Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, a Republican, signed legislation Friday to ban access to abortions after eight weeks. The state is the latest of eight to sign similar bills into law.

The bill was approved by the Republican-led state legislature last week, and it outlaws all abortion procedures following eight weeks of pregnancy, about the time physicians can detect a fetal heartbeat. The law does not make exceptions for instances of rape or incest, and only allows an exception when the mother’s life is at risk. Physicians guilty of performing abortions could face up to 15 years in prison.

"[W]e are sending a strong signal to the nation that, in Missouri, we stand for life, protect women’s health, and advocate for the unborn," Parson tweeted. "All life has value and is worth protecting."

By signing House Bill 126 today, we are sending a strong signal to the nation that, in Missouri, we stand for life, protect women’s health, and advocate for the unborn.



All life has value and is worth protecting.



🔗https://t.co/pBMYZk0yuB pic.twitter.com/FUS1ncRndx — Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) May 24, 2019

“By signing HB 126, Governor Parson is telling survivors of rape, incest and human trafficking that the whole system is against you,” Nicole Galloway, a Democratic state auditor who is considering challenging Parson in 2020, said in a statement.

The law would go into effect Aug. 28, although legal challenges from pro-abortion rights groups are expected.

[ Also read: ACLU, Planned Parenthood sue Alabama over abortion law]