NEW ORLEANS -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana issued the following statement regarding the abortion ban signed by Governor John Bel Edwards today. The law, which would take effect if a federal court upholds a similar law in Mississippi, would criminalize abortions after 15 weeks.
“This dangerous and unconstitutional abortion ban would take our state backwards and put Louisiana women at risk,” said Jane Johnson, ACLU of Louisiana interim executive director. “It's shameful that, at a time when the state is making progress in other areas, Louisiana politicians continue to be in a race to the bottom when it comes to women’s health and reproductive rights.
“All Louisianans should be concerned that our elected officials are taking their anti-abortion agenda to such a shocking extreme. Regardless of one’s personal beliefs about abortion, politicians are not doctors – and they should not be criminalizing women’s personal medical decisions or forcing them to continue pregnancies against their will. The ACLU of Louisiana will continue to stand with Louisiana women, health providers and advocates to protect access to reproductive health services and safe abortion care.”
