Alabama Governor Signs Controversial Abortion Bill Into Law

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a controversial bill into law Wednesday that would effectively ban abortion in the state. The bill is intended to set up a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, a Supreme Court decision that established the right to abortion nationwide.  

The bill would make it a felony for a doctor to perform an abortion at any stage of pregnancy unless the woman's life is at risk or the fetus has a "lethal anomaly."

Under the bill, doctors who perform abortions could face felony charges and up to 99 years in prison. Women who have abortions would not be penalized. 

In a statement, the governor said: "Many Americans, myself included, disagreed when Roe v. Wade was handed down in 1973. The sponsors of this bill 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."

After a long debate Tuesday night, the Senate voted 25-6 to pass the abortion bill. Alabama's House of Representatives already passed the bill in April.  

Opponents of the bill have already said they'll challenge the legislation in federal court.