PIERRE (AP) - A state Senate committee has approved a bill that would implement a 20-week abortion ban in South Dakota.
The Senate Health and Human Services committee voted 4-3 on the bill Friday.
Republican Rep. Isaac Latterell is the bill's main House sponsor. Latterell says he wants to "recognize the humanity" of unborn children who are capable of feeling pain.
The proposal offers some exemptions for women in medical emergencies, but not in cases of rape or incest.
Democratic Sen. Troy Heinert, an opponent, says the bill is an attempt to force beliefs on a woman during a very personal situation.
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The Guttmacher Institute, an abortion rights nonprofit, says South Dakota currently limits abortions at 24 weeks.
The bill now heads to the full Senate chamber for consideration.