FRANKFORT, KY. — A bill that would prohibit an abortion if a fetal heartbeat was detected advanced out of the state Senate by a 31-6 vote. Senate Bill 9 sponsor, Sen. Matt Castlen, said another provision of SB 9 would provide exceptions for medical emergencies. Language in SB 9 also specifically states the measure would not restrict access to contraceptives. Sen. Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, explained why she voted against SB 9. “This bill has been declared unconstitutional and it is going to cost Kentucky hundreds of thousands of dollars,” she said in reference to anticipated court challenges. Senate President Robert Stivers II, R-Manchester, voted for SB 9 before addressing some of the criticism of the measure. He said the Supreme Court could reverse precedence, and it’s well beyond the chamber’s ability to try to prognosticate. SB 9 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.