New Orleans Rep Delisha Boyd (D)
Legislation to add exceptions for rape and incest to the state’s abortion ban was amended for exceptions only to apply when the victim is under the age of 17. The bill, however, failed to advance from House Criminal Justice after emotional debate. Bill author New Orleans Democrat, Representative Delisha Boyd’s mother was raped in her teens and turned to drugs to cope with the trauma and died before she was 30.
“I’m looking to find a way to let the families decide what’s best for their family, of these children,” said Boyd.
Haughton Republican, Representative Dodie Horton says while she agrees the rape of a child is horrific, she believes the life of the unborn child should be protected.
“I have daughters, I have granddaughters, I would like to implement the death penalty for the men, but can’t kill the innocent child,” said Horton.
New Orleans Democrat Representative Alonzo Knox supports adding exceptions and says when the victims are children, he says forcing a child to give birth to a rapist child is unthinkable…
“It’s disgusting to me that we have a society where we can’t make exceptions in a situation where a young girl’s innocence has been taken away in the most vile way, in the most disgusting way,” said Knox.
Greenwell Springs Republican, Representative Lauren Ventrella questioned Boyd on the enforcement of the bill, asking how you would know if someone was telling the truth that they were raped. Boyd responded by asking how would you know if a nine-year-old was raped?
“This isn’t just for children,” Ventrella asked.
“It is, the amendments now are under 17,” Boyd clarified.
“So, you changed it to 17? Well but still even then, 17 years old how can, how can you know?” Ventrella questioned.
The age of consent in Louisiana is 17. The bill failed to advance along party lines in a seven to four vote.
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