Missouri's Republican-controlled state Senate passed a bill Thursday banning nearly all abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy, becoming the latest state to pass restrictive abortion legislation.

The bill, the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act, would "regulate abortion to the full extent permitted by the Constitution." It says it recognizes "that God is the author of life and … all persons have a natural right to life" and that it will "defend the right to life of all humans, born and unborn." It declares that Missouri is "a 'sanctuary of life' that protects pregnant women and their unborn children."

Abortions are only permitted for medical emergencies to prevent the death and irreversible physical impairment of the pregnant woman. Anyone who performs or induces an abortion will be guilty of a class B felony. Under Missouri law , class B felonies carry a sentence of five to 15 years imprisonment.

The bill, which passed on a 24-10 vote, does not allow exceptions for rape or incest victims. Before it can be signed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson, the legislation needs at least another vote of approval in the Missouri House.

In a statement from the Missouri Senate Republicans, Sens. Dave Schatz and Caleb Rosden said the state "passed one of the most pro life bills" in the country.

"This comprehensive, life-affirming legislation prohibits abortions once a heartbeat has been detected, prohibits abortions when a baby is capable of feeling pain and would outlaw abortion in Missouri upon the reversal of Roe v. Wade," the statement read.

Like other recently passed abortion bills, Republicans are hoping it will be a catalyst for overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in America.

Dr. Leana Wen, the president of Planned Parenthood, said in a statement that Parson "should be ashamed of riding the disgraceful coattails of 25 white men in Alabama."

