05.31.12 The Louisiana House voted 95-1 for a Senate-approved bill under which a woman would be offered the chance to hear the heartbeat of her unborn fetus prior to an abortion. The measure returns to the Senate for concurrence on House changes.

Earlier in the day, a House committee advanced a Senate-passed legislative ban on abortions 20 weeks post-fertilization, which is 22 weeks gestational age. The "Viable and Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act" now heads to House floor for action.

Both measures passed in quick fashion with none of the vocal opposition that has accompanied anti-abortion legislation in years past.