Washington D.C. [USA], May 5 (ANI): Governor of United States' Iowa, Kim Reynolds on Friday signed a legislation, called "the heartbeat bill," that forbids doctors from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected, CNN reported.

The law has been described as the country's most restrictive abortion ban, and the "the heartbeat bill" had already courted controversy when it was passed by the Republican-led legislature in Iowa, on Thursday.

The law requires a doctor to notify the woman seeking an abortion in writing if a fetal heartbeat is detected or not and if it is detected, the abortion is not to be proceeded with. An exception can be made in case of a medical emergency only.

The state already has the most restrictive laws in place, with regards to abortion, which prohibited most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. (ANI)

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