Anti-abortion groups divided over legal tactics

NEW YORK (AP) — By adopting the nation's toughest abortion law in the face of certain legal challenge, Arkansas legislators have exposed sharp tactical divisions within the national anti-abortion movement.

Some activists welcome the new law — a ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy — as a bold challenge to the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling establishing a nationwide right to abortion. Others fear the ban is headed toward rejection in court and favor more incremental strategies.

The ban, which make exceptions in cases of rape, incest and certain medical contingencies, is scheduled to go into effect 90 days after the Arkansas legislative session adjourns.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Center for Reproductive Rights plan to challenge the ban in court.