In a televised debate five of the seven major candidates for governor were asked if they believe in a ballot initiative to allow voters to decide if abortion should be legalized or not. The three Republicans and one Independent say the legislature adequately represents the pro-life stance of Louisianans. They are against letting voters decide the issue at the polls.
“Now one thing we do have to do is be much better at caring for women both during that pregnancy and after pregnancy, post-partum especially. There are things like hypertension and other issues we have to treat aggressively and be there for the mother, not just during pregnancy but after pregnancy as well,” said Republican Stephen Waguespack.
Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt, who sponsored legislation to make it illegal for companies to send abortion pills through the mail in Louisiana, is against a ballot initiative.
“This is a very pro-life state, and I do think the voters have input in that they elect the legislators. I think the legislature has it right, and I support the laws as we have them on the books,” said Hewitt.
Republican Treasurer John Schroder agrees the legislature’s abortion ban is reflective of what voters in the state want and he’s against a ballot initiative.
“I see no reason to do that. This is the process we live by, and the people are represented by every legislator that they send to that building both in the House and Senate,” said Schroder.
“I agree with the legislature and the findings that they’ve made. I support the fact that they’re pro-life and I’m pro-life. I don’t think it needs to be a ballot issue the state has spoken with the laws in place and I stand with what they’ve done already and agree with them,” said Independent Hunter Lundy.
Democrat Shawn Wilson is the only candidate who supports a ballot initiative on abortion.
“Let them have a say-so in what’s going to govern their lives. I’m the only candidate in this campaign that has supported exceptions and the fact that have not had exceptions for rape or incest and the life of the mother, given the trigger laws that we have are putting lives in jeopardy,” said Wilson.
When Roe v Wade was overturned, the state’s trigger laws banning abortion in most cases went into effect. Early voting for the October 14th primary begins Saturday, September 30th.
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