North Dakota governor signs law banning nearly all abortions

The legislation has slim exceptions - only in cases of rape, incest or medical emergency - up to six weeks' gestation

North Dakota on Monday adopted one of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the US as the Republican governor Doug Burgum signed legislation banning the procedure throughout pregnancy, with slim exceptions up to six weeks' gestation.

In those early weeks, abortion would be allowed only in cases of rape, incest or medical emergency, such as ectopic pregnancy.