Televangelist Pat Robertson says Alabama has 'gone too far' with 'extreme' abortion bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Pat Robertson, a televangelist and Christian fundamentalist who has long been opposed to abortion rights, called Alabama's abortion bill "an extreme law" on his TV program on Wednesday.

The former Southern Baptist minister discussed the abortion bill on "The 700 Club," during an appearance.

"I think Alabama has gone too far," he said. His comments referenced the prison sentence of 10 to 99 years or life behind bars for anyone who performs an abortion at any stage of pregnancy.

Alabama Republican Gov. Kay Ivey signed the most stringent abortion legislation in the nation Wednesday, making performing an abortion a felony in nearly all cases.

"It's an extreme law, and they want to challenge Roe vs. Wade, but my humble view is that this is not the case we want to bring to the Supreme Court because I think this one will lose," Robertson said.

The bill contains an exception for when the pregnancy creates a serious health risk for the woman, but lawmakers decided not to include an exception for rape or incest.

There would be no punishment for the woman receiving the abortion, only for the abortion provider.

Supporters said they hope to create a court case to challenge the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

"The Alabama case, God bless them, they're trying to do something, but I don't think that's the case that I'd want to bring to the Supreme Court," Robertson said again later in the program.

Meanwhile, critics have promised a swift lawsuit to challenge Alabama's ban if enacted.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. This story was reported in Los Angeles.