Arizona house votes to repeal near-total ban on abortion

Measure to overturn controversial law first approved in 1864 now heads to state senate, where it is expected to pass

Lawmakers in the Arizona house have voted to repeal a controversial 1864 law banning nearly all abortions, amid mounting pressure from the state's Republicans.

Three Republicans joined in with all 29 Democrats on Wednesday to support the repeal of the law, which predates Arizona's statehood and provides no exceptions for rape or incest.