Louisiana's Democratic governor expected to sign strict abortion ban

The Louisiana state legislature on Wednesday passed a so-called "heartbeat" abortion ban, which Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards has said he will sign.

Under the measure, abortions are illegal after an ultrasound can pick up the electric pulsing of what will become a fetus' heart, which can happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. There are no exceptions for cases of rape and incest, and doctors found guilty of performing abortions illegally would face up to two years in prison.

Edwards, who is up for re-election, has long touted his anti-abortion beliefs, and the bill is now headed to his desk. Anti-abortion activists are hoping that newly-enacted restrictions in Alabama, Missouri, Ohio, and other states will lead the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade.

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