Update: Arkansas Senate Passes 20-Week Abortion Bill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Arkansas House, which is controlled by Republicans, approved a bill Monday to restrict abortions after 20 weeks.

The so-called Pain Capable Unborn Protection Act was passed late Monday, 25-7, according to Reuters. The bill's sponsor, Representative Andy Mayberry, added an exception last week for rape and incest, which helped the bill clear the Senate committee.

The Arkansas House will now have to vote on the measure again because of the last-minute amendment. If it's passed there, Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe would then have to sign it.

House Majority Leader Bruce Westerman talked with reporters Monday morning about what he thinks Governor Beebe should do.

"Governor Beebe has expressed varying levels of opposition to these pieces of legislation, but he's never gone as far as threatening a veto," Westerman said. "I personally believe the governor would like to avoid vetoing legislation based on his prior service in the legislature."

Beebe has said he has serious constitutional concerns about this 20-week abortion bill, but hasn't said whether he will veto it. The governor was home sick with a cold Monday.