Governor John Bel Edwards addressed the growing controversy in Alabama surrounding the state’s passing of a bill that almost completely bans abortion procedures.
Edwards has historically supported pro-life legislation, and a fetal heartbeat abortion ban bill is currently working its way through the Legislature. Edwards, the deep south’s only Democrat, reiterated his support for anti-abortion legislation.
“My position has not changed. In eight years in the Legislature I was a pro-life legislator, 100 percent with the Louisiana Right to Life. When I ran for governor I said I was pro-life, so that is something that is consistent.”
Opponents argue the heartbeat bill is tantamount to a ban near itself.
The Alabama law was designed by it’s author to provoke a direct challenge to Roe vs. Wade. Edwards pointed out that Roe were ever to be overturned, Louisiana would immediately be off-limits to the procedure.
“We’ve actually had a more restrictive abortion law on the books since 2006 than the one that is being contemplated now.”
The Alabama ban does not include exemptions for rape or incest and comes with an up to 99-year prison sentence for doctors who perform the procedure.
The Governor says he’s confident that most Louisianans have his, and the Legislature’s back when it comes to the increasing number of laws being passed in the Bayou State that would, if approved by the courts, place significant restrictions on the procedure.
“The people of Louisiana are overwhelmingly pro-life, and this is the conversation we have been having here for many many years, and it is not any different.”
Several pro choice demonstrators were arrested at the capitol earlier this week after they poured fake blood on the floors outside of the House and Senate chambers.
