ND Legislature to review abortion measures

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Abortion-rights attorneys will be watching closely actions taken by the North Dakota Legislature this week on a package of measures aimed at strengthening the state's already strict abortion laws.

Senators will consider a bill that passed the House that would ban doctors from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur as early as six weeks into pregnancy.

Senators also will review a House a bill that would prevent women from having abortions based on gender selection or a genetic defect like Down syndrome.

Lawmakers in the House will mull anti-abortion bills that have passed the Senate, including a measure that would require a doctor who performs abortions to have hospital-admitting privileges.