The latest pro-life bill awaiting Louisiana pro-life Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards’ signature would ban abortions sought because a preborn child has a genetic abnormality, but some say the last amendment to it would render it meaningless.
Any abortionist who violated the restriction would be subject to up to two years in prison, malpractice claims, and wrongful death suits.
The amendment, ostensibly to satisfy claims that the bill would violate Roe v. Wade, limits the restriction to abortions at 20 weeks or later. But because all abortions beyond that point are already illegal in the state, the bill would not protect any additional babies.
However, Republican State Representative Rick Edmonds argues the bill is still worthwhile to make a statement: “We certainly wanted to set a policy to say all life matters. I think this is the beginning.”
He further noted that, even if the bill would not prohibit any additional abortions, it also mandates that pregnant women be given information on services available for children born with disabilities, potentially still discouraging their abortion.
The governor had campaigned on his opposition to such abortions.
