North Dakota State Lawmakers Have Effectively Banned Abortion

According to the Associated Press, North Dakota state lawmakers have successfully passed a law that says that human life begins at the point of conception.

Possible consequences of the law could be legal punishment for individuals who procure abortion in the state, as well as for the doctor who performs the procedure.

— The Associated Press (@AP) March 22, 2013

Republican Governor Jack Dalrymple has not indicated whether or not he will sign it, Politico reported. Moreover, litigation from abortion rights groups is likely if the measure goes into law.

Last year both Virginia and Oklahoma had fetal personhood legislation pass one chamber of their assemblies only to fail in the other. Should Dalrymple sign the legislation, North Dakota will be the first state with such a law on the books.

The pro-life Concerned Women For America praised the law's passage.

"We applaud North Dakota for defending life," CEO and President Penny Nance said in a statement. "... North Dakota may become the first abortion-free state. Life will truly be sacred and protected in North Dakota. I encourage all pro-lifers to continue to reach out and speak out. We are making a difference. The entire nation is watching North Dakota."