The Louisiana Legislature has passed a bill that would ban abortions, even in the cases of rape and incest if the U-S Supreme Court reverses Roe versus Wade. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says this bill makes it clear what would happen in Louisiana if Roe versus Wade is overturned.
“This bill will immediately close down abortion facilities (Louisiana has three of them), it will punish those who continue to perform abortions with imprisonment and fines,” said Emerson.
Doctors or others who perform abortions if it becomes illegal in Louisiana would face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The House voted for the bill 72-25, but not before an attempt by Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover who tried to amend the bill so that abortions would be legal post-Roe versus Wade overturning in the cases of rape and incest.
“Members I believe there should be at least two exceptions that should be afforded to women in Louisiana,” said Glover.
The amendment failed on a 37-62 vote, despite a push by Democrats to allow for the exception of rape and incest. Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says it would be unfair to ask a teenager sexually assaulted by a relative to give birth to a child if the rape led to a pregnancy.
“This child should have to bear a child and mentally try to keep herself healthy to bring a child into this world, is that where we are,” said Phelps.
Emerson says a pregnancy as a result of rape and incest is horrific for the woman, but…
“I do realize there are no great outcomes, but the child is innocent in this situation,” said Emerson.
Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports an abortion ban if Roe versus Wade is overturned, but he also supports exceptions for rape and incest.
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