US state takes toughest abortion line

The strictest abortion law in the United States, banning the operation as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, has been signed into force.

Supporters said the North Dakota law, which forbids abortion if is there is any trace of a foetal heartbeat, is a direct challenge to a US Supreme Court landmark ruling, Roe v Wade, that legalised abortion up until a foetus is considered viable, usually at 22 to 24 weeks.