although the women themselves would not face criminal sanctions, doctors who perform abortions could face 10 to 99 years in prison.

This most recent piece of legislation, as well as Alabama's high rates of cervical cancer and infant mortality, could lead to doctors leaving the Republican-dominated state.

The legislation allows no exceptions for rape and incest cases; the only exception to the ban is when the female's state of health is at serious risk.

As the bill has passed through the house, it now has to be signed by Kay Ivey, Alabama's governor.

However, predictions suggest that the bill will face immediate legal challenges of overturning by lower courts.

Alabama's abortion bill is the first of its kind to go further than any other state in the United States. Despite this, 16 states are considering new legal restrictions on abortion, such as Georgia's recent bill.