Topline
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) said Wednesday he will not support legislation that would label abortion as homicide, casting serious doubt onto whether the proposed punishment, which goes much further than other red states’ plans ahead of the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade, will actually become law.
Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists demonstrate in front of the the U.S. Supreme Court during the … [+]
Key Facts
Edwards, who is staunchly anti-abortion, told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club the bill is “problematic” and “patently unconstitutional,” according to spokeswoman Christina Stephens.
The bill, called the “Abolition of Abortion in Louisiana Act of 2022,” states that life begins at fertilization, which critics point out would apparently ban emergency contraception like Plan B and could criminalize in vitro fertilization procedures.
Unlike legislation in other states, the Louisiana proposal wouldn’t depend on Roe v. Wade being overturned—it instead directs the state to ignore federal laws that conflict with the bill, and calls for the removal of state judges that try to interfere with its implementation.
The bill passed the Louisiana House Appropriations Committee in a 7-2 vote last week, with a full House floor debate set for Thursday.
Crucial Quote
“It’s self-styled as a pro-life bill, but in my opinion, it moves in the wrong direction,” Edwards said, as quoted by the Advocate. “There is a much better way to do this.”
Key Background
Edwards has consistently opposed abortion rights during his time as governor, such as signing a law in 2019 banning abortions at six weeks of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest. The Supreme Court struck down the law a year later in a 5-4 decision. Louisiana is one of 13 states with so-called “trigger laws” that will go into effect if Roe v. Wade is overturned, classifying abortion as a felony punishable by up to two years in prison. Edwards is among several typically staunch anti-abortion advocates that find the homicide proposal misguided, though. The Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops, Louisiana Right to Life and Louisiana Family Forum have also come out against the bill, according to the Advocate.
What To Watch For
The Louisiana legislature could attempt a veto override if the bill passes the legislature and Edwards shoots it down. The GOP-controlled legislature in March overrode Edwards’ veto of the state’s new congressional map in the state’s first successful veto override session in 31 years. It’s unclear whether the anti-abortion bill has enough support to overcome a potential veto.
Further Reading
Louisiana Lawmakers Advance Bill Making Abortion Homicide—Even If Roe V. Wade Isn’t Overturned (Forbes)
Performing An Abortion Will Become A Felony In These States If Roe V. Wade Is Overturned (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2022/05/11/louisiana-governor-slams-bill-classifying-abortion-as-murder/