The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana with legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban this session. Governor Edwards is in support of exceptions for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg said there’s overwhelming support for such exceptions.
“What we need is for the people in our state legislature to actually listen to the voters in their districts because they are demanding this,” said Erenberg.
But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates.
“However, that unborn child shouldn’t be given the death penalty because they were conceived in a violent act. They’re not responsible for the crimes of their father. We just think this is a step back for Louisiana if these bills were to move forward,” said Zagorski.
It’s an election year and Erenberg said there’s a clear majority among voters in support of such exceptions.
“Seventy percent of people in a statewide poll in Louisiana support adding an exception to the abortion ban for people who become pregnant from rape or incest,” said Erenberg.
But Zagorski said abortion only further traumatizes women.
“And there are many, many studies, medical studies about that and we believe that a young girl who’s experienced the trauma of rape shouldn’t also then be traumatized by the brutality of an abortion,” said Zagorski.
House Bills 346 and 549 are the two bills that would ensure abortion care for survivors of rape and incest without the requirement that the crime be first reported to law enforcement.
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