Florida’s Republican-led House of Representatives on Thursday gave final approval to a six-week abortion ban, setting the stage for a sharp reduction in access to abortion in the state and the US South, Reuters reported.

Deputies made the decision by 70-40 votes. The bill passed the state Senate by a vote of 26 to 13 on April 3.

The legislation, which makes exceptions for abortion in cases of rape, incest and when the life or health of the mother is in serious danger, is still headed for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signature.

DeSantis, who is expected to run for president as a Republican in 2024, has said he supports limiting the state’s abortion limit to six weeks.

Florida currently allows abortions up to 15 weeks.

Advocating for tighter restrictions could pose political risks for DeSantis if he wins the Republican nomination.

While about 13 states ban abortion after six weeks or earlier, polls show that most Americans support legal abortion in most cases.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Wednesday found that 43 percent of Republicans said they would be less likely to vote for a politician who supports restrictions on abortion access.

The measure’s fate may hinge on the outcome of a court challenge to the state’s 15-week abortion ban, which abortion providers say violates the state’s constitutional right to privacy. The case is pending before the Florida Supreme Court.

Patients from the southeastern United States are traveling to Florida to terminate pregnancies after the US Supreme Court overturned last year’s Roe vs. Wade, repealing federal abortion rights.

Most other states in the region have already banned the procedure in early pregnancy.