(CNN) Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation on Friday that prohibits doctors from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected.

The legislation, which has been called "the heartbeat bill," is widely described as the nation's most restrictive abortion ban.

Reynolds, a Republican, acknowledged that the law is expected to face legal challenges on Friday as she explained her support for the law as rooted in religious conviction.

"I understand and anticipate that this will likely be challenged in court," the governor said in a statement . "However, this is bigger than just a law. This is about life."

She added, "it is immoral to stop an innocent beating heart ... my faith leads me to protect every Iowan, no matter how small."

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