Ariz. Senate Advances 20-Week Abortion Ban

March 30, 2012 — The Arizona Senate on Tuesday voted 20-10 to approve a bill (HB 2036) that would ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation, except in medical emergencies, Reuters reports.

The bill also would direct the state to create a website showing various stages of fetal development and describing risks of abortion. In addition, the bill would require that women have an ultrasound at least 24 hours prior to an abortion, an increase from the state's current one-hour prior requirement.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Kimberly Yee (R), said she has lined up enough votes in the House to pass the bill and send it to Brewer. The governor has not indicated whether she would sign the measure (Schwartz, Reuters, 3/28).