RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A Virginia legislator known for his opposition to abortion has filed a so-called "personhood" bill.

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Del. Bob Marshall filed legislation Monday that states that human life begins at fertilization, and that Virginia's laws should grant rights, privileges and immunities to what the bill calls "unborn children."

Abortion-rights supporters say the Prince William County Republican's measure would outlaw abortion and threaten certain forms of birth control. They also say it's out of touch with Virginians' values and priorities.

The pre-filing period for legislation for the upcoming General Assembly session opened Monday.

In Mississippi, voters recently rejected a proposed constitutional "personhood" amendment.