Tennessee lawmakers advance fetal heartbeat bill

Tennessee lawmakers have advanced a bill that would ban abortions as soon as a heartbeat is detected.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough), already has backing from Governor Bill Lee. Van Huss says a heartbeat is typically detected 6 weeks after pregnancy.

The state's public health committee heard it Tuesday morning and passed it with a 15-4 vote.

Another part of this bill that's bringing out opinions on both sides is that it would apply even to victims of rape and incest.

If approved, this bill would face some hurdles, particularly from Democrats.

They argue it's not right for a woman to keep an unwanted child. They also believe it'll end up costing the state a lot of money in legal battles that would ultimately come if the bill is passed.

Right now, state law doesn't allow abortions past what's called viability unless it's to keep the mother alive. The penalty would be a class C felony for the medical provider who performs the abortion.