Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed into law HB314, which effectively bans abortion in Alabama, but issued a statement saying she believes the law is unenforceable.

HB314, the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, was approved by both houses of the Alabama Legislature.

Upon signing the bill, Gov. Ivey released the following statement:

“Today, I signed into law the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, a bill that was approved by overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the Legislature. To the bill’s many supporters, this legislation stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.

“To all Alabamians, I assure you that we will continue to follow the rule of law.

“In all meaningful respects, this bill closely resembles an abortion ban that has been a part of Alabama law for well over 100 years. As today’s bill itself recognizes, that longstanding abortion law has been rendered “unenforceable as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.”

“No matter one’s personal view on abortion, we can all recognize that, at least for the short term, this bill may similarly be unenforceable. As citizens of this great country, we must always respect the authority of the U.S. Supreme Court even when we disagree with their decisions.  Many Americans, myself included, disagreed when Roe v. Wade was handed down in 1973. The sponsors of this bill believe that it is time, once again, for the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit this important matter, and they believe this act may bring about the best opportunity for this to occur.”

The bill drew criticism from across the nation because it does not include exceptions for pregnant women or teens who are victims of rape or incest. The new law also imposes a greater penalty for a doctor who performs an abortion than a rapist.