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Minn. Senate Passes New Limits On Abortions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Senate has passed new restrictions on abortion in the state, but not with enough votes to override likely vetoes by abortion rights supporter Gov. Mark Dayton.

One bill passed Monday would prohibit abortions starting at 20 weeks after conception unless it would save the woman's life or prevent lasting physical impairment. That passed by a vote of 42-24. A separate bill to ban public funding of abortions passed 40-26.

Both bills passed with support from Republicans and a handful of Democrats. Abortion opponents say the post-20 week ban protects the vulnerable, but critics say it would let the government interfere with personal decisions between women, their families and doctors.

Sponsors say their bills are nearly identical with versions the House passed earlier this month, but small differences have to be ironed out before the bills are sent to Dayton.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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