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N.D. (AP) – The North Dakota Legislature is slated this week to tackle some of the weightiest issues of the session – including the controversial topic of whether to expand Medicaid.

The measure is expected to be a tough sell to Senate Republicans which have two-thirds control of the chamber. North Dakota’s Medicaid program now covers about 65,000 people a month.

The Legislature also expected to take action on a package of measures aim at strengthening the state’s strict abortion laws. Senators will consider a bill that would ban doctors from performing an abortion if a fetal heartbeat is detected.

The Senate also will review a bill that would prevent abortions based on gender selection or a genetic defect.