Watch the shouting match that put a vote on Alabama's abortion-banning bill on hold


Alabama's attempt to crank out the harshest anti-abortion law in the country is on hold for now.
On Thursday, the state Senate moved to pass a version of a statehouse-passed bill that effectively bans all abortions in the state. The original bill didn't contain an exception for rape or incest, but even after the Senate quickly tried to add one, a shouting match on the chamber floor got a final vote on the bill delayed until next week.
The bill would criminalize abortions of a fetus "in utero" with a prison sentence of up to 99 years, allowing exceptions only when a mother's health is at serious risk. The Senate tried to add an exception for rape or incest to the bill on Thursday, and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton (D) then said he'd like to have a roll call vote on every question surrounding the bill, AL.com reports. But Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth quickly gaveled for a voice vote on the amendment, and then said it passed as Singleton continued to yell against the swift proceedings.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
As the shouting died down, Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh (R) announced a vote on the bill would be pushed to next week. The bill as introduced by a statehouse representative is meant to push the Supreme Court to re-examine the landmark 1973 abortion case Roe v. Wade.
The uproar in Alabama comes two days after Georgia passed what its Gov. Brian Kemp (R) proudly called the "toughest abortion bill in the country."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kathryn is a graduate of Syracuse University, with degrees in magazine journalism and information technology, along with hours to earn another degree after working at SU's independent paper The Daily Orange. She's currently recovering from a horse addiction while living in New York City, and likes to share her extremely dry sense of humor on Twitter.
-
5 precariously peaceful cartoons about the Gaza ceasefire
Cartoons Political cartoonists on the chance for peace in the Middle East
-
Is New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s plan for free buses realistic?
Talking Points A transit innovation or a costly mistake
-
5 side hustle ideas to supplement your budget
the explainer Almost two-thirds of Americans are looking to get a second job in the next year
-
DOJ indicts John Bolton over classified files
Speed Read Continuing the trend of going after his political enemies, Trump prosecutes his former national security adviser
-
Trump, Putin set summit as Zelenskyy lands in DC
Speed Read Trump and Putin have agreed to meet in Budapest soon to discuss ending the war in Ukraine
-
Courts deal setbacks to Trump’s Chicago operations
Speed Read President Donald Trump cannot deploy the National Guard in Illinois
-
Pentagon reporters turn in badges after refusing rules
Speed Read They refused to sign a restrictive new press policy imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
-
Supreme Court points to gutting Voting Rights Act
speed read States would no longer be required to consider race when drawing congressional maps
-
Trump says he authorized covert CIA ops in Venezuela
Speed Read He is also considering military strikes inside the country
-
‘Vile, racist’ leaked chats roil Young Republicans
Speed Read Leaders of Young Republican groups made racist, antisemitic and violent comments in private chats
-
Trump ties $20B Argentina bailout to Milei votes
speed read Trump will boost Argentina’s economy — if the country’s right-wing president wins upcoming elections