The Act, which took official effect on September 1 (the start of the state's fiscal year, when all new legislation formally takes effect in most cases), would prevent [[abortion]]s once a fetal heartbeat is detected (generally, within six weeks after pregnancy) except in cases of medical emergency. | The Act, which took official effect on September 1 (the start of the state's fiscal year, when all new legislation formally takes effect in most cases), would prevent [[abortion]]s once a fetal heartbeat is detected (generally, within six weeks after pregnancy) except in cases of medical emergency. |