(With apologies to Supersoling, but I just couldn’t let this pass unnoticed.)
Louisiana Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a Democrat, has indicated that she will sign the law that bans all abortions except those where the mother’s life is threatened.
The bill received the approval of both houses. It would come into effect if Roe is overturned. This follows the enactment in March of a South Dakota law which criminalizes abortion. Other states are considering something similar.
State Senator Ben Nevers, a Democrat, had this to say:
A sponsor of the Louisiana bill, Senator Ben Nevers, Democrat of Bogalusa, said he had led the effort because the Supreme Court had grown more conservative and the time was ripe for change.
“I had a strong belief that we could finally protect the innocent life of an unborn child,” Mr. Nevers said. “This is about the U.S. Constitution granting every person the right to life.”
Senator Nevers was apparently not forthcoming with any specific section of the Constitution.
And from the Governor’s office is this memorable statement:
Roderick K. Hawkins, deputy press secretary to the governor, said that the abortion bill had not yet reached Ms. Blanco, but that she planned to sign it as soon as possible.
Although Ms. Blanco, a Democrat, has supported exceptions for rape and incest in the past, Mr. Hawkins said she found solace in the bill’s “safety measures” that protect the life of the pregnant woman.
“The governor has always been a pro-life person,” Mr. Hawkins said, “and this fits into her beliefs of supporting life and being anti-abortion. Plus, this had overwhelming bipartisan support of the Legislature.”
I’m not sure that your constituents will find solace here, Governor Blanco.
