The only narrow exemption in the law applies to cases in which a doctor's effort to save a pregnant woman's life results in the accidental death or injury of her foetus. Rounds acknowledged that his action would provoke a legal battle that could take years to resolve.
Anti-abortion activists will seek to use the
Costly battle
They believe conservatives added to the bench by George Bush, the
NARAL Pro-Choice America, which backs abortion rights, put an emergency appeal for money on its website, urging its supporters to help with what may prove to be a costly battle.
Nancy Keenan, the president of the group, said: "This law is a monumental setback for women in
David Bereit, executive director of the American Life League, called the
Defiant stand
However, Planned Parenthood, which operates the sole abortion clinic in
Kate Looby, state director for the group, said "all options are being considered at this time". She said the governor "cares more about politics than about the reproductive freedom of women in
Looby said: "Our doors remain open. We will not be closing - hopefully never."
"The timing couldn't be better and reflects the momentum the pro-life movement has today," he said. "It's a grassroots movement that's propelling the legislatures, the governor, the president, and ultimately the Supreme Court to nullify the permissive abortion laws."
Even before Rounds signed the measure into law, backers in
