Louisiana House panel rejects rape, incest exceptions to abortion ban
For the fourth consecutive year, a Louisiana House panel has blocked legislation that would have created exceptions to the state’s near-total abortion ban for cases of rape and incest. Representative Delisha Boyd has consistently introduced these bills, drawing on personal experience and the testimonies of fellow lawmakers, to advocate for victims of sexual assault. Despite compelling arguments and a majority of Louisiana residents supporting such exceptions, the committee voted overwhelmingly against the bill, with only two members in favor. This marks the latest in a series of legislative defeats for proponents of abortion access in such circumstances.
John Q. Hosedrinker