Alabama governor signs nation's most restrictive abortion bill into law

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed into law on Wednesday a bill prohibiting nearly all abortion procedures in the state, with no exemptions for cases of rape or incest.

The measure, which passed the Alabama state Senate on Tuesday night with a vote of 25-6, makes performing an abortion a felony. This is the country's most restrictive abortion law, and only allows exceptions when a woman's health is at risk. Democrats tried to add an amendment to exempt rape and incest victims from the law, but the motion failed.

"To the bill's many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians' deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God," Ivey said in a statement. She also said the bill's sponsors "believe that it is time, once again, for the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit this important matter, and they believe this act may bring about the best opportunity for this to occur."

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