BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 4 (Reuters) - The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill on Tuesday that would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, according to a state lawmaker.

The bill passed by a vote of 73 to 29, according to State Rep. Paul Lee, a Republican, who spoke to Reuters from the house floor. The measure now goes to the Senate. (Reporting by Melinda Dickinson in Birmingham; Writing by Mary Wisniewski; Editing by Cynthia Johnston)