OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Abortions performed after 20 weeks of pregnancy will be outlawed under a bill approved in the Oklahoma Senate.

The Senate voted 38-8 on Tuesday for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The bill is based on the idea that a fetus can experience pain after 20 weeks. The measure must return to the House before being sent to the governor.

Sen. Clark Jolley says the goal is to prevent the "torture of children that are in utero."

The bill includes an exemption for abortions performed when the life of the mother is at risk or if there is a risk of physical impairment of a "major bodily function."

Opponents contend abortions aren't performed in Oklahoma after 17 weeks and accused Republicans of using the issue to pander to voters.