NASHVILLE (AP) — Gov. Bill Lee says he's honored to support the lawmakers pushing a proposal to ban most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, about six weeks into pregnancy.

The Republican made the remarks while speaking at an anti-abortion rally on Saturday in eastern Tennessee.

Lee said he feels strongly about protecting the unborn after receiving bad test results when his first wife was pregnant with their first child. However, the situation ultimately resulted in a healthy baby.

Lee said he and his first wife also experienced five miscarriages.

Tennessee is one of several states considering so-called heartbeat ban legislation. The proposal has cleared the House and is now in the Senate.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee says it will sue the state if the bill becomes law.