LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas Republicans aren't content with having enacted the most restrictive abortion laws in the country and are considering other ways of making abortions harder to get.
The GOP-controlled Legislature on Wednesday overrode Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe's veto of a bill banning nearly all abortions beginning in the 12th week of pregnancy.
Last week, lawmakers overrode a veto of a bill banning most abortions from the 20th week onward.
State Sen. Jason Rapert, who was behind the 12-week ban, now wants to cut all public funding to Planned Parenthood.
And the state's top anti-abortion advocacy group is urging lawmakers to bar providers from remotely administering the abortion pill via a video hookup.
The 20-week ban took effect immediately. The 12-week ban didn't.
Meanwhile Gov. Mike Beebe has approved limits on abortion in the past, he says he remains concerned that Arkansas' tough new anti-abortion law will not pass a court challenge.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Beebe said limits on abortions at 12 and 20 weeks are likely unconstitutional.
He also said that, as a public official, he has an obligation to uphold the Constitution and that putting his hand on the Bible and making an oath "should mean something."
Arkansas legislators this week passed the nation's toughest anti-abortion law, rejecting Beebe's veto.
Abortion rights activists pledge to challenge the law in court.
Beebe has said previously that he is worried the state will have to pay the plaintiffs' legal bills after losing a court fight.
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