Idaho governor signs bill banning abortions after fetal heartbeat detected

Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed an abortion bill into law Tuesday that would make it illegal for a woman to terminate her pregnancy after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can happen as early as six weeks.

It also makes exceptions for medical emergencies and rape and incest if the women can provide a police report. Critics say the rape and incest exception would likely be difficult for some women to meet since Idaho law prevents the release of police reports in active investigations and many women don't immediately report assaults.  "Idaho is a state that values the most innocent of all lives – the lives of babies," Little said in a statement. "We should never relent in our efforts to protect the lives of the preborn. Hundreds and hundreds of babies lose their lives every year in Idaho due to abortion, an absolute tragedy. I appreciate Idaho lawmakers for continuing to protect lives by passing this important legislation, and I am proud to sign the bill into law today."