Courtesy Arkansas.govLITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -
An Arkansas House committee has delayed discussion of a bill that would ban most abortions as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
The House Public Health Committee on Tuesday tabled discussion of the legislation, which would prohibit most abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected.
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Republican Sen. Jason Rapert, the sponsor of the proposal, told lawmakers on the committee that he wanted a special meeting of the committee next week to discuss the bill. Committee Chairman Rep. John Burris said he thought such a meeting was appropriate but needed to figure out its timing.
Rapert later said he was surprised the committee tabled the bill, but said he believes he has enough votes to pass it.
The Senate passed the proposed ban last week.
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