Kentucky lawmakers pass 20-week abortion ban

A bill banning abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy passed Kentucky’s state legislature Saturday after a final vote in the state House, according to The Associated Press.

The legislation now heads to Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin (R), who has indicated he will sign it. An emergency clause in the bill allows it to take effect immediately.

The ban doesn’t include exceptions for instances of rape or incest, and only permits abortions after 20 weeks if the mother’s life is threatened.

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Anticipating swift legal action against the law, the bill calls for the creation of a “litigation fund” to help the state fight any legal challenges.

The move came less than a week after the state’s general assembly opened its new session with a Republican majority.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed a similar 20-week abortion ban into law last month, although he vetoed a more restrictive bill that sought to ban the procedure after just six weeks of pregnancy.

More than a dozen states have adopted a 20-week abortion ban.