On the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the Michigan Senate has voted to ban a procedure opponents call partial-birth abortion.
The legislation mirrors a federal prohibition against the procedure that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.
Abortion opponents say the measure is needed so state and local authorities can prosecute doctors who perform the procedure and send a message that Michigan opposes the method.
Abortion rights supporters say the legislation is a waste of time since the procedure already is outlawed by federal law.
Federal courts have struck down previous laws passed in Michigan to ban the procedure.
It's unclear whether the Democratic-led House will take up the bill. It passed 24-13 in the Republican-controlled Senate.
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