Ariz. gov signs bill with 20-week abortion ban

PHOENIX — Gov. Jan Brewer has signed legislation making Arizona the seventh state that generally bans abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The Republican-sponsored legislation also institutes new disclosure mandates that include requiring the state have a web site with images of fetuses at various stages of development for women to view.

The 20-week abortion ban does not apply in medical emergencies and it would affect a tiny percentage of abortions performed in Arizona.

Critics argued that the 20-week deadline would likely prevent timely diagnosis of anomalies in the fetus.

Supporters disputed that. They also said risks to women's health increase after 20 weeks and they said a fetus can feel pain after that point in development.

Brewer signed the bill Thursday, two days after it received final legislative approval.