Arkansas governor vetoes bill banning abortion after 20 weeks

Feb 28 2013

The move by the Democratic governor sets up an override fight with a Republican legislature that wants the ban to apply except in cases of rape, incest or if the mother's life is in danger.

The Associated Press/Washington Post: Ark. Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Most Abortions At 20 Weeks, Citing Constitutional Concerns
Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe on Tuesday vetoed a ban on most abortions in Arkansas at 20 weeks into a pregnancy, setting up an override fight with a Republican-controlled Legislature that has been pushing for more restrictions on the procedure (2/26).

Reuters: Arkansas Governor Vetoes Bill Banning Abortions At 20 Weeks
Democratic Governor Mike Beebe on Tuesday vetoed a bill to ban most abortions in Arkansas at 20 weeks into pregnancy, though state lawmakers can override his decision with a simple majority vote. The measure, which had been approved by an 80 to 10 vote in the state House and by a 25 to 7 vote in the state Senate, would provide exceptions only in cases of rape, incest or to save a mother's life (Parker, 2/26).