Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) on Wednesday dodged several questions about whether he supported or opposed far-reaching legislation approved by the Alabama state Senate that would enact a near-total ban on abortion .

The Alabama Republican told reporters he has always supported the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions except to save the life of the woman, or if the pregnancy arises from incest or rape.

I think that would change that, he said of the Alabama legislation, which is now awaiting a possible signature by Gov. Kay Ivey (R).

Asked if that meant he opposed the bill, Shelby said, I dont oppose any of that because Im not in the legislature.

The bill passed in a 25-6 vote on Tuesday evening after a lengthy and rancorous debate in the Alabama Senate. It makes no exceptions for victims of rape and incest.

Ivey has not publicly made up her mind on the bill. If she signs it into law, it would become effective within six months.