Over the past few months, multiple states have passed laws that greatly restrict or all but outlaw abortion, in large part as a way to challenge and possibly overturn the 1973 United States Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.
Many activists and politicians saw the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court as creating a pro-life majority on the highest court that could overturn Roe.
Several states have considered increased restrictions on abortion, especially bans on abortions once the heartbeat of an unborn baby is detected. Both Missouri and Louisiana are close to passing such laws.
Here are 5 states that have recently passed restrictive laws against abortion. These include laws that ban abortion when an unborn baby’s heartbeat can be detected and one law that makes abortion a felony.
Alabama
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed House Bill 314 into law. Also called the Alabama Human Life Protection Act, the law makes it a felony to perform abortions save when the life of the mother is threatened in a medical emergency.
In a statement released Wednesday, Ivey said she believed the new law “stands as a powerful testament to Alabamians’ deeply held belief that every life is precious and that every life is a sacred gift from God.”
“No matter one’s personal view on abortion, we can all recognize that, at least for the short term, this bill may similarly be unenforceable. As citizens of this great country, we must always respect the authority of the U.S. Supreme Court even when we disagree with their decisions,” said Ivey.
Georgia
Earlier this month, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 481, also known as “The Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act.”
“Georgia is a state that values life,” said Kemp. “We protect the innocent, we champion the vulnerable, we stand up and speak for those that are unable to speak for themselves.”
The new law stirred controversy among Hollywood celebrities, as Georgia has a noteworthy film and television industry.
Three production companies announced soon after the law was passed that they were no longer going to film projects in the state, according to CNN.
Kentucky
Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signed Senate Bill 9 into law in March, after the measure was passed overwhelmingly by the state Legislature.
Also called the “Fetal Heartbeat Bill,” the new law bans abortions after a heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
State Senator Matt Castlen, sponsor of the bill, said in a statement that the new law “makes Kentucky leading the nation in being pro-life.”
“I think the message to send to Kentucky is we are pro-life in Kentucky, and value that over most other things. You have to have your heart right before you get most other things right,” added Castlen, the Owensboro Times reported.
However, soon after Bevin signed the bill, U.S. District Judge David Hale issued a temporary restraining order blocking the law from taking effect.
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SOURCE: Christian Post, Michael Gryboski
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