Lawmakers in Ohio's state Senate have approved banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected.
The so-called "heartbeat bill" approved Tuesday would result in what would be one of the most stringent abortion restrictions in America.
The legislation would prohibit most abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy after the first detectable heartbeat.
Similar measures have faced legal challenges elsewhere and detractors in Ohio fear it will lead to a costly fight in the courts. Opponents are predicting it will be found unconstitutional if it becomes law.
The measure now goes back to the Republican-controlled Ohio House where it has been approved in earlier attempts that had failed to gain traction in the Senate.