
New Orleans Rep Delisha Boyd (D)
New Orleans Democrat Representative Delisha Boyd is trying again to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban. Even though Boyd’s mother, who was raped in her teens and gave birth to her at age 15, she still advocates for exceptions.
“Little girls are getting their cycles now as young as nine years old. We can not possibly think it would be ok for a nine-year-old, who might be 60 pounds soaking wet, to carry a baby to term,” said Boyd.
House Bill 164 would allow physicians to terminate a pregnancy if it’s a result of rape or incest.
In last year’s regular session, Boyd’s bill never made it out of committee.
“The same individuals that will vote against this bill, will vote for the death penalty. Are you really pro-life? Because pro-life generally means, in my book, you should be pro-life from the womb to the tomb. It doesn’t stop once the child is born,” said Boyd.
Boyd said she expects pushback from the Republican-controlled legislature again, but she continues to fight to have exceptions to one of the strictest abortion bans in the country.
“The fact that we would let this be in the hands of politicians is probably one of the craziest things I’ve ever seen in my 55 years. It’s ridiculous,” said Boyd.
The proposed law also adds provisions that a police report, forensic evidence, and prosecution of the alleged offense are not required.
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